Courses / Modules / MUSI1031 Common Practice Tonality Fundamentals

Common Practice Tonality Fundamentals

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 15
ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Level 4
Module lead: David Bretherton
Academic year: 2026-27

Module overview

This module will provide you with a foundational understanding of the principles of Western 'common practice' tonal music (c. 1650-1900, and beyond) that will be invaluable to your studies in later modules. The module will begin by introducing and rehearsing key terminology and concepts, before examining different methods of harmonic description and analysis, and concluding with consideration of theories of harmonic function.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Apply problem-solving and analytical skills
Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between theory and practice

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Advanced terminology for the harmonic-functional analysis of tonal music
Common systems for describing harmonies
Basic harmonic terminology applicable to common-practice tonality

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different harmonic interpretations
Identify chords and non-harmony notes
Identify and analyse harmonic progressions

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching for this module is delivered in lectures and seminars. There are three formal assessments covering the areas studied.

Study time
Type	Hours
Wider reading or practice	30
Completion of assessment task	36
Seminar	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	30
Lecture	12
Follow-up work	30
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Open Music Theory.

Textbooks

Eric Taylor. The AB Guide to Music Theory, Part 1 & Part 2. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Anna Butterworth. Harmony in Practice. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (for musical terminology).

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assessment	30%
Assessment	20%
Assessment	50%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assessment	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assessment	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External