Studies technical aspects of Western music, including evolution of melodic-rhythmic-harmonic language of tonal music; analysis and restructuring of source materials; realization of figured bass; sight-singing; and keyboard applications.
To be acceptable toward the major, the course must assume basic proficiency as a prerequisite. A course in basic musicianship is acceptable for credit toward graduation, but not credit in the major. This type of course would cover fundamentals of music notation, elementary note reading, basic concepts of rhythm and pitch, and the early stages of ear training and are intended for those with little formal study in music.
Core Courses are courses that fulfill lower-level requirements and apply to any transfer path major where they appear. Music Theory is universal course description, which maps to specific courses on SUNY campuses. Approved SUNY Transfer Path Core Courses are guaranteed to transfer to fulfill requirements in the major and/or required cognates (not just as electives) at all SUNY campuses if the course is completed with a grade of C or better.1 You may Search for Core Course equivalents using the Transfer Navigator.
1 While a grade of C or better is guaranteed, campuses can have different policies where they accept a passing grade lower than C. Pass/Fail courses may be accepted at the discretion of the campus, but transfer is not guaranteed.