Aural Skills 3159 - Session 1 Notes (Intro & Rhythm)

Course: Aural Skills 3159, Section 002. Instructor: James (he/him). Focus: sight-singing, rhythm reading, dictation, chord recognition, melodies.
Format: brief intro, syllabus review, course calendar, then rhythm basics and initial exercises; rolling day approach.
Environment: emphasis on practicing in a non-judgmental space; permission to fail to learn.
Attendance & Participation: up to 1.5 points per day for attendance/participation; missing class requires email (excused ideally in advance); grade is the average of the last four participation grades (today’s doesn’t count).
Homework & Quizzes: near-weekly homework via Canvas; three quizzes in the semester.
Auditions: mid-semester private auditions; time to be confirmed; may occur outside class.
Textbook: "Reason for Sight-Singing" by Nancy Rogers and Robert W. Watman; hardcover or ebook; avoid illegal PDFs; 10% Pearson discount for other materials; used across all four semesters (two-year text).
Resources: tutor available (name posted on Canvas); campus resources for accessibility, sexual misconduct, CAPS; embedded SMTD counselor; Title IX resources.
Canvas & Calendar: syllabus and day-one materials on Canvas; course calendar and modules accessible there.

Day 1: Introduction, questionnaire, syllabus review, chapter 1 (simple meters), beatings, divisions.
Day 2: Melody singing, rhythm continuation, introduce minor keys; first audition later in the term.
Homework: first assignment due next Thursday; posted this Thursday; ongoing schedule close to Thursdays.
Materials: bring textbook, pencil, and staff paper daily; staff paper recommended (paper version or allowed on iPad with approval).

Beat: unit of time; pulse of the piece; constant length.
Time signature:
- Numerator: number of beats per measure.
- Denominator: note value that gets the beat (e.g., $2/4$, $3/8$, $4/2$).
Simple meters: beat divides into two equal parts; numerators in
$2, \, 3, \, 4$
(e.g., $2/4, \, 3/8, \, 4/2$ ).
Division vs. subdivision: division is the first breakdown of the beat into two equal parts; subdivisions are further breakdowns.
Conducting basics: standard patterns; accuracy over aesthetics; maintain a stable pulse.
Practice focus: keep an internal pulse even when not conducting; coordination across performers.

Solmization: using rhythm syllables; in this course, use one, e, and a (one-e-and-a) for rhythm; position in measure determines syllable spoken.
Example: for a rhythm on beat 3 and a division on the "and", you would vocalize according to its position in the measure.
Conducting + speaking: perform combined with speaking rhythms, maintaining pulse together.

Rhythm reading: conduct with a pattern; speak rhythms on solmization syllables; follow along mentally and conduct internally.
Two-part rhythms: initially practice in pairs; later perform with top line spoken and bottom line tapped; coordination is key.
Attitude toward mistakes: mistakes are expected and part of learning; aim to sustain pulse and recover quickly.

Level 1: beats only.
Level 2: beats + divisions + ties + dots.
Level 3: two-part rhythms (top line spoken, bottom line tapped).
In-class approach: group and partner work; rotate roles; focus on maintaining tempo and alignment.

Textbook required; bring pencil and staff paper daily.
Staff paper: essential for writing; if using alternate paper, line paper is acceptable for some tasks.
Canvas: check for course calendar, day-one materials, and modules.

Homework: near-weekly submissions via Canvas; due Thursdays; late submissions accepted until the start of the next class.
Makeups: if you miss a quiz or audition, coordinate with instructor for a makeup option.
Extra credit: within 24 hours of grading, you can request a redo for up to 25% back on missed points.

Tutor: graduate student tutor available for practice and troubleshooting; name posted on Canvas.
Accessibility: contact Office for Students with Disabilities for accommodations; accommodations honored with a letter.
Mental health & well-being: CAPS and embedded SMTD counselor; campus resources available; Title IX resources if needed.

Section: 002; Canvas page contains syllabus, calendar, and files.
Classroom norms: bring textbook, pencil, staff paper; be prepared to participate actively and supportively.
Paper usage: staff paper recommended; you're allowed to use alternative paper if needed.
Misc: instructors welcome suggestions to improve class; participate with respect and engagement.