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Unit of study_
MUSC2695: Popular Music Theory
2025 unit information
The culmination of the Fundamentals of Music series, this unit of study is an exploration of musical language used in contemporary popular, film and world music repertoire from ca. 1960 to the present. The focus is on compositional techniques, analytical tools and workflow that relates to contemporary music practitioners. Lectures will examine the given topic for that week with references to examples drawn from a list of repertoire for that topic. These examples will be discussed further in the written tutorials and supported by weekly homework. An important outcome of this unit of study is the final assignment, in which students apply the knowledge accrued over the semester in an original composition, which they also analyse. Aural Tutorials will draw on these topics to develop skills relating to the student's ability to perceive and interpret musical elements and procedures.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Analysis, History and Cultural Studies |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC1501 or MUSC2693 or MCGY1008 or JAZZ1621 or JAZZ1019 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Understand differences between traditional music theory and the harmonic language of popular music
- LO2. Recognise and contextualise the harmonic and rhythmic mechanics of different popular genres/styles
- LO3. Present and interpret score/chart-based music using traditional notation, chord symbols, and performance markings
- LO4. Perform rhythm and melody dictation, sight singing, interval and triad recognition, and recognise tonality
- LO5. Use the elements of music to create a meaningful commentary on popular music
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
