Musicianship:

An Integrated Approach to Music Theory,

Ear Training, Sight Singing, & Keyboard Harmony

Anthony J. Kosar

Westminster Choir College of Rider University recently completed an intensive curriculum review that resulted in a new undergraduate curriculum. Some aspects of the new curriculum, implemented in the fall 2000 semester, differ radically from the previous undergraduate curriculum and those found at many schools of music in the United States. One of the most innovative aspects of the new curriculum is the approach developed by the Composition, History, and Theory Department for the teaching of the undergraduate core in music theory.

In the new undergraduate curriculum, rather than complete separate courses in theory, ear training, and keyboard harmony, all students complete three core courses in musicianship. These courses are designed to integrate elements of harmony, form, counterpoint, sight singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony. The three core courses emphasize the acquisition of the basic musicianship skills and knowledge needed by all musicians through an immediate practical application of the underlying theoretical concepts. The emphasis on the integration and relationship of the various theoretical elements allow the three musicianship courses to serve as prerequisites for two additional theory electives and a more in-depth 20^th-century theory course. The last three courses emphasize a higher-level application of the theoretical concepts and practical skills acquired during the musicianship courses, with a greater emphasis on critical thinking.

My paper consists of two parts. In the first part I present a detailed overview of the integrated approach to the core theory curriculum, comparing it to our previous curriculum that was similar to most undergraduate theory curricula. This part focuses on curricular and pedagogical issues and the integrated approach to teaching the undergraduate theory core courses. In the second part of the paper, I present a preliminary evaluation of the integrated approach based on the data gathered over the first four semesters of the new curriculum.