Review:
This class is really great. You definitely need a background in music, and one in piano or keyboard is extremely helpful. Vivian uses the piano to teach concepts about chords and voicing, and the tests involve demonstrating your skills on piano. She's very clear and helpful, always available and really knows her stuff. I loved this course, but I know other kids were frustrated by the focus on piano (honestly, that's the best way to learn though). I'm not a music major, but it's great to understand what I'm listening to. I wouldn't recommend this course unless you have some music theory background and a desire to understand that theory in more depth. If you have that, then you'll love it.

Workload:
Weekly composition assignments to demonstrate whatever she's taught i.e. write 16 bars using 7 chords or something. I loved this, and you can do it using just one staff for most of the class.

She also had you occasionally dissect a piece and identify the chords and whatnot in it.

The tests involve a written theory part, and a demonstration of knowledge on the piano. This is honestly quite easy, and often you work with a partner. There were three tests. There's a listening aspect, where you have to transcribe a song that she plays, but she walks you through it. You also have to identify modes by ear, but she practices this in class a lot too.

During the semester, you must attend three concerts and write a brief review of it. If you're taking this class, it's kind of assumed that you'd do this anyway and the review is about a page and a half. There are two other short papers that are very manageable and often based on your own thoughts/taste in music. For example, we had to give a presentation on our favorite piece and why.

You do have to work for this class, and some musical background is absolutely vital. Don't worry if you don't know piano, as long as you are comfortable reading music and have a basic understanding of scales and chords. But she is so helpful and so sweet that the workload is totally manageable and you learn a lot.

review a class you took with Vivian Taylor - help your classmates make informed decisions!

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Vivian Taylor | MUS003 - Musicianship I | Music

2004-12-08

Review:
For people with an interest in improving their ability to play music, this is a great class to take. It's designed for people with limited/no experience in music theory, and is a great introduction. Professor Taylor cares about her student's progress, and is an above average Prof. (and sweet person.)

Workload:
Brief - 20 minute - homework assignments each class. 3 tests, which are cumulative, and not bad if you attend class. You also need to attend and review 3 concerts, which are graded with checks.

professor rating: | course rating: | major: N/A

review a class you took with Vivian Taylor - help your classmates make informed decisions!