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Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

MUSIC 21

Introduction to Tonal Theory

UNITS:3
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:WAY-A-II, WAY-CE

Preference to majors. Introduction to tonal theory. Practice and analysis. Diatonic harmony focusing on melodic and harmonic organization, functional relationships, voice-leading, and tonal structures. Students must concurrently enroll in an ear-training and musicianship lab (MUSIC MUSIC 24A, MUSIC 24B, or MUSIC 24C as appropriate). Enrollment limited to MUSIC 40. General prerequisites (all students): Passing grade on a basic musical skills proficiency examination on the first day of class or MUSIC MUSIC 19. Special considerations for Music majors or would-be majors: Piano proficiency exam by Spring Quarter of junior year is required. Those considering the Music major and do not have basic keyboard skills should enroll as soon as possible in MUSIC MUSIC 12A: Introductory Piano Class. Music majors must take 4 courses in ear training, and pass an ear training exit exam in their Junior year.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Autumn 2026 Syllabus

Sections

2 Terms
Lecture 1Open
ID: 6776
0 / 45 enrolled
DAYS:Tuesday, Thursday
TIME:1:30 PM – 2:50 PM
LOCATION:Braun 103
INSTRUCTOR:
Aquilanti, Giancarlo
3units

MUSIC 21: Introduction to Tonal Theory

3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II, WAY-CE

Preference to majors. Introduction to tonal theory. Practice and analysis. Diatonic harmony focusing on melodic and harmonic organization, functional relationships, voice-leading, and tonal structures. Students must concurrently enroll in an ear-training and musicianship lab (MUSIC 24A, 24B, or 24C as appropriate). Enrollment limited to 40. General prerequisites (all students): Passing grade on a basic musical skills proficiency examination on the first day of class or MUSIC 19. Special considerations for Music majors or would-be majors: Piano proficiency exam by Spring Quarter of junior year is required. Those considering the Music major and do not have basic keyboard skills should enroll as soon as possible in MUSIC 12A: Introductory Piano Class. Music majors must take 4 courses in ear training, and pass an ear training exit exam in their Junior year.

Offered in Autumn 2026, Winter 2027 at Stanford University.

Autumn 2026 sections

  • Lecture — Tuesday Thursday 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM — Braun 103 — Aquilanti, Giancarlo (Undergrad)

Winter 2027 sections

  • Lecture — Tuesday Thursday 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM — Braun 103 — Berger, Talya (Undergrad)

More MUSIC courses

  • MUSIC 18N: Musical Dishonesty: Fakes, Forgeries, Counterfeits, Hoaxes, Deceptions, Illusions, and Artifice
  • MUSIC 19A: Introduction to Music Theory
  • MUSIC 19B: Intermediate Music Theory
  • MUSIC 19N: Let's Talk About Love (Songs)
  • MUSIC 20A: Jazz Theory (AFRICAAM 20A)
  • MUSIC 20B: Advanced Jazz Theory
  • MUSIC 22: Intermediate Tonal Theory
  • MUSIC 23: Advanced Tonal Theory
  • MUSIC 24A: Ear Training I
  • MUSIC 24B: Ear Training II
  • MUSIC 24C: Ear Training III
  • MUSIC 24Z: Ear Training

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