Suggested Learning Resources

1) YFIO

2) Video Lesson: YouTube BillCarmody Channel http://youtu.be/9cMeYgXXBZ0

3) Online Reading: OpenMusicTheory Lesson http://openmusictheory.com/firstSpecies.html

4) Interactive Lesson: eMusicTheory Counterpoint Exercise  

http://www.emusictheory.com/practice/counterpoint.html#.VKbgBNLF9Fp

Music Theory QuickThink: 

Review Concepts

-          2nds and 7ths are considered dissonant (melodic and harmonic)

-          3rds, 6ths, Octaves, and 5ths are considered consonant (melodic and harmonic)

-          The melodic perfect 4th is consonant, but the harmonic perfect 4th is dissonant

-          All written augmented or diminished intervals are considered dissonant

10.8 New Concepts

-          The only melodic dissonant interval allowed in first species counterpoint is that of a 2nd (stepwise motion) (NOTE: augmented and diminished 2nds are not allowed), all other melodic intervals must be consonant

-          All harmonic intervals must be consonant in first species counterpoint

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-          NOTE: Why are we learning counterpoint?  - Some Theory texts do not cover counterpoint in the Theory 1 scope and sequence. Advanced counterpoint study is often offered at University as an entire separate one or two semester following Theory 4.  We are learning the topic because

• (1) Several texts now do introduce the concept early on
• (2) Studying the characteristics of counterpoint prepares for Soprano Alto Tenor Bass voice leading, allowing study of several of the elements first with just two voices instead of four.
• (3) Counterpoint is an important concept for all musicians to at least be aware, but is often only a required course for composition and/or performance majors. If not introduced now, it is possible for Music Ed, Music Therapy, and other Music students to never be introduced to counterpoint.  
• (4) The scope of counterpoint we study at this time should be thought of as an introduction only. You will be able to define what it is, identify the different species, and gain a glimpse of what is involved.  

(Laitz's The Complete Musician covers 1st and 2nd species counterpoint, Francoli's Harmony in Context covers 1st through 4th species, and Clendinning's The Musician's Guide covers 1st through 5th.  Kostka's Tonal Harmony does not formally introduce counterpoint).  

Objective 10.8: Examples in Music: YouTube

https://youtu.be/lMxiVjE2CJE

Objective 10.8: Define intervals as consonant and dissonant and their acceptable or unacceptable roles in first species counterpoint