Course Syllabus

MUSC 3A Musicianship 1

Spring 2026

CREDIT BY EXAM

Dr. Mark Anderman

Email:  manderman@santarosa.edu
Phone: (707) 527-4330
Office Hours: In-person M T Th 11am–12pm; Online T 4–5pm, W 11am–12pm

Course Description

The first semester of a four-semester sequence of Musicianship courses required of music majors and minors in most universities and conservatories.

Application and development of the materials of MUSC 2A through sight singing, ear training, and dictation. Topics include rhythm, major and minor scales, intervals, triads, and diatonic melodies. (Grade only) Transfer Credit: CSU/UC.

Recommended Preparation: Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 2A

Textbooks & Materials

• Benjamin, Horvit & Nelson, Music for Sight Singing, 7^th, 6^th, or 5^th edition
  Paper copies strongly preferred, digital copy is acceptable if you can easily access it during class
• Music staff paper

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate fluency with the language of music in written and aural form.
2. Hear music with understanding, recognizing patterns and musical function.
3. “Audiate” and sight-read a musical score.

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. Aurally identify and sing major and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales.
2. Prepare and sing melodies at sight using movable-do solfeggio.
3. Perform rhythms with division of the beat in simple and compound meter signatures.
4. Take dictation of rhythms with division of the beat in simple meter signatures.
5. Aurally identify and notate all simple intervals - ascending, descending, and harmonic.
6. Aurally identify and notate major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads.
7. Take dictation of diatonic melodies with division of the beat in simple meter signatures.

Credit by Examination

Some students enter college with extensive prior music knowledge (such as from high school AP Music courses or private lessons). Students who believe that they can "test out" of MUSC 2A and/or MUSC 3A can sit for Credit by Examination. 

The exams are held on the first Friday of each semester. You will need to sign up with me by the first week of school and enroll in the Credit by Exam section(s) before taking the test.

Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record. Students suspected of academic dishonesty may be referred to the Dean and/or Vice President of Student Services for disciplinary action.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If you need disability-related accommodations for this course, please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to me as soon as possible. You may also speak with me privately during office hours about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly.

Physical and Mental Health

Should you experience any physical or mental health issues, know that all of us at SRJC care about your well-being. SRJC’s Student Health Services (SHS) has nurse practitioners and mental health therapists available. Confidential sessions are provided via secure Zoom or in-person. Sessions are free for SRJC students taking credit or non-credit classes, and some providers can converse with you in Spanish if you prefer. SHS also has on-site covid rapid testing and vaccinations available also at no cost. To start the process for any type of physical or mental health appointment contact Student Health at 707 527-4445 or email studenthealthservices@santarosa.edu. For more information, consult Student Health Services at shs.santarosa.edu.