An Introduction to Species Counterpoint is an online textbook on 16th century counterpoint. The site is broken into nine sections. The nine sections are: Menu, Intro, Modes, CF (Cantus Firmus,) 1st (Species,) 2nd (Species,) 3rd (Species,) 4th (Species,) and 5th (Species.) Each section consists of a list of the "rules" of counterpoint accompanied by a link to a notated and aural example of the rule. Each section also includes complete examples and assignments of the species under discussion.
Type of Material:
Online textbook.
Recommended Uses:
This site would work well as text for a beginning counterpoint student or as a text for discussion in a composition or theory seminar. It would also serve students moving from theory concepts to compositon.
Technical Requirements:
Works well with any computer with an online connection. Requires a Quicktime plugin.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The goal of this site is to familiarize and remind music students of the fundamental rules of 16th century counterpoint.
Target Student Population:
This site is directed at college level composition and theory students, perferably ones with at least one year of music theory.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic computer and Internet skills are the only prerequisite knowledge needed to access and use this site. Students with knowledge of basic voice leading and harmony will gain the most from this site.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This site offers practical and commonly held opinions on the rules of 16th century counterpoint. It follows along the lines the Fux approach to learning counterpoint. The text is clear, concise and organized into a logical order. Links to available supportive literature are also available if further study is desired.
Concerns:
The rules of counterpoint and their accompanying examples are presented in a very narrow context. This approach makes the rule clear but does not fully address the art of writing counterpoint in a musical context or an understanding of the compositional problem solving involved (e.g., The role of the Cantus Firmus and mode in determining possible compositional solutions.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The use of both noted and aural examples is a significant strength for this site. The organization of the site makes it easy for teachers to isolate individual topics for assignments or discussion.
Concerns:
Links to the notated and aural examples means that the user is constantly shifting between the text and the accompanying example. This slows the learning process. The site does not offer any ideas into the creative and compositional process.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is easy to use.
Concerns:
None.
Other Issues and Comments:
None.
Creative Commons:
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