Species Counterpoint	MUS 411 Schedule  MUS 411 Syllabus  William Wieland
Melodic Motion in the Counterpoint — mostly stepwise — Do not immediately repeat pitches. — You may write 3rds, P4s, P5s, mi6s (ascending only), and P8s. — Precede and follow large leaps by step in the opposite direction.   (P5, mi6, and P8 are large leaps.) — If you write 2 leaps in a row in one direction,   outline a major or minor triad. — Write no more than 2 leaps in a row in one direction. — Do not write an exposed tritone. — Use the highest and lowest note only once. Counterpoint principles common to all species — Usually begin with a P1 or P8 between the 2 parts.   You may also begin with a P5 above the cantus firmus. — Keep the 2 parts within a 10th of each other. — Favor contrary motion. — Write no perfect parallel motion. — Write no more than 3 parallel 3rds or parallel 6ths in a row. — You may write in similar motion to a 3rd or 6th,   but not to a perfect or dissonant interval. — End with a P1 or P8. — End “ti–do” in one part and “re–do” in the other. Exception: If E   is the final pitch, end “F–E” in one part and “D–E” in the other.	First Species — all whole notes (except the last note) — Write only consonances: P1, P5, P8, mi3, M3, mi6, and M6. Second Species — all half notes (except the last note) — You may begin with a half rest. — In addition to consonances, you may write   passing tones and neighbor tones on weak beats. — Do not write parallel unisons, fifths, or octaves   on successive downbeats. Third Species — all quarter notes (except the last note) — You may begin with a quarter rest. — In addition to consonances, passing tones and neighbor tones,   you may write nota cambiata and double neighbor tones. — Begin each measure with a consonance. — Do not write parallel unisons, fifths, or octaves   on successive downbeats. Fourth Species — all half notes tied across the barlines     (except the last note) — Begin with a half rest. — In addition to consonances, you may write suspensions,   • 7-6, 4-3, and (rarely) 9-8 above the cantus firmus and   • 2-3 and (rarely) 4-5 below the cantus firmus.   (In all suspensions, write the dissonance on a downbeat.) — Precede the last note with an untied half note.
On the quiz, you will be given four cantus firmi and asked to write first, second, third, and fourth species counterpoint respectively. In the Owen textbook, review the "Procedures" for 1st and 2nd species counterpoint outlined on pages 36, 39, and 40 as well as the "Guidelines" for 3rd and 4th species on pages 45 and 46. Open Music Theory is a great online resource.
Grading Rubric — I start with 100 points and deduct a point for any violation of the principles mentioned above.