As the sole teacher of music theory at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) (Fundamentals of Music, Music Theory I, and Music Theory II), Dr. Benjamin Bergey plans to adapt OER mainly from Open Music Theory (OMT) for use in our unique curriculum, as well as creating supplemental materials not included in OMT, building off of this previously funded VIVA grant resource. These courses are required for all music majors, and two of the three are required for all music minors. As a small school, EMU has far fewer credits for Music Theory and Aural Skills, and they teach it chronologically to correspond to Music History. Both of these distinctions make it challenging to simply adopt OMT. EMU's course curriculum is unlike many others and therefore will require supplementing OMT with significant material for Aural Skills and Sight Singing. Fortunately, those adaptations can be used by others for their separate Aural Skills courses. This intentional course design will not only save students financially but will greatly improve the curriculum to afford greater student success.
This is a VIVA Open grant project. As soon as it is complete, files and syllabi will be found here. Looking for more information? Check out the website to learn more about awarded grant projects: https://vivalib.org/va/open/grants/awards.