linden.study

MUSA 3106 Counterpoint/Tonal Composition

In this course we will study the fundamentals of two- and three-part polyphonic styles. Using the principles of species counterpoint, we will acquire a dependable contrapuntal technique to write short compositions, first in two parts and eventually in three. Assignments will include exercises in free counterpoint, strict canon, and invertible counterpoint. As a final project, students will have a choice of either composing a 3-part fugue in the style of Bach or analyzing a Bach fugue. Our studies will include a brief survey of the historical origins of Western polyphony and analyzing passages of select compositions of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods which illustrate principles of "counterpoint in composition".

Course overview

Department
Music Academic
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Fall

Catalog details

Prerequisites
MUSA3100

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Music (Before Fall 2026): Required music theory and composition courses (Before Fall 2026 (page heading "Major Requirements Before Fall 2026"; elsewhere the page calls these "contracts before fall 2026"))

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.54 / 5

Based on 24 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Ralf Gawlick
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Spring 2024, Fall 2022 · Official rating 4.74/5
  • Benjamin Park
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.80/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Ralf Gawlick · Lyons Hall 406;MWF 10:00AM-10:50AM · Offered