Foundations of Music is an RC musicianship class combining music theory and musicianship exercises. It is based on the notion of music as a language: we explore the grammar rules (music theory) and put it to use by producing organized sound on the student’s own instruments, keyboard, and voice. The goals are to explain the foundations of tonal music and to offer tools for further exploration in musical performance, improvisation, composition, etc. Special emphasis is placed on creative practices and experiencing music through multiple senses. We will focus on developing critical listening skills, analytical music theory skills and applying those skills to practical musicianship through performance. The semester is divided roughly into three sections: rhythm, melody, and harmony.