Counterpoint Conquest: Two- and Three-Voice Counterpoint in the Modes

1-3 Units

Course Description

Credit Validation for Best Music Coach Participants Only

Counterpoint Conquest is a self-paced course in writing counterpoint—two or more independent melodic lines that sound good together—applied to game music. Delivered through 3 hours and 51 minutes of video lessons, participants learn the four types of motion and the rules of consonance and dissonance, then work through first, second, third, and fourth species counterpoint in the modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Ionian), three-voice counterpoint (1:1:1, 2:1:1, 4:1:1, 4:2:1, and florid), and counterpoint in video game scores.

Participants take a quiz after each of the six sessions. Credit options range from 1 unit of GLEC for a portfolio of sixteen species exercises up to 3 units with a finished two-voice game cue and a finished three-voice game cue.

To earn GLEC or CEUs, every participant completes all six sessions, scores at least 70% on each quiz, and submits every project in their credit option. GLEC participants then receive a letter grade: the quizzes count for 10%, and the projects share the other 90% in proportion to their hours. Each project is scored with a four-part rubric: voice leading and species rules; independence and shape of each line; modal character; and, for the cues, arrangement, mix, and the design note. Letter grades: A 90–100%, B 80–89%, C 70–79%, D 60–69%, F below 60%. CEU participants who meet these requirements receive their CEUs.

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.

Number of Units: 1.0 - 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Best Music Coach LLC Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Interested in Purchasing University Credit or CEUs? If a section is available below, you may purchase university credit (GLECs) directly through this page. To purchase Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you must submit a request. If no sections are currently available and the page displays “Request Information,” click the button to submit your request for GLECs or CEUs. Before submitting your request, please review the Participant Instructions for step-by-step guidance on the appropriate process. Our USD PCE Credit Validation team will review your request and follow up with the next steps.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the Course 
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)

Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.

  • Locate the same course on our listings page
  • Click Add to Cart
  • Click Check Out
  • You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion
After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to [email protected], including the course number in your message.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our USD Credit Validation Program Participant Guide.

Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the Credit Validation Course Catalog to explore available credit options.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Classify melodic motion and intervals according to standard species rules
  • Write first, second, third, and fourth species counterpoint across modal scales
  • Compose three-voice counterpoint with independent, well-shaped melodic lines
  • Analyze contrapuntal techniques used in video game scores
  • Apply counterpoint principles to create effective countermelodies in original game music

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.