Harmony I: Crash Course in Composing for Tonal Music

The study of harmony has been the foundation of composers for centuries. This intensive crash course not only serves as a complete review of diatonic harmony but also teaches you how to apply theoretical concepts to your own compositions. Instruction consists of three stages: establishing a strong foundation in diatonic harmony, studying music scores of the great masters who demonstrate these techniques, and creating your own music compositions emulating what you have learned. Concepts covered include proper usage of scales; functional chord progressions and how they work; roman numeral analysis; how to create both regional and true modulation; creating chord inversions; cadence types; and proper notational practices dealing with rhythm, meter and score set-up. Scores studied include works by J.S. Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and more. As you work on your own compositions, utilizing many of the concepts learned, you receive guidance from the instructor and gain the opportunity to build your portfolio.