How Harmony Works 1 - Semester 1 2024
A big picture look at chords and progressions and how they work
Course Summary
How Harmony Works will give you an overview of the harmonic language used in the Common Practice Period (1600/1650 to 1900), looking at how composers use harmony in the real world of composition, not just to pass an exam! It will enhance your understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and melody writing, as well as harmony and structure for the general knowledge component of learning your pieces and preparing for your practical exams. It will greatly facilitate your understanding and analysis of the set works in grades 5 and 6 theory.
Suitable for those studying higher grades of theory or musicianship in any music syllabus and for those planning to go on to tertiary studies in music.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What level of theory or musicianship is required?
If your exam syllabus requires you to harmonise a melody or bass line, write a melody, or complete a counterpoint exercise, this course is for you (eg AMEB and ANZCA Grade 4 Theory and higher, AMEB Grade 5 Musicianship and above, ABRSM Grade 6 and above, etc).
Will I learn how to harmonise a melody?
No. This course will teach you the principles of harmonisation, but does not actually step you through completing a harmonisation exercise.
Will this course fully prepare me for my theory or musicianship exam?
This course is a preparation for working on the 'composition' components (viz, harmonisiation, melody writing, counterpoint) of theory and musicianship exams with various exams boards. These sections of the exam traditionally receive a large percentage of the marks (eg 44% in Grade 5 AMEB Theory), so are worth investing in thorough understanding. If you think of it from a language perspective, you need to have a good understanding of a language before you can try writing an essay or a poem in that language. There are other aspects of the written exams that are not covered in this particular course.
What if I've already done grades four and five, or even six? Will this still benefit me?
Yes! There will of necessity be some areas of review for you, but the content of this course is not the same as what you have covered in theory exams. This course will help to give you a much bigger picture of harmony, which will facilitate your understanding of the composer's intentions in your pieces and/or your teaching, and your understanding of and ability to complete the composition questions in the exam.
How do I access the live classes, the course videos and materials?
The live online sessions will be held via Zoom. The recordings and other material will be available on a content management platform (which is still under construction). You will receive log in information once you have enrolled.
When will the fortnightly sessions be held?
Probably early evening on a Monday or Tuesday (but still to be determined). I know that I will never be able to find a time that would suit everyone, but remember that the live sessions will be recorded and you will all be able to view the recordings as many times as you wish.
When will the course commence?
In the week commencing 12th February.
For how long will I have access to the content?
You will be able to access all the videos, handouts, chat etc for twelve months from the start of the course. If you get behind, you will be able to catch up at your leisure during the year.
How much does it cost?
There is an early bird special of $255 if you pay by 1st February. After that it will cost $270 for the nine-session course. The group format is much more cost effective than paying me for private tuition at my regular rate to cover the same material.
Course Curriculum
Brenda Hunting Hunting
Brenda Hunting is a well-renowned piano teacher, music educator, a former past president of the Queensland Music Teachers' Association and is in demand as a presenter and broadcaster of live workshops. She runs a busy piano studio in Brisbane and performs regularly as a soloist.
Brenda has degrees in piano performance, music education and second language acquisition and a licentiate in piano performance. She is a certified teacher of the Taubman Approach (at the Instructor Level) and has been studying it for over fifteen years. Her studio comprises piano, theory and pedagogy students of all ages and stages. She particularly enjoys teaching and mentoring teachers, passing on experience gained during her 50 years of teaching.
