Why Teach This Early?

Developing a deep understanding of music theory and harmony at this age provides a strong foundation for advanced musical studies and a lifelong appreciation of music. It enhances critical thinking and analytical skills.

Progressive Sub-Goals

Introduction

Understanding diatonic chords, basic chord progressions, and figured bass.

Developing

Analyzing and composing with seventh chords, secondary dominants, and modulations to closely related keys.

Mastery

Advanced harmonic techniques such as chromatic harmony, modal interchange, and extended tertian harmonies.

Advanced

Exploring post-tonal theory, including set theory and serialism, and applying it to composition and analysis.

Teaching Tips

1Use real-world musical examples from various genres to illustrate theoretical concepts.
2Encourage students to compose their own short pieces to apply new harmonic techniques.
3Incorporate keyboard skills to help students hear and understand harmonic progressions.

Global Context

The study of harmony is a cornerstone of Western music education. In many European conservatories, rigorous harmony and counterpoint training begins in the teenage years. The German tradition, in particular, emphasizes a deep theoretical understanding from an early age.

Learning Resources

Role Model

Johann Sebastian Bach

Primary Resource

🎓'Tonal Harmony' by Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne, 'The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis' by Jane Piper Clendinning and Elizabeth West Marvin, Online courses from platforms like Coursera and Juilliard Extension

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