Four-part Harmony

Looking to master four-part harmony? This course directly addresses a popular request from students of music composition and music theory courses. Designed for those with a foundational understanding of music, this course provides a focused exploration of harmonic writing fundamentals.

The course is structured into 8 sections, each containing individual lectures covering specific topics. We emphasize a sequential learning approach: study all lectures within a section before attempting the quiz. Successful completion of each quiz unlocks corresponding assignments.

All assignments are available for download, allowing you to choose your preferred method of completion – print and pencil, or utilize notation software. For those without access, MuseScore, a free and powerful notation program, is readily available for download from their website.

Important Note: This course is not a replacement for comprehensive music theory or music composition instruction. Topics covered in Music Theory, Music Composition 1, and Music Composition 2 are assumed prerequisites. This course concentrates solely on the essential elements of four-part harmony.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• Fundamentals of Harmony: A deep dive into the core principles of harmonic writing.
• Voice Leading Techniques: Mastering smooth and effective voice leading for compelling four-part harmony.
• Chord Construction: Understanding and utilizing various chord types within a harmonic context.
• Cadences and Phrase Structure: Creating satisfying cadences and shaping musical phrases through harmonic progression.
• Inner Voice Writing: Developing skills in crafting engaging inner voices that complement the melody.
• Modulation Basics: Introduction to basic modulations and key relationships.
• Practical Application: Applying harmonic principles to real-world musical scenarios.
• Review and Assessment: Reinforcing learned concepts through quizzes and comprehensive assignments.