Creating harmonic variety
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how a composition uses harmony in specific ways to create harmonic variety and a satisfying harmonic journey.
Key learning points
- Creating harmonic variety is an effective way to create a satisfying, interesting and balanced composition.
- This applies across many genres and styles, but the way it is done varies.
- In the Classical style, one effective method is to modulate to a closely-related key.
- Using varied chords and cadences also creates harmonic variety.
- Changing the harmonic rhythm and using devices such as dominant pedals can also be very effective.
Keywords
Harmony - the way that notes combine to create chords and the way that these chords are used
Harmonic rhythm - how often the chords change in a chord progression
Dominant - chord V, which often resolves to chord I (the tonic)
Pedal - when the bass note stays the same, with the chords/harmony changing above
Common misconception
Harmonic contrast only comes from changing key or tonality.
Harmonic contrast can come from many techniques, including simple ones such as choosing different chords, cadences and harmonic rhythm. In many styles, keeping the harmonic language simple, without using complex chords, can be most effective.
Teacher tip
This exemplar is also a useful starting point for exploring: imitation; melodic development; decorating a melody with chromatic notes; idiomatic Classical keyboard writing; minuet and trio norms; 3/4 accompaniment patterns; phrasing and articulation; dynamic contrast; use of rallentando/a tempo.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - minuet and trio (audio) 2.68 MB (MP3)
Composition exemplar - minuet and trio (score) 88.9 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The first note of a major or minor scale is called the ...
Q2.In C major, match these related keys.
Q3.What is the relationship between the major and its relative minor?
Q4.A cadence which moves from chord V to chord I is called a cadence.
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Creating harmonic variety, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Creating harmonic variety, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Composition exemplars: creating a varied composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.