Harmony is a practical subject in which the student should acquire fundamental knowledge of harmony and structure in Western art music. The student should develop an understanding of musical harmony for use as a tool in music performance such as interpretation and composition.
The work completed on this course provides a basis for further specialisation in Year 2. The subject is superseded by Harmony/counterpoint II (Sats11).
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, the student is expected to
- demonstrate insight into tonal harmonic structures
- be able to analyse and describe different types of harmony including for choir, piano and small ensembles
- be able to harmonise and arrange a functional-harmonic piece
Contents
The course centres around the subject of tonal harmony.
It also includes exercises in
- voice leading
- four-part harmony
- reductive analysis
- harmonic analysis
Structure
Tuition is given as lectures and in groups. Discussions and study groups may also be organised. The students will be able to submit and obtain feedback on practice exercises.
For a summary of indicative workload and structure, please see the “Structure” section of the relevant programme of study.
The students are automatically registered for tuition/supervision and assessment in the subject in line with the progression set out in the education plan.
Final assessment
Final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark, which is determined by the course instructor based on the student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.
Assessment is based on learning objectives. Final assessment is given as a graded mark and is determined on the basis of a written exam and a take-home exam. The assessment is carried out by two internal examiners.
Written exam
Assignment on harmonic analysis to be completed at the academy. Duration: 2 hours.
Take-home exam
Harmonisation assignment on tonal harmony. The student has 24 hours to submit the exam.
Three copies of the submission must be returned to the examinations office by the deadline set by the academy.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.