Elementary Composition

Overview

Welcome to the course material on Elementary Composition in Music. This course will delve into the fundamentals of harmony, providing a solid foundation for understanding musical structure and composition. As we explore elementary harmony, we will focus on various key concepts and techniques that form the building blocks of musical composition.

One of the primary objectives of this course is to enable candidates to identify suitable melodies that align with given words, creating harmonious and well-balanced musical phrases. This skill is essential for composers as it ensures that the music complements the lyrics or text effectively, enhancing the overall expressive quality of the composition.

Throughout the course, we will cover topics such as primary and secondary triads in major keys, basic chord progressions in four parts vocal style (SATB) within specific key signatures, and the dominant 7th chord in root position. Understanding these concepts is crucial for creating harmonic progressions that are musically satisfying and structurally sound.

Furthermore, we will explore different types of cadences, including perfect/full close cadences, imperfect/half close cadences, plagal/amen cadences, and interrupted/deceptive cadences. Recognizing and utilizing these cadences effectively can add tension, resolution, and emotional depth to compositions, enriching the overall listening experience.

As we delve into the realm of elementary harmony, we will also examine various techniques such as parallel, similar, contrary, and oblique motion, as well as neighboring tones, passing tones, and auxiliary notes. These devices play a crucial role in creating smooth and engaging melodic lines, enhancing the overall coherence and fluency of musical compositions.

Additionally, simple diatonic modulations will be explored, allowing composers to transition between closely related keys seamlessly. Mastering the art of modulation adds dynamism and interest to compositions, creating musical journeys that captivate listeners and evoke a range of emotions.

Lastly, the course will cover the practical application of setting words to written melodies and recognizing suitable answers to given musical phrases. These skills are essential for composers looking to craft engaging and cohesive musical pieces that resonate with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level.

Objectives

  1. Identify Suitable Melody To Given Words
  2. Analyze and Select Suitable Answers to Musical Phrases
  3. Utilize Various Non-Chord Tones Effectively
  4. Apply Basic Chord Progressions In Four Parts Vocal Style (SATB)
  5. Create Compatible and Balanced Melodic Phrases
  6. Recognize Dominant 7th Chord In Root Position
  7. Understand Different Types of Cadences
  8. Demonstrate Understanding of Primary Triads In Major Keys
  9. Practice Setting Words to Written Melody
  10. Perform Simple Diatonic Modulations

Lesson Note

Elementary composition in music refers to the foundational techniques and skills required to create simple yet effective musical pieces. This includes understanding melody, harmony, chord progressions, and other key concepts that are essential for beginner composers. The aim is to provide high school students with the tools they need to craft original musical works and develop their compositional abilities.

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Elementary Composition. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Identify the Primary triads in the key of C major. A. C major, D minor, E minor B. D minor, E minor, F major C. F major, G major, A minor D. G major, A minor, B diminished Answer: A. C major, D minor, E minor
  2. Which chord progression is commonly used in four-part vocal style (SATB) in major keys? A. I-IV-V-I B. II-V-I C. III-VI-II-V D. IV-V-VI-V Answer: A. I-IV-V-I
  3. What is the characteristic note of a Dominant 7th chord in root position? A. Major 3rd B. Perfect 4th C. Minor 7th D. Major 6th Answer: C. Minor 7th
  4. Which cadence is also known as an Amen cadence? A. Perfect Cadence B. Plagal Cadence C. Interrupted Cadence D. Deceptive Cadence Answer: B. Plagal Cadence
  5. Which type of motion occurs when two voices move in the same direction but by different intervals? A. Parallel B. Similar C. Contrary D. Oblique Answer: B. Similar

Recommended Books

Harmony and Voice Leading
Harmony and Voice Leading
Subtitle 4th Edition
Publisher Cengage Learning
Year 2010
ISBN 978-0495189756
Tonal Harmony
Tonal Harmony
Subtitle 8th Edition
Publisher McGraw-Hill Education
Year 2008
ISBN 978-0077269968