3 MODULES
10 LESSONS
2nd YEAR
Course description
In the Functional Harmony course you learn how chords work, so that you can understand and play the modern repertoire, pop rock and jazz. In the first part of the course you will discover the basic concepts of functional harmony: the major scale, triad chords, inversions and cadences. In each lesson you will find practical examples on the piano, exercises, lesson plans and in-depth learning material to download.
COURSE STRUCTURE
From scale to chord
In the first module you will learn about the major scale and the chromatic scale. You will discover the relationship between scale and chord, and consequently the origin of major and minor chords. Finally, we will look at diminished and augmented triad chords.
Lesson 1
The major scale and the chromatic scale
Lesson 2
The circle of fifths and the twelve keys
Lesson 3
Harmonization of the major scale
Lesson 4
Major, minor, diminished and augmented triad
How to use chords
In the second module you will learn how to form and play chords in all keys. You will then discover chord inversions, which are essential for playing harmonic progressions and pieces of music. Finally, we will talk about voice leading and how it can help you connect chords to each other.
Lesson 5
Triad chords and the "Photographic negative" technique
Lesson 6
Chords inversions
Lesson 7
Voice leading, or how to connect chords
Harmonic progressions and cadences
In the third and final module, you will study the dominant chord and the perfect cadence. You will then discover other cadences and the most common harmonic progressions used in hundreds of songs from the modern repertoire.
Lesson 8
Dominant chord and perfect cadence
Lesson 9
Imperfect, deceptive and plagal cadence
Lesson 10
Very common harmonic progressions