“To play without passion is inexcusable!”

How Harmony Works 1 - new online course, semester 1, 2024

Have you ever wondered why you need to learn scales, intervals, chords, cadences and harmonisation in your theory exams, or what they have to do with your instrumental studies?

My nine session course, How Harmony Works 1, provides an overview of the harmonic language used in the Common Practice Period (1600/1650 to c.1850), looking at how composers use harmony in the real world of composition, not just to pass an exam. One of the drawbacks of theory syllabuses of any exam board is that real music does not limit itself to the list of chords or progressions (the so-called 'assets' or 'resources') that the syllabus allows at each grade level. You need to see the much bigger picture of what harmonic language has to offer, so that you can make sense of the various harmony and composition questions in written exams. 

How Harmony Works 1 is a nine-session live online course offered in semester one that will help you put all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together:
  • make sense of scales, keys, chords, intervals
  • understand what makes a good chord progression and how to use those chords
  • improve your harmonisation, counterpoint and melody writing
  • improve knowledge of keys and modulations in your pieces for more effective learning and for general knowledge in practical exams
  • improve your understanding of the set works in the higher grades of Theory and Musicianship
It is suitable for people studying for written exams with any exam board.

The course will commence in the week starting 12th February. It will be held online (Zoom). Once everyone has enrolled, we'll work out which evening suits everyone. All sessions will be recorded and available for review (or for watching later if you are unable to attend the class live). You will have access to the course material for twelve months from the commencement of the course. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of theory or musicianship is required?
If your exam syllabus requires you to harmonise a melody or bass line, write a melody, or complete a counterpoint exercise, this course is for you (eg AMEB and ANZCA Grade 4 Theory and higher, AMEB Grade 5 Musicianship and above, ABRSM Grade 6 and above, etc).

Will I learn how to harmonise a melody?
No. This course will teach you the principles of harmonisation, but does not actually step you through completing a harmonisation exercise.

Will this course fully prepare me for my theory or musicianship exam?
This course is a preparation for working on the 'composition' components (viz, harmonisiation, melody writing, counterpoint) of theory and musicianship exams with various exams boards. These sections of the exam traditionally receive a large percentage of the marks (eg 44% in Grade 5 AMEB Theory), so are worth investing in thorough understanding. If you think of it from a language perspective, you need to have a good understanding of a language before you can try writing an essay or a poem in that language. There are other aspects of the written exams that are not covered in this particular course. 

What if I've already done grades four and five, or even six? Will this still benefit me?
Yes! There will of necessity be some areas of review for you, but the content of this course is not the same as what you have covered in theory exams. This course will help to give you a much bigger picture of harmony, which will facilitate your understanding of the composer's intentions in your pieces and/or your teaching, and your understanding of and ability to complete the composition questions in the exam.

How do I access the live classes, the course videos and materials?
The live online sessions will be held via Zoom. The recordings and other material will be available on a content management platform (which is still under construction). You will receive log in information once you have enrolled.

When will the fortnightly sessions be held?
Probably early evening on a Monday or Tuesday (but still to be determined). I know that I will never be able to find a time that would suit all of you, but remember that the live sessions will be recorded and you will all be able to view the recordings as many times as you wish.

When will the course commence?
In the week commencing 12th February.

For how long will I have access to the content?
You will be able to access all the videos, handouts, chat etc for twelve months from the start of the course. If you get behind, you will be able to catch up at your leisure during the year. 

How much does it cost?
There is an early bird special of $255 if you pay by 1st February. After that it will cost $270 for the nine session course. The group format is much more cost effective than paying me for private tuition at my regular rate to cover the same material.

If you have any questions, or are wondering whether this course would be beneficial for you, please contact me at brenda@brendahunting.com. 


Testimonials from the 2023 Beta Course

Hi Brenda, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your 'How Harmony Works' workshop series. This experience has been invaluable, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the theoretical aspects of harmony beyond what I've learned in my graded theory studies (and quite importantly at much lower price:)). It's been a true blessing for me because I always consider myself a theory enthusiast (though there were moments where challenges almost made me consider quitting!). I find this workshop particularly beneficial because it combines comprehensive lectures with hands-on sessions using classical, renowned musical pieces. This approach directly translates to practical application in both my personal learning journey and my teaching endeavours. I look forward to participating in other workshops! Thanks.  H.L., 2023 Beta course

I joined up for How Harmony Works thinking it might be a little dry, but the course was so full of 'a-ha' moments for me that it made it super interesting. While there is plenty of info for more advanced harmony theorists, this course helped me fill in so many gaps in my knowledge as well as introduce plenty of new concepts. Delivered in a friendly and interactive format which encouraged participation and plenty of practical examples to work with. Thoroughly recommend it for someone wanting to improve their harmony knowledge in a supportive environment.  A.B., 2023 Beta course

© Brenda Hunting 2024