Keyboard harmony 5B
Time: 14:15 - 16:15
Location: Keeley Street
Taught on individual keyboards, this module focuses on the rudiments of harmonic analysis (keys, chords, chord progressions, etc.) and its relevance to approaching piano music.
You will broaden your understanding of piano repertoire by studying the harmonic constructs that underpin them.
It is recommended to complete this 3-module course in preparation for the Harmony & Piano Performance Workshop. NB: no classes on bank holiday Mondays (6 & 27 May 2024).
Choose a start date
This course has now started
- Course Code: ME801B
- Dates: 22/04/24 - 08/07/24
- Time: 14:15 - 16:15
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ricardo Gosalbo
Course Code: ME801B
Choose a start date
Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
What will we cover?
- Study of scales and arpeggios for major/minor keys up to 5 sharps and flats
- Seventh chords in root position and inversions
- Learn how to identify new chords
- Further study of Extended Roman Numeral notation for harmonic analysis
- New chord progressions (in at least 6 key signatures)
- Non-harmony notes
- Harmonic analysis of selected excerpts
- Further training in reducing music to chord progressions.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- recognise and read key signatures up to 5 sharps and flats
- recognise and read chords in a tonal context
- read and write chord progressions
- play ‘missing’ chord progressions in given exercises from chord symbols (using I, ii, IV, V and vi)
- complete missing chord progressions in examples from standard piano repertoire
- how to transpose simple piano pieces
- perform harmonic analysis of short excerpts of selected piano repertoire.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for pianists at a confident grade 5+ standard who are keen to learn the theory behind their practice and who wish to explore harmony in both a practical and theoretical course. You may attend a music advice session if you are not sure of your level.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks.
The course will comprise combinations of lecture-demonstration, question-and-answer, guided listening, and music-manuscript study. You will undertake short, relevant tasks between classes and you will be expected to demonstrate your work in class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring a pen/pencil, blank manuscript paper and a folder to keep your notes and handouts organised.
The tutor provides his own materials and handouts for this course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend that you now study the continuation module: Keyboard harmony level 5C which focuses on new chords, more complex chord progressions and advanced use of non-harmony notes.
You may also wish to study Music theory: grade 7 to support your harmonic studies. Please note: we have multiple courses at different times throughout the week. Some courses are online, and some take place in our college building.
If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes.
Ricardo Gosalbo is a Spanish-French pianist. He has held fellowships at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he currently works as Spanish music tutor and staff accompanist. A devoted champion of Spanish and Hispano-American music, Ricardo combines his duties as artistic director of the Hispanic Music Series with his doctoral research on 19th-century Spanish Art Song. Ricardo has performed at many prestigious venues across Europe and has also been featured on BBC Radio 3 'InTune’. A multifaceted music collaborator, Ricardo is a founding member of the Deco Ensemble, praised as ‘one of the UK’s foremost tango ensembles.’ He has also worked extensively with contemporary dancers and choreographers. He has been the recipient of numerous prizes including the ‘Prix de Lied’ at the Concours International de chant-piano Nadia et Lili Boulanger, the Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform and the Paul Hamburger Prize. Ricardo teaches piano and piano/keyboards classes, and accompanies classes in classical and music theatre singing.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
