To explore the different approaches to harmony, chord progression and pitch from a range of musical genres.

To adopt, adapt and develop techniques of analysing how this music ''works',' and to evaluate these methods through application to different repertoires.

To examine theoretical questions opened up by the evolution of harmony, tonality, and form since the common-practice era.

(LO1) Understand the theory and practice of harmonic language appropriate to different musical styles.

(LO2) Test, develop and apply music theory appropriate to the 'object' under scrutiny

(LO3) Appreciate principles of musical evolution, including factors which drive change in harmony, and tonality.

(S1) Adaptability.

(S2) Problem solving skills.

(S3) Organisational skills.

(S4) Communication skills.
Assessed through presentation on chosen topics.

The course focuses on different theories of harmony and chord progression, synthesizing different aspects of music theory. Typical topic areas include:

Extended Harmony in the nineteenth century and jazz.
Chord function and substitution: Examples from Schubert, Kate Bush and Elliot Smith.
Chord progressions in ‘thirds’: Examples from Hollywood films and Schubert songs.
Chromatic chords: progressions with examples from Wagner and Hitchcock films.
Voice-leading techniques in the Beatles and the classical period.
Pitch-structures in the early twentieth-century and prog rock.

Students learn cutting-edge theories of harmony from a range of pieces.

Weekly seminars will explore the works more informally, after lectures have presented the main issues and established the parameters for our explorations.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures take place on a weekly basis and cover the course content; explaining techniques of analysis, and introducing students to the repertoire.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: These will be stream-captured, and available through VITAL

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: These will try-out and test analytical techniques on the works under study. There will be student led discussion on the fortnightly readings.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-directed learning: Time spent analysing scores and recordings, applying techniques of analysis, reading in preparation for seminars and assessment.