Identifying and Using Non-Chord Tones (Neighbor and Passing Tones): Students should be able to complete the Chord Tone Melody assignments correctly before going to this step. I require my students to show me that a note is a non-chord tone, and specifically how they are using it. They color neighbor tones red and color passing tones blue. You can add escape tones and suspensions/anticipations if you want to, just make sure students are showing you that they are using those notes intentionally.

Writing in Various Musical Forms: AABA is easy to introduce and a good way to check for understanding. The rondo assignment is good for students who have already mastered writing two parts in AABA form and are looking for ways to make their compositions more interesting.

Writing Outlined Chord Progressions: Outlined chords can be introduced at any time, but it helps if students are already comfortable enough with the triad spellings that they can think of each letter set quickly.

Writing in Minor:

Writing in Three Parts:

Arrangement Assignments: These are great for helping students understand that they can use their chord knowledge to make their own arrangements!

Writing in Four Parts: