Advanced Theory & Practice:
Chromatic Harmony

Course Description

Hands-on work with the materials of chromatic tonality and an introduction to complex forms. This course builds on composition and analysis skills developed in Theory & Practice II: Tonal Harmony & Voice Leading, and introduces students to advanced techniques in four-part contrapuntal writing, arranging, model composition, and formal analysis in 18th and 19th century common-practice classical music.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Write and identify chord progressions that incorporate advanced chromatic harmonies, including mode mixture, Neapolitan and augmented 6ths, common-tone chords, chromatic sequences, chromatic modulations, enharmonic reinterpretation, altered and extended chords, and chromatic mediants. 

• Analyze and diagram large forms including binary, ternary, strophic, sonata, rondo, fugue, and theme & variations, identifying key structural and thematic components.

• Recognize and apply techniques related to motivic development, including fragmentation, inversion, augmentation, and diminution. 

• Harmonize melodies and compose short pieces that effectively incorporate the above chromatic techniques and formal structures. 

Syllabus

Note to Students: This is a link to a general program copy of the syllabus. Individual instructors may make minor modifications to the syllabus based on different teaching styles, student needs, and the current academic calendar. The syllabus is included here only as a general reference. Please see the syllabus provided by your instructor for the section and semester you are enrolled in.