Embedded Files
Melodies for sight-singing that incorporate modulation to closely-related or distant keys.
Directions: For each excerpt below, begin by analyzing the passage to determine which key the example begins and ends in, and where it pivots to the new key.
Directions: For each excerpt below, begin by analyzing the passage to determine which key the example begins and ends in, and where it pivots to the new key.
Closely-Related Keys
Closely-Related Keys
Relative Major/Minor
Relative Major/Minor
1) Johanna Kinkel, 6 Lieder Op. 6, No. 4 “An Luna,” mm. 1–8 (1839). Harmony simplified. [Image File | MuseScore | Original excerpt]
Directions: Sing the melody while playing the bassline on the piano or singing along with partners.
2) Louise Farrenc, Etude in A minor, mm. 1-8 (transposed) [Image File] [MuseScore] [PDF] [Image File, original excerpt]
Other Closely-Related Keys
Other Closely-Related Keys
4) Fanny (Mendelssohn) Hensel, 6 Lieder Op. 1, No. 2 “Wanderlied,” mm. 3–13 (1846) [ Image File | MuseScore ]
5) Maria Szymanowska, Świtezianka (Lady of the Świteź Lake), ca. 1828, mm. 5–12 [Image File] [MuseScore] [PDF]
7) Loïsa Puget, “Chansonette,” mm. 9–16, from La Dot D’Auvergne (1841), lyrics by Gustave Lemoine [Image | Image with Accompaniment | MuseScore | PDF | Youtube: X:XX–X:XX]
Tonicizations
Tonicizations
Chromatic Modulations
Chromatic Modulations
1) Johanna Kinkel, 6 Lieder Op. 6, No. 4 “An Luna,” mm. 17–32 (1839). [PDF | Image | MuseScore]
Directions: Sing the melody while playing the half-note bassline on the piano or with a partner as a duet. If you have a third group member, ask them to sing the half-note soprano line in the piano part (B-B-C-D, etc.)
2) Nobuo Uematsu, “Opening Theme,” mm. 1–8, from the video game Final Fantasy (1987) [Image File | PDF | MuseScore] [Youtube: 0:00–0:20]
Warmups & Exercises
Warmups & Exercises
David Newman, "The Modulation Song"
from The Well Trained Ear (2019)
Audio & Sing-Along Lyrics here
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Kent D. Cleland & Mary Dobrea-Grindahl, Developing Musicianship through Aural Skills - Available online through the NYU library
Modulation to Closely-Related Keys: Explanation, prep exercises, progression for improvisation, melodies and duets, and sing-and-play melodies, pp. 390–401 (direct link to section)
Modulation to Distantly-Related Keys: Explanation, prep exercises, progression for improvisation, melodies and duets, and sing-and-play melodies, pp. 401–411 (direct link to section)
Examples from the Literature (Closely-Related and Distantly Related), pp. 412–414 (direct link to section)
Direct, Chromatic, and Enharmonic Modulation: Explanation, prep exercises, progression for improvisation, melodies and duets, and sing-and-play melodies, pp. 423–435 (direct link to section)
Examples from the Literature, pp. 442–445 (direct link to section)
Sight Singing Textbook (San Fransisco Conservatory)
Paula Maust, Expanding the Music Theory Canon: Modulation
Diverse Music Theory Examples: Tonicization, Pivot Chord and Direct Modulation, Common-tone Modulation, Abrupt and Enharmonic Modulations
Music By Women: Explore the Database (Click on the Harmonic Progression Filter on the left and select Modulation.)
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