Embedded Files
Lesson Objectives
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Identify non-chord tones in an example from the repertoire and label each by type as passing tone (PT), neighbor tone (NT), anticipation (ANT), escape tone (ET), appoggiatura (APP), suspension (SUS), retardation (RET), or pedal tone (PED).
Explain the difference between accented and unaccented embellishing tones and identify which category each of the above types tend to fall into.
Describe the function of embellishing tones and their relationship to the underlying harmony, including their role in ornamentation, expression, stylistic nuance, and tension and resolution.
Apply embellishing tones creatively in melodic improvisation, composition, and arrangement.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
"Embellishing Tones" (Peterson, OMT)
"Suspensions" (Robert Hutchinson)
Watch
Watch
Embellishing Tones
(Alan Belkin, 4 minutes)
Embellishing Tones
(Alan Belkin, 4 minutes)
Introduction to Non-Chord Tones
(Seth Monahan, 18 minutes) - Watch 0:00–18:27
Introduction to Non-Chord Tones
(Seth Monahan, 18 minutes) - Watch 0:00–18:27
Study Aids
Study Aids
Handouts from Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Discussion
Discussion
Definitions: Work in groups or as a class to define each type of non-chord tone discussed in the reading and provide an example of each. Use the worksheet provided here. Identify whether each type typically occurs as an accented or unaccented embellishing tone.
Check your understanding by flipping through these Quizlet flashcards as a class and identifying the marked non-chord tone as quickly as possible.
What do Non-Chord Tones Do? What role do non-chord tones play in music? Analyze a few of the musical examples from the anthology. Identify the non-chord tones by type, then listen to the example played without the non-chord tones. What do the non-chord tones add to the music? How do the different types of non-chords play different roles or create different expressive effects?
Notation and Interpretation: Examine the challenges related to interpreting embellishing tones in musical scores. In a dense harmonic context, how can you tell what is an embellishing tone and what isn't? Are there any ambiguous circumstances? How do you make decisions in those instances?
Activities
Activities
Practice with Different Types: Work through the Open Music Theory worksheet here in groups or individually to practice writing each type of non-chord tone and identifying it in an example from the repertoire.
Group Composition Party Game: Break into groups of 4, then read through the instructions for the game here. As you work, think about melodic features discussed in Unit 3 (e.g. melodic rhythm, cadence, contour, repetition, motive, etc.).
Once you've selected a winning melody, discuss what you like about it, referencing some of the melodic features above where appropriate.
Follow up the activity with individual composition. Compose a 4-bar harmonic progression, then write a simple melody that strategically incorporates different types of non-chord tones to create tension and resolution. Present your melodies to the class and explain your melodic choices.
Non-Chord Tone Transformation: Select a melodic line or chord progression and work to create variations by transforming chord tones into non-chord tones. Experiment with passing tones, suspensions, appoggiaturas, and other non-chord tones. Perform and discuss the effects of these variations on the overall character of the music.
Repertoire for Practice
Repertoire for Practice
Embellishing Tones: This section of the anthology includes examples from the repertoire with different categories of non-chord tones.
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Learn about ornamentation in Indian Classical Music (alankar) and watch video demonstrations at Sādhana's "Demystifying Indian Classical Music" site here.
Optional Additional Practice
Optional Additional Practice
Musition:
Nonharmonic Tones: Levels 1–6
Quizlet Flashcards: Embellishing Tones
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