Embedded Files
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Define the terms modulation, closely-related key, and pivot chord as they relate to harmony in common-practice Western art music.
List the closely-related keys for any given major or minor key and determine appropriate pivot chords to modulate between the keys.
Explain similarities and differences between tonicization and modulation.
Analyze examples from the repertoire that use pivot chord modulation to closely-related keys, labeling the key areas, pivot chords, Roman numerals, and chord function.
Compose and partwrite a chord progression that modulates using a pivot chord to a closely-related key.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely-Related Keys (Peterson, Open Music Theory)
Modulation (Mount, Fundamentals, Function, and Form)
Watch
Watch
How Modulation Works
Seth Monahan (29 mins)
Study Aids
Study Aids
Diatonic Common Chord Modulation Handout
Source: Toby Rush (Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People)
Closely-Related Keys
Closely-related keys are those within 1 sharp/flat of the original key. On the circle of 5ths, this is the relative major/minor and the major and minor key on the left and right on the circle.
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Discussion
Discussion
Definitions: What is modulation and how does it compare to tonicization? Discuss some of the similarities and differences. What are some of the reasons a composer might choose to modulate?
What is a closely-related key? How many closely-related keys does each key have? How do you find these?
What is a pivot chord modulation? How does it compare to direct/abrupt modulation? What is the difference in effect? Why might a composer choose to use one form of modulation over another?
Pivot Chords: What chords most commonly serve as pivot chords between closely-related keys? Discuss strategies for finding appropriate pivot chords given two different closely-related keys.
Activities
Activities
Online Practice Worksheets:
Practice Worksheet with Solutions: See "Day 1" only. (Hutchinson, Music Theory for the 21st Century Classroom)
Worksheet 1 : Practice exercises for identifying closely-related keys, practice with pivot chords, and analysis. (Hutchinson, Music Theory for the 21st Century Classroom)
Worksheet 2: Identifying closely-related keys and relationships, finding pivot chords, partwriting, and harmonization (from Fundamentals, Function, and Form)
Worksheet 3: Identify closely-related keys and analyze a Schubert String Quartet (Open Music Theory)
Worksheet Set: (San Francisco Conservatory)
Worksheet 1: Set a bassline in 4 voices to include secondary dominants of V or a modulation to V.
Worksheet 2a: Analysis of a Haydn String Quartet Op. 5, No. 5, featuring modulation to V.
Worksheet 2b: Composition practice. Given a key and the pivot chord, compose a progression that modulates to the new key.
Composition: Have a partner select a key and a closely-related key to modulate to. Work out all of the possible diatonic pivot chords between the two different keys. Then, compose a 4-bar progression that modulates using a diatonic pivot. Be sure to establish the home key before pivoting to the new key. Partwrite the progression in 4-voice chorale or keyboard style. Label the Roman numerals and chord function below the staff. If there's time, also compose a melody for the chord progression.
Analysis: Analyze examples from the repertoire in the Anthology section below. Identify Roman numerals, chord function (T, PD, D), pivot chords and keys, cadences, and non-chord tones by type.
Repertoire for Practice
Repertoire for Practice
Full Score Analysis: Louise Reichardt, Sechs Lieder von Novalis, Op. 4 , No. 6, “Er besucht den Klostergarten”
Anthology: Modulation: Examples for analysis that use pivot chord modulation to closely-related keys. See the section "Pivot Chord Modulation (Closely-related Keys)."
Practice
Practice
Musition:
Modulation: Levels 1–5
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Check out the use of modulation in these pop songs.
4 Inventive Key Changes in Pop Music
(David Bennett, 15 mins)
4 Inventive Key Changes in Pop Music
(David Bennett, 15 mins)
How Queen Uses Key Changes
(David Bennett, 12 mins)
How Queen Uses Key Changes
(David Bennett, 12 mins)
How Radiohead Uses Key Changes
(David Bennett, 13 mins)
How Radiohead Uses Key Changes
(David Bennett, 13 mins)
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