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Harmonic Progressions: Patterning

Goal: To hear, sing, play the difference between a root position and an inverted position triad in a harmonic progression while using the following chord positions and inversions: I, I6, ii, ii6, IV, IV6, IV6/4, V, V6, V7, V6/5 (and refer to the Harmony Smorgasbord for possible combinations).

Out of Tempo

Speaking, singing, playing.

Beginning

  1. Teacher plays one then one first inversion.
  2. Students repeat.

Intermediate

  1. Teacher plays five then five first inversion.
  2. Students repeat.

Advanced

  1. Teacher plays a combination of one, one first inversion, five, and five first inversion and prompts, “Identify which chords have been played.”
  2. Students do so.

In Tempo

Teacher sets up a tempo, time signature, and tonality in 2, 3, 4, or compound meter and speaks, sings, plays harmonic progressions using inverted harmonies.

Beginning

  1. Teacher plays the progression, "One, four second inversion, one, five first inversion, five-seven first inversion, one in 6/8.”
  2. Teacher prompts, “Speak the notes while I play”
  3. Students do so.

Intermediate

  1. Teacher plays the progression, “I, IV6/4, I, V6, V6/5, I in 6/8.”
  2. Teacher prompts, “Sing the notes while I play.”
  3. Students do so.

Advanced

  1. The teacher prompts, “Sing the same progression a cappella.”
  2. Students do so.