Tonal Composition

Unit 1 – Fundamentals of Tonal Music

Unit 2 – Diatonic Harmony: Triads & Seventh Chords

Unit 3 – Harmonic Progressions and Cadences

Unit 4 – Voice Leading Principles

Unit 5 – Non–Chord Tones and Embellishments

Unit 6 – Modulation Techniques

Unit 7 – Phrase Structure and Melodic Design

Unit 8 – Small Forms – Binary and Ternary

Unit 9 – Theme and Variations

Unit 10 – Sonata Form

Unit 11 – Rondo Form

Unit 12 – Composing for Solo Instruments

Unit 13 – Writing for Voice

Unit 14 – Chamber Music Composition

Unit 15 – Final Project: Original Tonal Composition

## What do you learn in Tonal Composition

Tonal Composition digs into the nuts and bolts of creating music within the Western tonal system. You'll explore chord progressions, melody writing, and harmonic analysis. The course covers voice leading, counterpoint, and form in classical and popular music. You'll also get hands-on experience composing your own pieces and analyzing works by famous composers.

## Is Tonal Composition hard?

Tonal Composition can be challenging, especially if you're new to music theory. It requires a good ear, analytical skills, and creativity. The concepts can get pretty abstract, and there's a lot of terminology to learn. But if you're passionate about music and willing to put in the work, it's totally doable. Most students find it gets easier as they practice and start hearing the concepts in the music around them.

## Tips for taking Tonal Composition in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Listen to a wide variety of music and try to identify the concepts you're learning
3. Practice writing short compositions regularly, even if they're not perfect
4. Form a study group to analyze pieces together and share composition ideas
5. Use online ear training tools to improve your ability to recognize intervals and chords
6. Watch YouTube tutorials on music theory concepts you're struggling with
7. Analyze your favorite songs to see how they use the techniques you're learning
8. Check out the documentary "Composing America" for insights into the composition process

## Common pre-requisites for Tonal Composition

1. Music Theory I: This course covers the basics of notation, scales, and chord structure. You'll learn to read music and understand the fundamental building blocks of Western music.

2. Ear Training I: In this class, you'll develop your ability to recognize pitches, intervals, and rhythms by ear. It's crucial for understanding how music works and improving your overall musicianship.

3. Piano Skills I: Even if you're not a pianist, this course helps you visualize music theory concepts on the keyboard. You'll learn basic piano techniques and how to play simple chord progressions.

## Classes similar to Tonal Composition

1. Orchestration: This course teaches you how to write for different instruments and combine them effectively. You'll learn about instrument ranges, timbres, and how to create various textures in ensemble writing.

2. Jazz Composition: Here, you'll explore the unique harmonic language and improvisational aspects of jazz. You'll learn to write for jazz ensembles and understand the interplay between composition and improvisation.

3. Film Scoring: This class focuses on composing music for visual media. You'll learn techniques for enhancing storytelling through music and how to sync your compositions with on-screen action.

4. Electronic Music Composition: In this course, you'll use digital tools to create and manipulate sounds. You'll explore synthesis, sampling, and production techniques to compose music in various electronic genres.

## Majors related to Tonal Composition

1. Music Composition: Focuses on developing your skills as a composer across various styles and genres. Students learn advanced compositional techniques and often create a portfolio of original works.

2. Music Theory: Delves deep into the analysis and understanding of musical structures. Students study complex harmonic systems, form, and the historical development of Western music.

3. Musicology: Combines music history, theory, and cultural studies. Students examine music in its historical and social contexts, often focusing on research and writing about music.

4. Sound Design: Explores the creation and manipulation of audio for various media. Students learn to craft soundscapes for film, video games, and interactive experiences.

## What can you do with a degree in Tonal Composition?

1. Composer: Write original music for various purposes, from concert halls to film scores. Composers may work freelance or be commissioned by orchestras, ensembles, or media production companies.

2. Music Producer: Oversee the recording, mixing, and production of music in studios. Producers work with artists to shape their sound and often contribute to the compositional process.

3. Music Editor: Work in film or TV to sync music with visual content. Music editors collaborate with directors and composers to ensure the music enhances the storytelling.

4. Arranger: Adapt existing music for different instruments or ensembles. Arrangers might work in the music publishing industry or for performing groups to create new versions of songs.

## Tonal Composition FAQs

1. Do I need to play an instrument to take Tonal Composition? While it's not always required, having some instrumental skills (especially piano) can be very helpful. Many concepts are easier to understand when you can play them out.

2. How much time should I spend practicing composition outside of class? It varies, but most successful students spend at least a few hours each week working on compositions or analysis. The more you practice, the faster you'll improve.

3. Can I use software like Sibelius or Finale for my assignments? Usually, yes. Most professors encourage the use of notation software, as it's an important skill in the modern music world.

4. Will we study contemporary pop music in this class? While the focus is often on classical traditions, many Tonal Composition courses incorporate analysis of popular music. It depends on your professor and the specific curriculum.

Performing Arts

1.2 Rhythm, Meter, and Time Signatures

1.3 Triads and Seventh Chords

1.1 Scales, Key Signatures, and Intervals

1.4 Roman Numeral Analysis

2.1 Primary and Secondary Triads

2.4 Harmonic Function and Progression

2.2 Seventh Chords in Major and Minor Keys

2.3 Chord Inversions and Figured Bass

3.3 Harmonic Rhythm and Phrasing

3.1 Common Chord Progressions

3.2 Cadence Types and Their Functions

4.1 Four-Part Writing Basics

4.2 Connecting Chords in Root Position

4.4 Parallel Motion and Avoiding Errors

4.3 Voice Leading with Inversions

5.2 Suspensions and Retardations

5.4 Pedal Points and Ostinatos

5.1 Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones

5.3 Anticipations and Escape Tones

6.1 Diatonic Modulation

6.2 Chromatic Modulation

6.4 Pivot Chord Modulation

6.3 Enharmonic Modulation

7.1 Phrase Types and Periodic Structure

7.3 Motivic Analysis and Transformation

7.2 Melodic Contour and Development

8.1 Simple Binary Form

8.3 Simple and Compound Ternary Forms

8.2 Rounded Binary Form

9.1 Theme Structure and Characteristics

9.2 Variation Techniques

9.3 Analyzing Theme and Variations

10.3 Recapitulation and Coda

10.4 Sonata Form Variations

10.1 Exposition: Primary and Secondary Themes

10.2 Development Section Techniques

11.1 Simple Rondo (ABACA)

11.2 Sonata-Rondo Form

11.3 Rondo Variations

12.1 Idiomatic Writing for Piano

12.2 String Instrument Techniques

12.3 Wind and Brass Instrument Composition

13.1 Text Setting and Prosody

13.3 Art Song Composition

13.2 Vocal Ranges and Tessituras

14.2 Texture and Counterpoint in Chamber Music

14.3 Writing for String Quartet

14.1 Instrumentation and Balance

15.1 Concept Development and Form Selection

15.2 Composing and Refining the Work

15.3 Score Preparation and Presentation

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