Harmonizing Melodies: Example

Question 1

process

Answer 1

• you are given a melody and a key signature
• fill in key and cadence points
• prepare and fill in you chord grid
• try to start and end on I if possible
• fill in the roman numerals for the chord choices for beginning, end, and cadence points
• fill in the rest of the roman numeral harmonies with the chord tones given in the soprano voice
• • remember the rules for phrases and inversions of harmonies
• write in the bass voice in reference to roman numerals and inversions
• play or sing the bass line to see if it sounds alright, then play with soprano line
• • always follow part writing rules
• write in the inner voices
• • start with the ending cadence and fill those in
• • then fill in everything else, always following part writing rules
• • “Boring is Beautiful” if a note can stay the same, let it stay static
• • check and make sure you do not break any rules - double check your work
• play the whole thing to hear if it works

Question 2

when writing or harmonizing a line, the first thing to find out is the:

Answer 2

• key

Question 3

when harmonizing a line, you must always work left-to-right (beginning to end)

Answer 3

• false

Question 4

typically, cadences will be found at the middle and the _____ in a given line

Answer 4

• end

Question 5

the two chords we know so far that could potentially include 7ths are the _____ and V chords

Answer 5

• ii