Harmonizing Melodies: Process

Question 1

some helpers that you should use

Answer 1

• chord grid
• • add in the note names for the key
• • has the chords and the chord tone choices, then write out the names
• • this helps give you the correct notes to choose from
• flow chart
• • I-ii or IV-V-I
• – remember the embedded I-V-I and I-IV-I tonic phrases

Question 2

writing with a given line

Answer 2

• identify the key and mode & write in the melody line scale degrees for each note. sing/play through the line. write in the grid
• look at the potential harmonies for the beginning and ending notes. write in the bass notes to create potential harmonies and cadence
• examine the middle portion. use phrase-pattern thinking, plan the shape and motion content of the bass line. watch for steps, skips, and leaps in the given line
• write in the notes for your bass line. label harmonies as you write. try to make the harmonies flow in a logical order
• add in the alto and tenor parts. be mindful of the correct doublings. watch out for parallel and hidden fifths/octaves as you go. carefully consider your approach to perfect intervals and resolves tendency tones correctly

Question 3

note

Answer 3

• this requires patience and practice
• it will not go smoothly the first time. if it does, you were lucky, try again
• this is a rewarding skill to master. it will allow you to be able to write your own music and harmonize it

Question 4

given a melody line, it’s best to play or sing it first in either solfege or scale-degree numbers

Answer 4

• true

Question 5

writing the scale-degree numbers over the pitches of the melody is helpful in planning chord selections for the _______

Answer 5

• harmony

Question 6

when working with melodies, do you need to only work from “left to right”?

Answer 6

• no

Question 7

complete the flow chart of the chord progression below, answering with Roman numerals
I [?] [?] [?]

Answer 7

• IV, V, I

Question 8

a chord grid can be a quick and useful reference. generally, when it comes to doubling pitches of a chord, it’s best to double the root and avoid doubling the ________

Answer 8

• 3rd