Harmonious Horizons: Exploring Parallel Harmony

Harmonious Horizons: Exploring Parallel Harmony

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the concept of parallel harmony and identify its application in music.

Introduce the learning objective and set expectations for the lesson.

What do you already know about parallel harmony?

Slide 1: Introduction

Parallel harmony refers to a musical technique where two or more melodic lines move in the same direction at the same interval.

Provide a brief definition of parallel harmony and highlight the core concept.

Slide 2: Examples

In parallel harmony, the intervals between the melodic lines remain consistent throughout the progression. For instance, C-E-G and D-F-A in parallel thirds.

Provide clear examples of parallel harmony using specific intervals to enhance understanding.

Slide 3: Characteristics

Parallel harmony often creates a sense of unity, stability, and consonance in music. It can be found in various genres and time periods.

Discuss the characteristics and effects of parallel harmony, emphasizing its importance in music composition.

Slide 4: Benefits

Using parallel harmony can add depth, richness, and a cohesive quality to a musical piece. It can evoke specific emotions and enhance the overall musical experience.

Highlight the advantages and benefits of incorporating parallel harmony in music.

Slide 5: Analysis

Analyzing the use of parallel harmony involves identifying the intervals between the melodic lines and recognizing the overall impact on the composition.

Explain the process of analyzing parallel harmony and encourage students to actively listen and analyze musical examples.

Slide 6: Application

Parallel harmony can be applied in various ways, such as creating harmonies in vocal arrangements, composing instrumental melodies, or developing chord progressions.

Discuss the practical applications of parallel harmony across different musical contexts.

Slide 7: Exercises

Let's practice! Identify the parallel harmony in the following musical excerpt and describe the impact it has on the overall mood and tonality.

Engage students in a listening exercise to identify and analyze parallel harmony in a specific musical excerpt.

Slide 8: Conclusion

In conclusion, parallel harmony is a powerful tool in music composition that enhances unity, stability, and emotional impact. Keep exploring and experimenting with parallel harmony in your own musical creations!

Summarize the key points of the lesson and encourage students to continue exploring parallel harmony.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.