Harmony in Practice



Overview

This course covers the basics of 'common practice' harmony in Western art music, with practical exercises, examples and demonstrations. Basic musical literacy and an elementary knowledge of music theory is required for full participation. Topics to be covered will include: Four part harmonisation of a melody; Writing a keyboard accompaniment to a given melody; Realising a figured bass; Harmonising chorale melodies in the style of Bach; Harmonising for string quartet; Basic two-part counterpoint and others, as time allows.

The course would be a potential 'follow up' to 'Further Music Theory', ABRSM or Trinity Grade V Theory and would also serve as a preparation for or back-up to ABRSM /Trinity Grade VI / VII Theory and music 'A' level.

Programme details

Course begins: 15 April 2024

Please note: There will be no class on the 6 or 27 May

Week 0: Course Orientation

Week 1: Four-part harmonisation of a given melody I

Week 2: Four-part harmonisation of a given melody II

Week 3: Four-part harmonisation of a given melody III

Week 4: Realising a figured bass

Week 5: Writing a keyboard accompaniment to a given melody

Week 6: Harmonising chorale melodies in the style of Bach I

Week 7: Harmonising chorale melodies in the style of Bach II

Week 8: Harmonising chorale melodies in the style of Bach III

Week 9: Harmonising for string quartet

Week 10: Basic two-part counterpoint.

Digital Certification

To complete the course and receive a certificate, you will be required to attend and participate in at least 80% of the live sessions on the course and pass your final assignment. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £257.00
Take this course for CATS points £10.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Peter Copley

Peter Copley D.Phil, MA, B.mus is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a visiting lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has been a Research Associate for the music faculty.

Course aims

To provide a basic practical introduction to 'common practice' harmony in Western Art Music.

Course Objectives:

To teach the practical application of 'common practice' harmony in the following areas:

  • Harmonisation of a given melody in a variety of styles.
  • Realisation of a figured bass.
  • Writing a keyboard accompaniment to a given melody.

Teaching methods

This course will consist of a pre-recorded one hour lecture for each week, including the step-by-step working of examples covered in the 'live' session where the students will also have a chance to ask any questions arising from the pre-recorded lecture.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

  • understand the basics of 'common practice' harmony in Western Art Music;
  • be able to harmonise a melody in a variety of styles and formats;
  • be able to complete short movements from given material.

Assessment methods

A portfolio including a maximum of five of the following options:

- Four part harmonisation of a given melody.

- Realisation of a figured bass.

- A keyboard accompaniment to a given melody.

- A chorale melody harmonised in the style of J.S.Bach.

- Completion of a short movement for string quartet from given material.

- Completion of a short piece of two part counterpoint from given material.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

We will close for enrolments 7 days prior to the start date to allow us to complete the course set up. We will email you at that time (7 days before the course begins) with further information and joining instructions. As always, students will want to check spam and junk folders during this period to ensure that these emails are received.

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

Basic musical literacy and an elementary knowledge of music theory is required for full participation.

Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support