Theory Orals: Pedagogy

Question 1

Name a current tonal harmony textbook, and cite examples of different types of theoretical influences on its concepts.

Answer 1

Roig-Francoli Harmony in Context:

• -Schenker-based and harmonically linear
• -A fusion of vertical and horizontal styles

Question 2

Name one theoretical concept that Harmony in Context was the first to use in an American harmony textbook?

Answer 2

Neo-Riemannian Principles:

• -Principles as also outlined by Richard Cone and David Lewin
• -P, L, and R relations
• -Triadic Transformations

Phrase Rhythm

Question 3

What is the vertical approach to music theory pedagogy? Name an example.

Answer 3

• -Vertical approach is the traditional “block chord” analysis.
• -This emphasized chords which stood alone within a work, but failed to look at how they acted in a larger-scale, more linear function.
• -In this method, a cadential 6/4 chord is often labeled as I 6/4.
• -Kostka/Payne: Tonal Harmony

Question 4

What is the horizontal approach to music theory pedagogy? Name an example.

Answer 4

• -Horizontal approach is a more progressive, but larger-scale analysis which looks at the overall function of tonality at a linear level.
• -Laitz and Roig-Francoli even separate chords into three large scale functions, such as T-Tonic Function, D-Dominant Function, and P-Predominant Function.
• -In this method, a cadential 6/4 is often labeled as V 6/4-5/3. The cadential 6/4, even though technically is a I chord in 2nd inversion, is acting in a way that is prolonging a dominant resolution. There is nothing “tonic” or “I” about this chord, so it is not seen as such.
• -Aldwell/Schachter: Harmony and Voice Leading (Precursor to the others)
• -Roig-Francoli, Harmony in Context
• -Laitz, The Complete Musician
• -Marvin/Clendinning, A Musician’s Guide to Theory and Analysis

Question 5

What are some strategies and methods to aural skills pedagogy?

Answer 5

• -Getting the most mileage out of activities.
• -Engaging Students and keeping them all invested in the class.
• -Always singing, always doing, always dictating
• -Always incorporate singing, dication, and such into theory learning.

Question 6

What are some computer-assisted methods for aural skills pedagogy?

Answer 6

MacGamut, Aural Skills Software.