Harmony Manual

There cannot be a single instrumentalist who does not wish for a better understanding of harmony! 95 % of music written between 1600 and 1900 uses major-minor harmony and and it continues to be used today by many
composers and of course also in jazz and popular music. The problem lies in the fact that few people truly understand harmony, so this often leaves performances wanting, or players feeling inadequate when
improvising or transposing.

This keyboard harmony manual starts from very basic root position I IV V chords and takes the player through developing a solid harmonic sense by playing, analysing and listening. Designed as a self-help manual, the explanations are simple and the results with practice are rewarding. It is not just a matter of knowing chords, but also understanding the need for smooth voice-leading, certain basic progressions (e.g. IIb-V-I), harmonic rhythm, cadences, the circle of 5ths and transposition. Figured bass instruction is given and also an introduction to basso ostinato. Possible solutions to many of the harmonization exercises are provided at the end of the book.
 

This manual can be worked through from the beginning, or dipped into at chapters of interest. With application, any keyboard player will gain from this manual, and hopefully find their fluency in and understanding of harmony
much improved.