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George W. Russell, Jr.

After a tremendous response from learners on Coursera, Berklee Online has created a Developing Your Musicianship specialization, and this course is the third course in the series. If you have a general understanding of music theory or if you have completed Developing Your Musicianship I and II, this course will continue to help you understand musical concepts, enabling you to create and perform contemporary music. Taught by Berklee College of Music professor George W. Russell, Jr., the course includes four lessons that delve into an intermediate level of harmony and ear training.

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After a tremendous response from learners on Coursera, Berklee Online has created a Developing Your Musicianship specialization, and this course is the third course in the series. If you have a general understanding of music theory or if you have completed Developing Your Musicianship I and II, this course will continue to help you understand musical concepts, enabling you to create and perform contemporary music. Taught by Berklee College of Music professor George W. Russell, Jr., the course includes four lessons that delve into an intermediate level of harmony and ear training.

The course will introduce you to new key signatures, and explore how they are constructed. You will continue to train your ear, learning to differentiate between the various intervals and chords that were explored in Developing Your Musicianship I and II. You will learn how to borrow chords from parallel tonalities (modal interchange), and how to write more common chord progressions.

The course culminates with an assignment that asks you to compose and perform a composition using popular chord progressions. As with Developing Your Musicianship I and II, this course is designed to share the joy of creating music.

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Syllabus

Welcome to Musicianship: Harmonic Function, Modal Interchange, and Tensions
Welcome to Musicianship: Musicianship: Harmonic Function, Modal Interchange, and Tensions (also known as Developing Your Musicianship III)! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your course experience.
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Lesson 1
This week, we will explore the key of Eb Major and B minor. We will also learn about chord tensions and harmonic function, or, in other words, how chords function within a tonal center. We will continue to develop our ears by aurally identifying chord progressions and chord qualities.
Lesson 2
This week, we will explore learn a new chord progression, the I II- V I. If you took Developing Your Musicianship, you may remember the VII-7b5, but this week, we'll learn about diminished chords. We'll also continue to train our ears to hear chord progressions and qualities.
Lesson 3
This week, we will explore the concept of modal interchange, or borrowing chords from a parallel tonality. We'll also learn a new chord progression that showcases modal interchange, the bVI bVII I progression. Finally, we will continue to train our ears to hear chord progressions and qualities.
Lesson 4
This last lesson will focus on preparing you for your final course project: writing and performing a 16-bar song. We will run through a brief overview of the concepts you have learned over the past few weeks that you will be able to apply when you complete your project. We will also learn about suspended chords and we will continue our ear training practice.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Delves into complex concepts like harmonic function, modal interchange, and tensions, making it suitable for musicians with a good understanding of music theory
Teaches advanced ear training techniques, helping musicians identify and differentiate various intervals and chords
Provides practical exercises and assignments, such as composing and performing a song, allowing musicians to apply their learning
Led by George W. Russell, Jr., a renowned Berklee College of Music professor, ensuring the quality of instruction
Part of a Developing Your Musicianship specialization, indicating a structured and comprehensive approach to music education

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Reviews summary

Well-received musicianship course

Learners say this well-received musicianship course is great!

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Musicianship: Tensions, Harmonic Function, and Modal Interchange with these activities:
Review the Major Scale
Helps prepare students for understanding key signatures and chord progressions.
Show steps
  • Play the C Major scale ascending and descending.
  • Identify the pattern of whole and half steps in the C Major scale.
  • Practice playing other major scales, such as G Major or F Major.
Attend a Music Theory Workshop
Offers an opportunity to learn from experienced musicians and gain hands-on experience with music theory concepts.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Find a music theory workshop that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
  • Participate actively in the workshop activities.
Use an Ear Training App
Improves ear training skills, which are essential for identifying chords and chord progressions.
Browse courses on Ear Training
Show steps
  • Download an ear training app, such as Perfect Ear or EarMaster.
  • Start with the basics, such as identifying intervals and chords.
  • Gradually increase the difficulty as you progress.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
The Jazz Theory Book
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, which is a valuable resource for students who want to understand how chords and progressions are used in jazz music.
View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on harmony and chord progressions.
  • Analyze the musical examples in the book.
  • Apply the concepts you learn to your own compositions.
Chord Progressions
Provides practice in identifying and writing chord progressions, which is a key skill in composing and arranging music.
Browse courses on Chord Progressions
Show steps
  • Write down the chord progressions you hear in popular songs.
  • Analyze the chord progressions to identify their structure and function.
  • Compose your own chord progressions using different keys and time signatures.
Compose a Song
Allows students to apply their knowledge of harmony, ear training, and chord progressions to create their own musical work.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Choose a topic or theme for your song.
  • Write the lyrics for your song.
  • Compose the melody for your song.
  • Arrange the song for different instruments.
Tutor Other Students
Provides an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of music theory by helping others learn.
Show steps
  • Offer to tutor other students in music theory.
  • Create lesson plans and materials to help your students learn.
  • Meet with your students regularly to help them with their studies.
Contribute to Open Source Music Software
Provides an opportunity to gain practical experience with music theory and software development.
Show steps
  • Find an open source music software project that you are interested in.
  • Contribute code or documentation to the project.
  • Participate in the project's community.

Career center

Learners who complete Musicianship: Tensions, Harmonic Function, and Modal Interchange will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Journalist
Music journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. They may also work as music critics or music educators. This course may be useful for aspiring music journalists as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and writing about music.
Music Historian
Music historians study the history of music. They may work in universities, museums, or other institutions. Music historians may also work as music educators or researchers. This course may be useful for aspiring music historians as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and interpreting music history.
Music Ethnomusicologist
Music ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures. They may work in universities, museums, or other institutions. Music ethnomusicologists may also work as music educators or researchers. This course may be useful for aspiring music ethnomusicologists as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and interpreting music from different cultures.
Music Librarian
Music librarians are responsible for managing and preserving music collections. They may work in public libraries, university libraries, or music libraries. Music librarians may also work as music educators or researchers. This course may be useful for aspiring music librarians as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and organizing music collections.
Music Archivist
Music archivists are responsible for preserving and documenting music history. They may work in music libraries, museums, or other institutions. Music archivists may also work as music educators or researchers. This course may be useful for aspiring music archivists as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and preserving music history.
Music Critic
Music critics write reviews and articles about music. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. Music critics may also work as music educators or consultants. This course may be useful for aspiring music critics as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and evaluating music.
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, adults, and the elderly. Music therapists may use music to help people relax, reduce stress, improve mood, and cope with pain. This course may be useful for aspiring music therapists as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for using music to help people.
Music Promoter
Music promoters promote music events, such as concerts and festivals. They may work for record labels, concert venues, or other organizations. Music promoters may also work as music managers or music agents. This course may be useful for aspiring music promoters as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and promoting music.
Music Teacher
Music teachers teach music to students of all ages. They may work in schools, private music studios, or community centers. Music teachers may teach a variety of subjects, including music theory, ear training, and instrumental or vocal performance. This course may be useful for aspiring music teachers as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for teaching music.
Music Agent
Music agents represent musicians and help them book gigs and negotiate contracts. They may work for booking agencies, management companies, or other organizations. Music agents may also work as music managers or music promoters. This course may be useful for aspiring music agents as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and booking music gigs.
Music Manager
Music managers represent musicians and help them manage their careers. They may work for record labels, management companies, or other organizations. Music managers may also work as music producers or music promoters. This course may be useful for aspiring music managers as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for understanding and managing music careers.
Composer
Composers create original music. They may write music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, theater, and video games. Composers may also work with musicians and other audio professionals to produce recordings of their music. This course may be useful for aspiring composers as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for creating high-quality music.
Musician
Musicians play musical instruments and sing. They may perform solo or as part of a group. Musicians may also teach music or compose music. This course may be useful for aspiring musicians as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for all musicians.
Audio Engineer
Audio engineers are responsible for the technical aspects of audio production, including recording, mixing, and mastering. They work with musicians, producers, and other audio professionals to create recordings that meet the client's needs and specifications. This course may be useful for aspiring audio engineers as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for creating high-quality audio recordings.
Music Producer
Music producers are responsible for the overall sound and quality of commercial audio recordings. These recordings can include music, speech, and other sounds, and they are used for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, and marketing. Music producers work with musicians, singers, and other audio professionals to create recordings that meet the client's needs and specifications. This course may be useful for aspiring music producers as it provides a foundation in music theory and ear training, which are essential skills for creating high-quality audio recordings.

Reading list

We've selected 35 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Musicianship: Tensions, Harmonic Function, and Modal Interchange.
A comprehensive reference work on jazz music, covering a wide range of topics. It could be useful as a reference tool for those who want to explore specific topics in more depth.
Comprehensive textbook on jazz harmony. It covers topics such as chord construction, chord progressions, and harmonic analysis. It valuable resource for students of jazz theory and improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to jazz harmony, covering topics such as chord construction, chord progressions, and harmonic analysis. It valuable resource for students of jazz theory and improvisation.
A comprehensive reference work on music theory, covering a wide range of topics. It could be useful as a reference tool for those who want to explore specific topics in more depth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory, including topics such as scales, chords, harmony, and rhythm. It great resource for musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of music theory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, including topics such as scales, chords, harmony, and rhythm. It great resource for jazz musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of jazz theory.
Provides a practical approach to understanding and applying jazz harmony. It includes exercises, examples, and charts to help musicians develop their harmonic skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of harmony and voice leading, including topics such as chords, chord progressions, and voice leading techniques. It great resource for musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of harmony and voice leading.
Comprehensive guide to modal jazz composition and harmony. It covers topics such as modal scales, chord progressions, and improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to jazz theory. It covers topics such as scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to jazz guitar. It covers topics such as scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to jazz saxophone. It covers topics such as scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of Aaron Copland, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Aaron Copland and his music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of counterpoint, including topics such as two-voice counterpoint, three-voice counterpoint, and four-voice counterpoint. It great resource for musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of counterpoint.
Provides a comprehensive overview of orchestration, including topics such as the different instruments of the orchestra, orchestration techniques, and orchestration styles. It great resource for musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of orchestration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of orchestration, including topics such as the different instruments of the orchestra, orchestration techniques, and orchestration styles. It great resource for musicians of all levels who want to improve their understanding of orchestration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of George Gershwin, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about George Gershwin and his music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of Leonard Bernstein, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Leonard Bernstein and his music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of Igor Stravinsky, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Igor Stravinsky and his music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of Béla Bartók, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Béla Bartók and his music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music of Charles Ives, including topics such as his early life, his career, and his major works. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Charles Ives and his music.
A collection of essays on different aspects of jazz music, including its history, theory, and performance practice. It could be useful as a supplementary reading to gain a broader perspective on jazz music.
A collection of lead sheets for jazz standards. It could be useful for practicing ear training and learning how to play jazz tunes.
Explores advanced music theory concepts, including topics such as set theory, serialism, and electroacoustic music. It valuable resource for musicians seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary music theory.
This comprehensive reference book provides an overview of the history and development of music theory. It includes articles by leading scholars in the field.
Comprehensive guide to music theory. It covers topics such as scales, chords, progressions, and improvisation.
Provides a comprehensive guide to improvisation for musicians of all levels. It includes exercises, tips, and advice to help musicians develop their improvisational skills.
An intermediate-level textbook on harmony, which could be useful as a supplementary reference or for additional reading.
Explores the music of iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. It provides an in-depth analysis of his playing style, compositions, and influence on jazz music.
Contains a collection of jazz standards, including lead sheets, chord charts, and performance tips. It valuable resource for musicians seeking to expand their repertoire.

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