May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
19 minute read
Harmony, in its broadest sense, refers to a state of agreement or pleasing arrangement of different elements. It's a concept that transcends a single discipline, finding its expression in the chords of music, the balance of social systems, the composition of art, and the tenets of philosophical thought. Understanding harmony involves recognizing how various parts can work together to create something cohesive and often beautiful, whether that's a musical piece, a functional society, or a personal sense of well-being.
Venturing into the study of harmony can be an intellectually stimulating journey. You might find yourself captivated by the intricate mathematical relationships that underpin musical chords, fascinated by the societal structures that promote peaceful coexistence, or intrigued by philosophical inquiries into the nature of a harmonious life. The interdisciplinary nature of harmony means that its study can lead to diverse and engaging explorations, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge and application.
Introduction to Harmony
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Find a path to becoming a Harmony. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 26 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
Harmony.
This widely used textbook in undergraduate music theory programs, offering a comprehensive introduction to tonal harmony. It covers fundamental concepts such as chords, voice leading, and harmonic progressions within the common practice period. is excellent for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a primary reference.
Considered a standard text in music schools, this book provides a rigorous approach to tonal harmony with a strong emphasis on voice leading. It's highly valuable for deepening understanding and is often used in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses. It serves as a crucial reference for classical harmony.
Considered a comprehensive guide to jazz harmony and theory. It covers chord scales, jazz progressions, reharmonization, and improvisation. is essential for anyone wanting to understand and apply harmony in a jazz context and must-read for jazz musicians.
A widely used and respected textbook that provides a clear and systematic approach to tonal harmony. It covers the fundamentals thoroughly and includes exercises for practice. is suitable for both broad understanding and deepening knowledge, often used in undergraduate programs.
Another essential text by Schoenberg, this book focuses on the role of harmony in creating musical structure. It analyzes harmonic practices from simple chord connections to complex modulatory schemes. is crucial for understanding how harmony contributes to larger musical forms and is suitable for advanced study.
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of harmony, covering topics such as harmonic analysis, counterpoint, and orchestration. It valuable resource for advanced students of music theory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of harmony, with contributions from leading scholars in the field. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of harmony.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of harmony in Western music, with a focus on the 18th and 19th centuries. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of harmony.
This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of music theory topics, including harmony and analysis. It is often used in college-level courses and provides a solid foundation for understanding musical structures. It's a valuable reference for both theory and analysis.
Specifically focused on jazz harmony as taught at Berklee College of Music. It covers chord types, tensions, and their application in jazz arranging and improvisation. is highly practical for musicians interested in jazz.
A seminal work by a highly influential composer and theorist, this book offers a unique and philosophical perspective on harmony. It delves into the historical development of harmonic practices and challenges traditional views. While not a typical 'how-to' book, it's a classic that provides deep insights and is valuable for advanced students and professionals.
A widely adopted textbook that integrates theory, analysis, and listening skills. It provides a comprehensive approach to understanding music, including a strong foundation in harmony. Useful for undergraduate students seeking a holistic view.
Explores harmony from a unique perspective, tracing its historical development and connecting it to various musical traditions. It delves into the theoretical and experiential aspects of harmony, offering a broader cultural context. It's valuable for those seeking a deeper, more holistic understanding.
While focused on composition and arranging, this book delves deeply into the application of harmony in contemporary jazz and commercial music, particularly in the context of modern technology. It's highly relevant for professionals and advanced students in these fields.
The final book in the series, this level covers advanced chords, extensions, alterations, and contemporary voicing techniques. It explores melody harmonization and polychords, offering in-depth knowledge for those focusing on contemporary composition and arranging.
Presents Kirnberger's influential approach to harmony, which emphasized the role of figured bass and the use of counterpoint. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and development of harmony.
Building upon Level One, this book delves into more advanced chords, substitutions, voice leading, and scales used in jazz and pop music. It provides practical examples from well-known songs, making it valuable for those deepening their understanding of contemporary harmony.
Focuses on essential concepts of harmony and theory, likely geared towards practical application, possibly in contemporary or jazz styles given the author's background. It would be useful for gaining a solid understanding of core harmonic principles.
An introductory harmony textbook that focuses on the principles of harmonic composition in the common practice period. It provides a systematic approach with exercises for developing fundamental skills. is suitable for beginners and those seeking a clear introduction.
A foundational text in the history of Western music theory, this book laid the groundwork for the theory of tonal harmony. Reading this provides essential historical context for understanding the development of harmonic concepts. It's a classic for serious students of music theory history.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of harmony, with a focus on practical applications. It good choice for beginners who want to learn more about the basics of harmony.
A practical guide to harmony by the renowned composer Tchaikovsky. It offers insights into harmonic practices from a composer's perspective and includes exercises. While older, it provides a valuable historical viewpoint and practical application of tonal harmony.
Provides a step-by-step approach to learning harmony, with a focus on practical examples. It good choice for beginning students of music theory.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/twvbpg/harmon
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