The Art of Reharmonization
"The Art of Reharmonization" is a comprehensive textbook that delves into the fascinating world of reharmonization, offering both beginners and advanced musicians a valuable resource to elevate their music composition and arrangement skills. This book serves as a guide to understanding and mastering the art of creating intricate and harmonically-rich chord progressions.
Do I need Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro? No, you don't! The book includes plenty of examples with video demos, images of the maps in different keys and the harmonic analyses created by using Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro.
This book uses a hands-on approach to study and learn the most effective reharmonization techniques in modern harmony, giving you an arsenal of techniques to write and reharmonize harmonic progressions. It is organized into two sections, each with 4 units containing several lessons:
SECTION 1: Core Concepts
Unit 1 - Essential Concepts & Techniques (12 Lessons)
Tonality • Basic Chord Substitutions • Modal Interchange • Cadential 64 Chords • Basslines & Inversions • Pedal Points • Symbolism & Notation • Related ii Interpolation • Secondary Dominants & Other Secondary Functions • Considering The Target •Extended Dominants • Chord-Tones • Tensions • Chordscales
Unit 2 - "Oh Danny Boy” Your First Reharmonization (10 Lessons)
Simplest Harmonic Progression • Secondary Dominants, Interpolation & SubV7 • Modal Interchange, Diminished Chords, Chromatic Basslines & Inversions • V7sus4, Basslines, Inversions, Extensions & Pedal Points • Line Cliche & Octave Displacement • Upper Structures & Tertiary SubV7 • Appoggiaturas, Inner-Lines and Low Interval Limit • From Broad To Specific • Passing Diminished Chords, The V7#11/V & Line Cliches • Ending using Melodic Motives, Modal Interchange & Passing Chords
Unit 3 - Reimagining "Oh Danny Boy” Your Second Reharmonization (9 Lessons)
Stylizing Your Reharmonizations: Techniques and Tips • Advanced Dominant Pedal Point & Ambiguity • Tensions as Passing Tones • 1st Inversion add9’s, the iii Chord, and the bVII • Deceptive Cadence Using the viio7/vi, and a Notable Line Cliche • Plagal Cadence With Modal Interchange & Imitative Counterpoint • Non-diatonic Chords & Disguised SubV7 Chords • Melodic Pedal Point with Modal Interchange • A Simple Introduction
Unit 4 - Functional Analysis. Decoding The Source (7 Lessons)
From Chords to Functions • Arrows & Brackets Analysis • Identifying Key Centers. Tonicization vs. Modulation • Direct Modulations vs. Pivot Chord Modulations • Omitted Targets and Backward Progressions • Tonal vs. Modal (Recorda-me) • Subjectivity in Harmony Analysis
SECTION 2: Applying the Concepts
Unit 5 - Amazing Grace. Step-by-Step Reharmonizations (3 Lessons)
Unit 6 - Shenandoah. Step-by-Step Reharmonizations (6 Lessons)
Unit 7 - The Christmas Song. Five Reharmonizations (5 Lessons)
Unit 8 - Advanced Reharmonizations. Blue In Green, Darn That Dream, Over The Rainbow & Moon River (4 Lessons)
At the core of this method is the utilization of the powerful harmony map employed by Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro, a tool that enables musicians to visualize and explore the depths of tonal harmony. Through the text, readers will learn the fundamental principles of tonal harmony, providing the foundation necessary for successful reharmonization.
The book systematically breaks down the three key regions in tonality: the tonic, subdominant, and dominant, revealing the secrets to uncovering chords that naturally complement the key of the composition, and how to travel from region to region. By applying these principles, readers will be equipped to craft captivating harmonies that beautifully enhance the original melody.
The textbook doesn't require prior access to Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro, as it includes an abundance of images and audio/video examples. However, it is highly recommended for those who wish to delve deeper into the subject and experiment on their own, create unique progressions, explore the extensive library of songs, and listen to how different harmonies sound within the application.
Throughout the book, readers will find practical examples and step-by-step instructions to effectively use Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro, providing hands-on experience in crafting various chord progressions and reharmonizations. It's a journey into the world of reharmonization that culminates in the mastery of creating captivating and harmonically-rich music.
In addition to the rich content, the book offers audio and video resources. Numbered examples are provided in a video playlist, conveniently organized by units, allowing readers to listen and watch demonstrations of the concepts discussed in the text.
Whether you're a musician seeking to enhance your composition skills or simply intrigued by the art of reharmonization, "The Art of Reharmonization" is a must-read guide that unlocks the secrets of tonal harmony and Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro, empowering you to create harmonically captivating music. To fully experience the book's potential, you can also download Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro via the AppStore or the official mDecks Website.
Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro app is not included with this book.
The latest version of the app (macOS & iOS) includes all the originals and reharmonized versions of the songs in this book. To find the songs, open the catalog and search for AOR (stands for: Art Of Reharmonization) and the songs will show up in the catalog view.
If you don’t own (or know) Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro app you can learn more here:
Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro
