As a professional pianist, composer and educator, there came a point in my career that the theory of how music works became my primary focus. It was my work as an accompanist for vocalists that was the main motivation to put into practice a knowledge of Harmony and chord progressions. With that shift of the way I thought about music, my job performing any song with any singer in any key became much easier.
The course of study I developed, shares that understanding with musicians independently of their level of experience. I include this topic with absolute beginners as well as seasoned professionals who come to me to gain insight and improve their craft.
In a broad overview, the study begins with explaining the number system of harmonic progressions. I use Roman Numerals in a similar fashion as classical Harmony. Every step of a major scale is assigned a number and a diatonic chord is built on each step retaining the corresponding number.
The most basic progressions, sequences of chords, are discussed. These are the “building blocks”, the progressions found in all well written music. The three categories or types of chords are also explored.
After attaining a basic understanding of how the system works, I use popular compositions for the actual study. Some time is spent translating the written music, with it’s chord symbols, letters and notes, into a “chart” using Roman Numerals. Those charts can then be played regardless of key. The music is played from a perspective of how it is working rather than just a memorized series of chords and notes.
As more study material is explored, patterns arise and songs are learned based on what they have in common with material already covered. Many other areas of study are also introduced including harmonic substitution and melodic invention.
Armed with the knowledge of how music works, performances are enhanced, strengthened and more likely to convey the essence of the composition.
Interested in learning more about this subject with the composer himself? Schedule a one-on-one session with Bill Gerhardt. Email us.