Harmonic function is an essential concept in music theory that describes how chords relate to each other within a progression. Understanding harmonic function can help students to analyze and compose music better, and it is therefore important to teach this concept to music students.
The first step in teaching harmonic function to students is to introduce the concept of a key. A key is a set of related notes that form the basis of a piece of music. The major and minor keys are the most commonly used, and each key has a specific set of chords that can be built from its notes.
Next, students can learn about the function of each chord within a key. In a major key, there are three major chords (the I, IV, and V chords), three minor chords (the ii, iii, and vi chords), and one diminished chord (the vii chord). In a minor key, the chord qualities are slightly different, but the same basic principles apply.
The I chord is the tonic chord, which provides a sense of stability and resolution. The IV chord is the subdominant chord, which creates tension and needs resolution. The V chord is the dominant chord, which is the strongest chord after the tonic and creates strong tension that requires resolution. The ii, iii, and vi chords provide contrast and can add color to a progression. The vii chord is dissonant and requires resolution.
Once students understand the function of each chord, they can begin to analyze chord progressions in pieces of music. They can identify the key and the chords used, and they can determine how the chords relate to each other in terms of function. This analysis can help students to understand how harmony is used to create tension and resolution in music.
Students can also learn how to use harmonic function in their own compositions. By choosing chords that have a specific function within a key, they can create progressions that build tension and create a sense of resolution. This can lead to more interesting and effective music.
