About Me
Music for Grade 7
1 **Musicianship**
1-1 Sight-reading
1-2 Aural tests
1-3 General musicianship
2 **Performance**
2-1 Solo performance
2-1 1 One piece from List A
2-1 2 One piece from List B
2-1 3 One piece from List C
2-2 Ensemble performance
2-2 1 One piece from List A
2-2 2 One piece from List B
2-2 3 One piece from List C
3 **Theory of Music**
3-1 Harmony
3-1 1 Chord construction
3-1 2 Chord progressions
3-1 3 Cadences
3-2 Counterpoint
3-2 1 Two-part writing
3-2 2 Three-part writing
3-3 Form and Structure
3-3 1 Binary form
3-3 2 Ternary form
3-3 3 Rondo form
3-4 Analysis
3-4 1 Analyze a piece from List A
3-4 2 Analyze a piece from List B
3-4 3 Analyze a piece from List C
4 **History of Music**
4-1 Baroque Period
4-1 1 Key composers
4-1 2 Characteristics
4-1 3 Representative works
4-2 Classical Period
4-2 1 Key composers
4-2 2 Characteristics
4-2 3 Representative works
4-3 Romantic Period
4-3 1 Key composers
4-3 2 Characteristics
4-3 3 Representative works
4-4 Twentieth Century
4-4 1 Key composers
4-4 2 Characteristics
4-4 3 Representative works
5 **Composition**
5-1 Composition task
5-1 1 Compose a piece in a specified form
5-1 2 Compose a piece using given guidelines
5-2 Analysis of own composition
5-2 1 Discuss the form and structure
5-2 2 Discuss the use of harmony and melody
6 **Improvisation**
6-1 Improvisation task
6-1 1 Improvise a short piece in a given style
6-1 2 Improvise a piece using given chords
6-2 Analysis of improvisation
6-2 1 Discuss the use of scales and modes
6-2 2 Discuss the use of rhythm and dynamics
7 **Technology in Music**
7-1 Use of music technology
7-1 1 Recording techniques
7-1 2 Digital audio workstations (DAWs)
7-2 Music production
7-2 1 Mixing and mastering
7-2 2 Sound design
8 **Recital**
8-1 Preparation for recital
8-1 1 Repertoire selection
8-1 2 Practice and rehearsal techniques
8-2 Performance of recital
8-2 1 Solo performance
8-2 2 Ensemble performance
9 **Professional Development**
9-1 Career planning
9-1 1 Setting goals
9-1 2 Networking
9-2 Marketing oneself as a musician
9-2 1 Creating a portfolio
9-2 2 Social media presence
10 **Ethics in Music**
10-1 Copyright and intellectual property
10-1 1 Understanding copyright laws
10-1 2 Ethical use of music
10-2 Professional conduct
10-2 1 Respect for colleagues
10-2 2 Ethical behavior in performance
3-2-1 Two-part Writing Explained

3-2-1 Two-part Writing Explained

Key Concepts

Two-part writing involves composing two independent musical lines that interact harmonically and melodically. Key concepts include:

Contrapuntal Texture

Contrapuntal texture refers to the independent yet interdependent relationship between two musical lines. Each line should have its own melodic integrity while harmonizing with the other. This creates a rich, polyphonic texture where both lines are equally important.

Voice Leading

Voice leading involves the smooth and logical movement of individual notes (voices) within the two lines. It ensures that the transition between chords is smooth and pleasing. For example, when moving from a C major chord to an F major chord, the notes C and E would move to F and A, respectively, while G moves to C.

Interval Control

Interval control refers to the careful selection of intervals between the two lines to ensure they are harmonious and avoid clashes. Common intervals include thirds, sixths, and octaves, which create a balanced and pleasing sound. Avoiding parallel fifths and octaves is crucial to maintain the independence of the lines.

Consonance and Dissonance

Consonance refers to the harmonious intervals that create a stable and pleasing sound, such as thirds and sixths. Dissonance refers to the unstable intervals that create tension, such as seconds and sevenths. Effective two-part writing balances consonance and dissonance to create interest and resolution.

Examples and Analogies

Think of contrapuntal texture as a conversation between two people. Each person speaks independently but listens and responds to the other, creating a coherent and engaging dialogue. Voice leading is like the flow of conversation, where each person's words follow naturally from the previous ones.

Interval control can be compared to the spacing between words in a sentence. Too close (like parallel fifths) can make the sentence hard to understand, while too far apart can break the flow. Consonance and dissonance are like the emotions in a conversation, where harmony (consensus) and tension (disagreement) create interest and resolution.

By mastering these concepts, you can create compelling and harmonious two-part compositions that engage both the composer and the listener.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.