Nadia Boulanger firmly believed that harmony was best studied at the piano, beginning with the internalization of basic sequences and cadences before proceeding to the harmonization of figured basses and melodies. In our classes, we use the famous basses and melodies of Paul Vidal and Henri Challan, both of the Paris Conservatory. We offer two levels of intensive keyboard harmony training.
Instructors: Philip Lasser, Maxim Vladimiroff, Benjamin C.S. Boyle, Mark Shapiro
Keyboard Harmony I and II: Intensive introductory keyboard harmony class, beginning with the study of the three fundamental root motions and their corresponding voice leading. Cadence patterns and sequence patterns are practiced in the light of the above voicings. Root position and first inversion harmonic issues involving questions of doubling, choice of soprano note, and voice distribution are closely examined.
Keyboard Harmony III and IV: These classes offer a more in-depth look into complex harmonic issues, beginning with first and second inversion, and including the study of seventh chords, ninth chords and non-chord tone treatment in harmonic realization. Extensive work is done on four-voice harmonization of melody.
