How to Harmonize a Melody in a Minor Key - Music Theory

This video tutorial explores the harmonization of a short melody in a minor key, focusing on four-part harmony using SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) voices. It discusses the challenges of working in minor keys, the use of the circle of fifths to identify key signatures, and the differences between harmonic and melodic minor scales. The tutorial also covers the selection and arrangement of chords, emphasizing the importance of cadences and the use of inversions to create a balanced harmonic progression.

What is the primary focus when harmonizing a short melody in this tutorial?

• Writing a solo melody line

• Developing a four-part harmony using SATB

• Creating a complex piano arrangement

• Composing a symphonic piece

How can you determine if a piece is in a minor key?

• By analyzing the rhythm

• By checking the tempo

• By using the circle of fifths and key signatures

• By looking at the dynamics

What is a key characteristic of the harmonic minor scale?

• It has no accidentals

• It raises the 7th degree

• It is identical to the major scale

• It lowers the 3rd degree

Which cadence involves a progression from chord 5 to chord 1?

• Perfect cadence

• Plagal cadence

• Interrupted cadence

• Imperfect cadence

What is the benefit of using first inversion for diminished chords?

• It adds more accidentals

• It makes them sound more stable

• It increases their volume

• It changes their key

Why is it important to avoid consecutive fifths and octaves in harmonization?

• They are difficult to play

• They can make the harmony sound less interesting

• They create a dissonant sound

• They are not allowed in any music

What is a common mistake when writing chord 5 in a minor key?

• Forgetting to raise the 7th degree

• Using too many accidentals

• Writing it in first inversion

• Starting with the tonic note

What is the role of the approach chord in a cadence?

• To introduce a new key

• To prepare for the final chord

• To add a new melody

• To change the time signature

Why might chord 3 be avoided in a minor key?

• It is difficult to play

• It is often augmented and sounds dramatic

• It is too simple

• It is too similar to chord 1

What is a benefit of using second inversion chords sparingly?

• They are too loud

• They can make the harmony unstable

• They are difficult to notate

• They require more instruments