What will I learn on this module?
In this module, essential knowledge of western harmony will be delivered through a combination of experiential and notation-based learning. You will focus on absorbing a sense of harmonic progression through learning to play chords on the piano (or other instrument such as guitar). You will gain the facility for harmonising a range of melodic material, identifying similar progressions of chords in disparate genres. You will also experiment with improvising on your instrument over chord progressions you have learned, and use repertoire on your instrument as inspiration for your own creativity. As well as learning through doing, you will also study music theory and notation-based harmony to help you relate your experience to written music and develop your understanding of key concepts, terminology and musical conventions essential for the BA programme.
How will I learn on this module?
You will explore harmony and improvisation in weekly workshops. There are fortnightly seminars introducing you to music theory plus additional computer-based self-directed learning resources to support you to proceed at your own pace, and to spend time consolidating any areas of weakness.
You will be set tasks to do in preparation for workshops and seminars.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given considerable support by the Module Tutor within workshops, during publicised office hours and via email. You will be constantly working with your peers in a spirit of mutual support, encouragement and collaboration. The programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will receive on-going feedback each week during the workshops which will help you prepare for the final assessment.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Through an experiential understanding of how music is created, you will gain a knowledge of music theory and develop an understanding of key musical concepts essential for further study.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will demonstrate a capacity for independent, self-motivated learning and time management through regular practice.
3. You will develop confidence in harmonisation and improvisation.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will demonstrate a capacity for curiosity, creativity, and intellectual openness
How will I be assessed?
1. FORMATIVE: theory/aural software packages provide formative practice tests for personal study. MLOs: 1, 2. Instant feedback within software.
2. SUMMATIVE Harmony/improvisation assessment 1 –(20%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Feedback through annotations to musical scores/takeaway worksheets and/or oral feedback and short report on improvisation.
3. SUMMATIVE Harmony/improvisation assessment 2 (30%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4. Feedback through annotations to musical scores/takeaway worksheets and/or oral feedback and short report on improvisation.
4. SUMMATIVE Theory examination 1 (25%). MLOs: 1, 2. Normally, just a mark will be given. Group feedback on questions with be given in class.
5. SUMMATIVE Theory examination 2 (25%). MLOs: 1, 2. Normally, just a mark will be given. Group feedback on questions with be given in class.
Feedback will also be given in class on weekly formative assignments in harmony/improvisation, which will be practical and paper-based in nature.
Pre-requisite(s)
Entry to the Music Foundation Year in Music
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will develop an understanding of the rudiments of western music harmony through a combination of experiential and notation-based learning. You will learn how to harmonise a range of melodic material, and develop a repertoire of common chord progressions that will become the basis of improvisation on your instrument At the same time, you will study theory and analytical harmony to help you relate your experiential learning to written music and develop your understanding of key musical concepts essential for further study. You will explore harmony and improvisation in weekly workshops and fortnightly seminars will support your learning in theory.
Course info
UCAS Code W310
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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