57.
Secondary dominant chords in a chord sequence
In this exercise, students are asked to invent a chord sequence that includes at least one secondary dominant chord.
Assignment author
Tapio Lappalainen
Basics
Minimum time required
Goal and output
Pedagogical goal
Introducing students to secondary dominant chords through exploration
Concrete output
A chord sequence created by the student, containing at least one secondary dominant chord
Work progress
• Explain the concept of secondary dominant chords to students.
• Instruct students to begin by selecting a key and devising a chord sequence that only contains chords native to the key.
• Have the students work out secondary dominants (V and VII degrees) for major and minor chords in the chord sequence and write them out as chord symbols.
• Have the students play through the chord sequence and select acceptable secondary dominants by ear.
Topics in the assignment
Musical structures and analysis
Playing an instrument & singing
Notation & music terminology
Arranging & parts
Music technology
Styles & techniques
Imagination & other arts
Tools
Detailed description of tools
You should use keyboards if this assignment is done in class.
Further assignments
Assignment suitable for further study
