Harmonic dictations draw upon the elements you have already mastered in Units 1-8 of this course: melodic and harmonic intervals, major and minor scales, triads, and seventh chords. Now we will use these elements in harmonic – and melodic – context by analyzing chords and notating melodic lines. Harmonic dictation is not difficult, as long as you approach it in a logical, systematic way.
In harmonic dictations, the instructor will play a chord progression in four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) on the piano. Chord progressions will conform to the rules of chord progression as outlined in Unit 9, and will model the principles of voice-leading that you are concurrently studying in theory.
The instructor will play the progression four times: the first time equally voiced, the second time with the bass note accented, the third time with the soprano note accented, and the fourth time equally voiced. The first bass note and soprano note will be given. You will notate the missing bass and soprano notes and supply a Roman numeral and figured bass analysis under the staff.
Review the principles of chord progression and root movement from Unit 9. Commit these rules to memory, because they will help when you are trying to work out your analysis.