MUSIC THEORY

Mod 26

• Subject of the Day:  Problems in Applying Non-chord Tones
• Reading Assignment: None
• Written Assignment:  Using your own progression, create two (2) separate examples phrases); Write in 2 different keys (at least 1

                               minor), 1 phrase in 3 voices, 1 phrase in 4 voices.
• Semester Schedule

When using non-chord tones, the following problems seem to surface regularly:

1. Leading tone in a minor (in V and vii^o) need to have an accidental
2. Leading tone in the soprano must go up to the tonic  (especially at a cadence)
3. Augmented 2nd:  to avoid this follow the conventions for 6th and 7th scale degrees in minor



 

4. No motion (non-chord tones) should occur at fermatas; these are pauses in the music
5. The rhythmic motion should not stop on longer note values, except at the cadence
6. The 7th (of a dominant 7th chord) occuring as a non-chord tone must resolve down by step
7. The cadential six-four should be approached from a 2nd class chord or a vi



 
 

8. Retardation normally occurs in the soprano, at the cadence, and on the tonic
9. When a non-chord tone resolves, the doubling at that point should be correct
10. The best suspension at the cadence is a 4-3 on the dominant chord

If you still have questions, contact Dr. Bartolotta at wbartolo@odu.edu.