Harmonization-Transposition at the Keyboard: Piano Book

Kern's structure respects both theory and musicianship. Part 1 doesn't just explain secondary dominants; it builds understanding of why they function the way they do. Part 2's 797 melodies mean you're not hunting for appropriate repertoire, the work is done, organized by difficulty and harmonic content, so students can focus on applying what they're learning rather than reading new pieces constantly.

Methodical and grounded. The writing assumes intelligence and builds logically from simple primary triads through secondary dominants and modulation. Melodies range from straightforward hymn-like lines to more intricate patterns, keeping the work feeling progressive rather than repetitive. You're engaging in real musical thinking, not just filling in chords by formula.

High school pianists with solid sight-reading skills who need a structured path through functional harmony and improvisation. College functional piano courses designed for music majors or keyboard minors. Any keyboardist preparing for auditions, placement exams, or music theory assessments that require demonstrated harmonic knowledge.

• Work through Part 1 systematically before assigning melodies. Students need the conceptual foundation for why certain chord choices work before they're expected to make those choices themselves.
• Start harmonizations in free style before expecting students to apply formal chorale voice-leading rules. This builds confidence and musicality first.
• Rotate between short melodic exercises and longer works across multiple sessions rather than completing the book sequentially. Spaced repetition with varied material deepens retention.
• Have students transpose completed harmonizations to different keys as a follow-up assignment. This cements understanding of harmonic function beyond the original tonal center.

Assign sections alongside your theory curriculum to ensure students can apply harmonic concepts immediately at the keyboard. For students preparing for conservatory entrance exams or advanced theory placement, work through this systematically during fall semester. Use it as a summer preparation tool for students entering your advanced theory or chamber music programs.

• Harmonizing melodies using primary triads, secondary dominants, and secondary dominant sevenths
• Recognizing and executing modulations between keys
• Transposing harmonized melodies to different tonal centers
• Developing facility in free accompaniment styles beyond formal chorale texture
• Sight-reading and functional harmony simultaneously
• Understanding harmonic function and voice leading principles through keyboard application