Learning Harmony and Improvisation Using Conversational Solfege

Perfectly suited for students at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels, Learning Harmony and Improvisation Using Conversational Solfege is the culmination of John M. Feierabend’s best-selling curriculum. As with all books in the Conversational Solfege series, this book continues the 12-step “ear-before-eye” approach while exploring the concepts of harmony and improvisation. To facilitate effortless aural learning, the book employs solfege syllables, clever illustrations, melodic patterns, and a unique method for part-singing called vocal chording. The first four units in the book introduce basic harmonic functions in major and harmonic minor, and the following eight units explore the various modes—Aeolian, Dorian, Mixolydian, Phrygian, and Lydian—and their implied harmonies. Improvisation is the natural extension of harmonic understanding, and this book presents ten challenge levels that ask students to perform increasingly difficult improvisational skills while vocal chording. These range from singing a single chord tone per function to adding passing tones, suspensions, retardations, and anticipations. In keeping with the Conversational Solfege tradition, units conclude with a representative sampling of folk repertoire and classical music—complete with bass lines and chord charts for all selections. With the effective step-by-step process presented in Learning Harmony and Improvisation Using Conversational Solfege, harmonic and improvisational understanding are more accessible and intuitive than ever. John M. Feierabend, PhD, has spent decades compiling songs and rhymes from the memories of the American people in hopes that these treasures will be preserved for future generations. He is a leading authority on child development in music and movement and served as Professor and Chair of the Music Education Department of the Hartt School of the University of Hartford.