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Counterpoint 1

Counterpoint is the technique of writing independent melodic lines that work together to create effective music. This linear perspective has influenced some of the most popular songs and artists in the 20th century, including the music of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and many other contemporary artists—even hip-hop and techno artists. The study of Counterpoint is essential knowledge for songwriters, composers, and musicians who want to strengthen their compositional skills.

 

This course explores the mechanics of basic contrapuntal technique, focusing on how melodies interact with one another. The course begins with writing a simple melodic line that works with an existing melody. You will then learn to add complexity, and you will study motivic manipulations of sequence, inversion, retrograde, and other variations. The course also explores various canonic techniques, including simple, mirror, crab, and mensuration canons. This course uses musical examples from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th century periods

The goal of the course is to give you a broad overview of counterpoint and improve your compositional skills, regardless of stylistic preference.

 

At the end of each week, you will be asked to write a short piece of music

Lesson 1.-   Introduction to Counterpoint and Review of Tonal Harmony Concepts

Lesson 2.- What is Counterpoint. The Single Melodic Line

Lesson 3.-   Principles of Two Voice Counterpoint

Lesson 4.-   Ratios, Phrases and Form

Lesson 5.-   Non-Chord Tones

Lesson 6.-   Motivic Manipulation

Lesson 7.-   Writing Two Voice Counterpoint and Writing in Minor

Lesson 8.-   Simple Canon at the Octave 

Lesson 9.-   Advanced Harmonic Techniques: Canon by Inversion. Canon at other intervals

Lesson 10.- Invertible Counterpoint

Lesson 11.- Advanced Motivic Manipulation. Riddle Canons. More elements of Form. Binary Form.

Lesson 12.- Imitative Counterpoint. Imitation and Puzzle.

Final Project​​

Composition, Tonal Harmony and Analysis 1

  • 12 Weeks
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