Keyboard Harmony
Harmony is the secret language of music – it’s all about how sounds move and connect. There are predictable patterns – certain melody notes have a tendency to move to other melody notes, chords fit together in certain patterns to make a progression. Keyboard harmony takes these principles off the page and onto the piano, letting students hear and feel the music as they play. With less emphasis on writing, you’ll experience harmony firsthand, making it easier to recognize a strong melody and catch mistakes instinctively.
Keyboard harmony courses may be substituted for the Levels 9, 10, and ARCT written harmony theory co-requisites in the Royal Conservatory of Music exam system. Students preparing for a keyboard harmony exam play a 20-minute exam during the practical sessions in June instead of writing a three-hour exam in the May theory session.
Even if you are not preparing for an exam, study keyboard harmony to develop your musicianship skills!
Improved ear training ability
Improved analysis of melody, harmony, and structure
Ability to transpose
Ability to play by ear
Stronger memorization
Ability to improvise
Having completed Level 10 RCM piano as a teenager, I decided to pursue the ARCT diploma as a bucket list goal. Since it had been roughly 20 years since my last RCM harmony exam, I approached Kathleen for help. Despite being located in different cities, our online lessons were efficient and effective – a testament to Kathleen’s investment in and familiarity with technology to facilitate lessons through Zoom. Kathleen is also well-versed with the RCM syllabus and the co-requisites at various levels, and was able to provide invaluable advice regarding course order and timelines. Thanks to Kathleen, I have truly deepened my appreciation for piano and harmony.
Ben, keyboard harmony student
Get Set for Online Lessons
Before your online piano lessons begin, make sure you’re set up with everything you need.
You’ll need access to, a laptop with a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and the Zoom app installed and ready to use. To ensure a smooth start, take a moment to review the online lesson checklist and setup tips.
Let’s make music together!
