Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/musicianship-chords
For aspiring musicians and seasoned players alike, a solid understanding of music theory is the bedrock upon which creativity flourishes. Berklee Online, renowned for its world-class music education, offers a fantastic specialization in Developing Your Musicianship, and the second course in this series, ‘Musicianship: Chord Charts, Diatonic Chords, and Minor Keys,’ is an absolute gem. If you’ve got a foundational grasp of music theory or have completed the first course, this is your next essential step towards creating and performing contemporary music with confidence.
Taught by the esteemed Professor George W. Russell, Jr. of Berklee College of Music, this course dives deep into crucial musical concepts with clarity and engaging instruction. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to build upon existing knowledge, making complex ideas accessible and practical.
The course begins with a helpful review of foundational concepts, ensuring everyone is on the same page before venturing into new territory. Early lessons focus on understanding the key of F Major and its relative minor, D minor, while simultaneously sharpening your aural skills by training your ear to recognize minor 2nd and 3rd intervals, as well as major and minor 7th chords. This ear training component is invaluable and often overlooked in many theory courses, but here it’s integrated seamlessly.
As you progress, the course explores diatonic 7th chords in keys like G Major and F Major, introducing popular chord progressions using diatonic triads. The ear training continues, reinforcing previously learned intervals and chords while introducing new ones like minor 6th and 7th intervals and the dominant 7th chord. This systematic approach ensures that you not only understand theory intellectually but can also hear and apply it musically.
Lesson three delves into the key of G Major, building upon the chord progressions learned in the previous lesson by adding the 7th. The ear training continues its steady progression, covering all previously introduced intervals and chords while adding the challenging yet crucial tritone and the half-diminished chord. This methodical layering of concepts is what makes this course so effective.
The final lesson culminates in an exploration of the major pentatonic scale and, perhaps most practically, teaches you how to write a chord chart using the popular progressions covered throughout the course. The ear training wraps up by reviewing all the intervals and chords from the entire course, leaving you with a comprehensive understanding and the ability to apply your newfound knowledge.
Recommendation: ‘Musicianship: Chord Charts, Diatonic Chords, and Minor Keys’ is an outstanding course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of harmony and improve their practical musicianship. Professor Russell’s expertise shines through, making the learning process both enjoyable and highly effective. Whether you’re a songwriter, performer, or simply a curious musician, this course provides the essential tools to elevate your musicality. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/musicianship-chords