Harmonic 2nd Memory Jogger
I would like to share the answers to these questions along with a helpful Memory Jogger and two UMT (Ultimate Music Theory) Tips that will assist you and your students in remembering who's on the left and what is right!
Let's start with the notation of a whole note. A Whole Note is represented by a circle. In printed music, a fancy "shaded" effect is given to the whole note using a Musical Font.
harmonic second - font vs written
However, when a student writes a whole note, they don't need to be fancy! They can simply draw a circle.
harmonic second memory jogger
The Memory Jogger for a Harmonic Interval is the letter "H" with one note written above the other. We call this Memory Jogger the Harmony Hotel.
At the Harmony Hotel, a Harmonic Interval is written with one note above the other, indicating that both notes are played simultaneously.
The Harmonic Second Interval is a bit different.
Unlike other harmonic intervals, a Harmonic Second Interval cannot be written with one note above the other as it appears too cramped or "smushy" (a whimsical musical term... grin). The notes of a Harmonic Second Interval must touch because they are played together at the same time.
Writing a Harmonic Second Interval using Whole Notes UMT Tip #1 for Writing a Harmonic Second Interval on the staff:
The note with the lower pitch (sound) is written on the left.
The note with the higher pitch is written on the right.
A Harmonic Second Interval must be written with the notes beside each other, touching.
harmonic second interval - correct or incorrect
UMT Tip #2 for Writing a Harmonic Second Interval using Ledger Lines:
If the lower note is on a ledger line, the upper note will share the same ledger line. The length of the ledger line will be extended so that only one ledger line is used for the harmonic second interval.
If the lower note is in the space, the ledger line for the upper note does not need to extend across the top of the space note. It only needs to extend for the length of the upper note itself.
harmonic second interval - ledger line For more tips on writing Ledger Lines, refer to Prep 1 Rudiments page 15! Yes, I understand that we are already familiar with these rules. However, in my case, I spent years second-guessing myself and hoping that I was teaching the Harmonic Second Interval correctly, whether using whole notes or ledger lines.
Harmonic Second Interval - Fingers Crossed A significant portion of my early teaching years was spent with my fingers crossed, hoping and assuming that I was teaching theory and pedagogy concepts correctly. By sharing these UMT Tips, the ones I once doubted myself, I hope to save other teachers from teaching with their fingers crossed!
Complete Rudiments Workbook and Answer Book If you desire to strengthen your theoretical foundation and fill in any gaps, I strongly recommend purchasing the Ultimate Music Theory Complete Rudiments Workbook and Answer Book. Work through the Workbook, answer every question, and assess your own work. Experience the confidence that comes with no longer assuming that you are doing it correctly. No more teaching with your fingers crossed!
Throughout my years of teaching, I questioned myself on almost every theoretical and pedagogical concept out there! I spent years teaching theory with my fingers crossed... until I started using Music Theory Workbooks!
