Question

Harmonize that Melody!

It's time to add some harmony to the melody! In this project, you will write out a harmonization for a pre-written melody in the interval 3rds, using the scales and chords you learned in previous modules.

Instructions

Print out the embedded sheet music below.

Harmonization sheet music.
Write out the scale that this song is based on. (The key signature)
Write the roman numerals of the chords that are given for each measure. These chords are listed above each measure.
Remember that the roman numerals are based on the scale that the song is based on - they will be either major, minor, or diminished.
Write out the notes of the given chords for each measure
Write them out below or next to the scales: CEG, etc.
Write in a harmony of the melody based on the interval of a 3rd above the melody note.
Refer to the scales and chords you wrote out for each measure to help determine what is a third.
The melody notes are chosen from the scale the song is based on.

Answer 1

To harmonize a melody, the student should first identify the key and scale, then notate the Roman numerals of the chords. Harmony notes should be chosen by writing intervals of a third above the melody notes, always adhering to the diatonic scale and chords of the piece.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's project involves harmonizing a melody using the principles of Western music theory. First, they need to identify the scale and the key signature of the piece, which will guide them in the harmonization process. Once the scale is determined, they can write the corresponding Roman numerals for each chord, following the degree of the scale that the chord is built upon (e.g. I for tonic, V for dominant, etc.). To harmonize the melody, the student will write intervals of a third above each note of the melody. This third should be diatonic, meaning it comes from the same scale as the melody note.

To accomplish harmonization properly, one must ensure that the harmony notes match with the given chords for each measure. Writing out the notes of these chords (e.g., CEG for a C major chord) helps to visualize which notes can be used for harmonization while staying within the harmonic context. When a melody note is paired with its harmony, the result should be consonant within the structure of the music, promoting the overall musicality of the piece.