(TRD) Harmonic Dictation Lesson

Harmonic Dictation Lesson

Harmonic Dictation is the skill of writing the soprano line, bass line and Roman numeral analysis of a 4-part chord progression that is played a certain amount of times. A 4-part chord progression is usually written for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Each chord is a triad where one of the chord tones is doubled in one of the 4 voices to make the 4^th part. The progression is usually played three to four times. Even though you will hear 4 parts, you only need to write the Soprano and Bass (the two outer voices) along with the Roman numeral analysis.

You can relate determining the soprano and bass lines to two separate melodic dictations. Just listen for the outer notes of the four parts being played (highest and lowest). Then the next step is to hear the chord progressions (Roman numeral analysis). This skill can be developed with practice. After some practice, you will be able to hear basic chord progressions that will become familiar to you.

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