Key, Tonality, Modes and Modulations

General Knowledge Workshops

Key and tonality are at the very heart of music, and understanding how they work gives musicians a depth of understanding that opens up new worlds. In this workshop, students will gain a deeper understanding of the way key and tonality function in music, and learn how to analyse and detect different keys and modulations. The cycle of fiths, and the modes, so often used in contemporary music, will also be explained and explored.

For high school students, aged 12 to 18

This workshop will help with:

Practical exams, all grades
Theory of Music, all grades
Musicianship, all grades
Music Craft, all grades

Course Outline

Session 1: Scales, Keys and Modulations

Discussion: what are scales for?
How we hear music
What is a scale?
The Major Scale
The Cycle of Fifths
The Minor Scale: three types
Changing Key (Modulations)
How to spot modulations

Session 2: Modes and other scales

Where do our notes come from?
The origins of western music
The Medieval Modes
Other types of scales
Equal Temperament

Other Workshops

Full Day Workshops

Half Day Workshops

General information about the workshops

Comments

“I learnt more about the modes, how keys are related to each other, the point of having keys and scales”

“It was easy to understand and follow”

“Made modes easier to understand”

“I liked how music and science is interrelated, and it was interesting about the history and culture behind modes and keys. This session consolidated my knowledge of keys, tones, etc.”

About Susan Deas

Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching piano for over twenty years, and her students learn both classical and contemporary styles, including playing by ear and improvisation. Susan also gives professional development workshops and lessons to private music teachers. She performs professionally as a pianist and organist, and lectures in music theory and music appreciation for Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education. Susan’s training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.

More about Susan's qualifications

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