GCSE Music DOMINANT SEVENTHS

This topic builds upon prior knowledge of modulation to related keys via a pivot chord within Cycle of 5ths Progressions. The specific focus of this topic is the Dominant 7th Chord, and it comprises a full study on how a V7 chord may be applied in a variety of situations.

Students are first shown how to create a 7th chord on any degree of a major or minor scale, and the dominant 7th chord is highlighted as important. The first activity requires students to apply the V7 chord to create Perfect Cadences in a variety of keys up to 4 sharps and flats, which also serves as excellent revision of key signatures and scales. The second activity examines the V7 chord as a substitute for the Leading chord in a cycle of 5ths progression, requiring students to follow a Roman Numerals chord progression to craft modulations between adjacent minor keys on the Circle of Fifths – providing excellent revision of chord positions and triad creation. The third activity examines how a pivot chord need not be identical, but instead a ‘strong best fit’, requiring students to craft more complex modulations. The final activity is a listening one in which students’ ability to distinguish between modulations to the dominant and subdominant in both major and minor keys is tested. By the end of the topic your students will have arrived at the border of Advanced Level study in Harmony and Tonality, and it will have stretched your most able students to achieve the very highest grades in composition through outstanding modulations.

All of this comes with a 26-slide animated and beautifully-presented PowerPoint, annotated with detailed teaching guidance notes, to make delivery of the lesson smooth and efficient – plus a 5-page student information sheet, 4-page activity sheet and 3-page detailed answers sheet. With regards to the listening questions, MP3s are provided (and they are always my own compositions), and you may well want to insert the audios into the slide rather than use media player.

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