Composition 107: How To Harmonize

How I harmonize my themes without traditional harmony theory.

You can find the MIDI from this video here:

0:00 Intro
2:55 The Concept
6:13 Concept Demonstration
14:24 Concept Applied
21:25 Conclusion

More info about Anne-Kathrin Dern:

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

#composition #musictheory #harmony

[roncelano]

Forget about people saying your videos are too simplistic. I am going on 80 years old, am trying to compose and arrange. I find you videos very helpful. Keep it up!

[maikainash]

I’m a classical musician and have always felt like the theory that we’ve been taught has been a way to gatekeep us away from being composers ourselves. I know it’s not intentional per se, but your channel is golden in helping understand a much more intuitive approach to composition.

[robertfoose]

Having started playing piano at age 7, and now being 76, I can affirm that your method for creating new music works very well. And I can also confirm that having a good grasp of 'traditional' theory can help understand why some things work better than others. But I have to add that having a good grasp of 'the rules' can also suggest ways to 'break' them, which can save some time when you're using the 'every note can be any chord tone' approach. The essential lesson I've learned is that all approaches are good, and can contribute to a successful piece, but in the end, it is your ear that makes the final decisions. Writing music is exploring all the options, and even when you have a 'preferred method', not forgetting to explore a bit more. Nearly seventy years since I began, I'm still learning new things about the old things i began back then. And your videos, with their cheerful iconoclastic approach, add delight to my continuing education. Thanks, and best wishes for much success.

[AnnaMuzyka]

Harmonization: Each note of the melody is part of a chord. Simple, open to creation, works in practice. It's BRILLIANT! Well done Anna! <3

[steph]

This is harmonic ASMR. That sequence of chords is hypnotising. Thanks Anne-Kathrin.

[bartrademakers]

I sincerely appreciate the quiet/slow pace of these examples. It helps students to really hear (or even ‘pre-auralise’) what is going on.
All too often teachers just hurry through a bunch of attractive sounding stuff.
The used quiet method here also leaves more suggestive space for possible context, the optional coherence of chords, or even silence

[paulg]

Having just stumbled upon your Videos I’ve just sat for an entire evening glued to the screen. I am 53 and have just started my journey to orchestrate having wanted to for years. I’ve been writing electronic and pop since I was 18 and your videos are a life saver!!! Let me explain. I don’t have time to attend music school and have a good basic knowledge of theory but what I needed was someone who explains things clearly but not so deep I can’t understand. This video for example is quite simply genius and I have always wondered how to harmonise properly as I usually do everything by ear so thank you. Your videos are informative, great pace, perfect delivery and loving the piece of video from your visits to different places all very calm and serene. Thank you thank you.

[nickszabodrums]

Hungarian here haha. Thank you for your videos. You really inspire me. Guys, appreciate the fact that we have people like Anne-Kathrin making content like this for free.

[rowegardner]

Forget the haters! You do incredible work giving so much to the composition community here on YouTube. Your channel is such a fantastic resource. Please keep going!

[corrosive]

Most "higher learning" teachers don't like simplification bc if it's simple, how are you going to keep the tuition fees coming in?
You're a great teacher. Please keep doing it your way

[arujunior]

Like most people have written here, I find your lessons very clear and helpful. And they give me tips to make structures for my compositions. You're a good teacher!!! And very generous to pass on all this knowledge to people.

[wbajzek]

Didn't expect the "concept demonstration" to have such an emotional impact. Fantastic work!

[jvcouk]

I've made music where I haven't overthought why it works, so your 'retrospective' view on 12-tone theory (particularly harmony) rings true to me there. Long term, I've thought to 'theory up' more, to do more intentional work, rather than inspired luck, and I'm in the camp that finds theory is a toolbox rather than a sacred ruleset, which keeps the creativilty open.

[vleiratfilms]

I’m also 80. Love your videos. Child is father .. er mother of the man .. thanks 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 lesson in overcoming doubt in one’s intuition ❤️ from 🇿🇦

[kainoa_written]

The way this vid builds to round 19:00 to showcase the compositional tool is amazing! Thanks. Another fun tool for any creative block. Limitless fun

[张毛毛-sj]

Hi Anne-Kathrin Dern, I am a self-taught orchestral music enthusiast from China because I really enjoy the energy that orchestral music conveys. However, since I am an amateur without professional training, I really need a lot of video tutorials like yours to guide my learning. I have taught myself music theory and am now studying harmony. Although it is not easy, I find it very enjoyable. I have bypassed the internet restrictions to access YouTube and found your video tutorials, which have been very beneficial. I have learned a lot from your videos. I am very excited and really appreciate that you take the time to create such free tutorials. I am 34 years old and do not have a stable job. Currently, I am learning to be a welder. I spend my spare time learning orchestral composition. I hope that one day, when I have a stable job and income, I can make some donations to support you (like paying tuition). I hope to have more communication with you. I wonder if you would be willing to do so. I hope you can reply and give me your contact information. Thank you again. As a Chinese person, I would like to bless you in the Chinese way: May God and Buddha bless you with peace and health.

[maggle]

I graduated Classical Harmony in conservatory, and no, you're not over simplifying. You're great. Being able to see your content for free is a blessing. I'm so greatful I discovered your channel.

[Peter-tbvg]

Priceless. Love the way you started this one. The level you explain things is pitched just right, and I imagine, at the right level for many others. Please keep them coming

[arcanithe-se]

"Every note can be the root 3rd or 5th..." this made the sun come out, and the sky cleared for me!
Thanx 😁 as just being an amateur tinkering at home, I got stuck in theory just as you explained, the more I tried to apply it, the more boring the piece sounded. No I'm eager to apply this to pieces that I've dropped earlier 👍

[bertlochsinspirationforimp]

This might be the most practical approach of harmonizing melodies I have ever seen! It's more or less how I approach it myself, but you make it so clear and simple, that it actually ís simple, and why not? Composing can be complicated enough, so it's really great to have some tricks up your sleeve. Very well done, indeed!