Music Theory: Introduction to Non-Harmonic Tones

In this video tutorial we discuss the topic of non-harmonic tones (also referred to as "non-chord tones"). Non-harmonic tones are some of the coolest, most wonderful notes in music as they spice up an otherwise bland harmony!
In the tutorial, Dr. W explains how to analyze music for non-harmonic tones, looking for their "note of approach" and note of "resolution" and whether stepwise motion or a leap is involved.
Although the video refers to specific examples found in a standard harmony text, what is presented here may be applied universally.
Dr. Scott Watson teaches in the School of Music at Cairn University (Langhorne, PA). To investigate how YOU can unlock your musical talents at this Philadelphia-area Christian liberal arts university, please visit: cairn.edu/acad...

[@cosmicanbu]

This is literally my Homework. I didn't copy and paste. I swear.

[@violetgus]

Thank you!!! I’ve been gone from school for a while and this helps a lot 😇💗

[@ScottWatsonMusic]

No problem 😊

[@_picazo_15]

Watching this before my test, thank you

[@ScottWatsonMusic]

How'd you do on the test?

[@magicknight13]

I finally understand!! Thank you sir!

[@ScottWatsonMusic]

Wonderful!

[@EvaSlash]

If one were to strip away all non harmonic tones in any piece of western music would it still remain identifiable?

[@Lukeanddario]

For number 3, wasn't that D supposed to be a first inversion tonic?

[@ScottWatsonMusic]

Of course, you're right! Same with the first beat Ab chord of number 5. I was preoccupied with explaining non-harmonic tones and forgot to include inversion for those.

[@2002jorgeparr]

Awesome!!🔑🔑🔑🔑🎇🎇🎇🎇☺☺☺

[@samjanagurunggaleano4621]

12 what shall we do M

[@sergioropo3019]

Very interesting. Thank you Sir.

[@iammaxmackie]

Hi Scott, thanks for this! I have a question. What's the difference between accented, unaccented, weak & strong? Some sources say (in 4/4 time) that beats 1 and 3 are strong (accented) and that beats 2 and 4 are weak (unaccented). Other sources say that (in 4/4 time) that 1,2,3,4 are accented, not necessarily saying they are "strong" and the beats in between (8th/16th) are unaccented, not necessarily calling them "weak." Is there a difference in terminology when talking about rhythm and melody?

[@ScottWatsonMusic]

I think it all depends on TEMPO of the passage. In moderate to slow passages, most would consider the beginnings of beats accented and in between beats unaccented. Only when the tempo is pretty fast would beats 1 & 3 be heard as strong and 2 & 4 weak. Unfortunately, there's some subjectivity here. Music is as much an art as it is a science!

[@iammaxmackie]

@@ScottWatsonMusic Thanks Scott, I guess if it sounds good, it's good.

[@exclamationnnn]

Hey dr.watson

[@exclamationnnn]

It's pierre