Keyboard Harmony: Partimento A

About this course

The course introduces keyboard improvisation and composition through the eighteenth-century Neapolitan partimento tradition. Learners work with Galant schemata and established patterns, including cadences, the Rule of the Octave, Romanesca and Quiescenza, to develop harmonic and contrapuntal understanding. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations with individual practice, group playing and individual playing. Activities focus on applying figured bass, harmonising basslines and combining stock phrases into improvised or composed music.

What you'll learn

• Apply figured bass at the keyboard
• Identify and use stock phrases including the Rule of the Octave, cadences, Romanesca and Quiescenza
• Harmonise basslines using established stock phrases
• Improvise with patterns and Galant schemata
• Internalise harmonic and contrapuntal principles through keyboard work

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate learners with good knowledge of Grade 5 theory or equivalent, including some figured bass. Participants also need to be able to play the keyboard with independent hands. The class combines individual work with group playing and expects commitment to practice.

• Requires prior theoretical knowledge equivalent to Grade 5
• Some knowledge of figured bass is expected
• Keyboard playing with independent hands is required
• Learners are expected to commit to practice

Before you go

• Each learner has access to an individual keyboard during class.