Plagal: The Harmonic Organization Game Created by Ruth Paget
Objective:
Learn the vocabulary or jargon of harmonic organization in Barron’s AP (Advanced Placement) Music Theory Test Preparation book. Learning the vocabulary first makes learning the concepts and understanding the illustrations in the sixth and seventh chapters in Barron’s Music Theory easier.
Some junior colleges and colleges will award college credit for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Music Theory examination. Having college credit awarded for one class saves on tuition money.
Some high schools offer AP Test Preparation classes. Some businesses like Princeton Review and Kaplan can find tutors for the Music Theory examination.
Skills and Related Jobs:
Mastering AP Music Theory will allow you to read and write music.
Related jobs include composer, musician (if you practice), singer (if you practice), concert organizer, and music industry writer.
Materials Needed:
-Barron’s AP Music Theory book
-index cards
-markers
-access to Google pronunciation
Number of Players:
1,2,4, or a group of single players for a society game
Method:
-Create flash cards with the vocabulary word on the front and the definition, symbol, and/or demonstration notes on the back. Look in AP Music Theory for this information.
-Learn the words two at a time.
-When you have learned ten words, test yourself on spelling and meaning.
-Continue to test yourself ten words at a time till you have learned all the words.
-Once you have learned the vocabulary words, read the sixth and seventh chapter two or three times to see if you understand the concepts.
-Finally, practice doing the exercises on separate sheets of paper first, so you can correct answers.
Play Plagal till you learn the following words:
-harmonic Function
-Roman Numerals 1 – 7
-diatonic triads in major
-diatonic triads in harmonic minor
-inversions of triads
-root position
-first position
-second inversion
-inversions of seventh chords
-root position
-first inversion
-second inversion
-third inversion
-figured bass
-realization of figured bass
-chord function
-tonic function
-subdominant
-predominant function
-dominant function
-T-PD-D-T
-cadences
-authentic
-perfect authentic
-imperfect authentic
-half
-Phrygian half
-plagal
-deceptive
-resolution tones
-tendency tones
Have fun learning the building blacks of music!
By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France
