Suggested Learning Resources

1) YFIO

2) Video Lesson: 


3) Online Reading: ODU.edu Lesson


4) Interactive Lesson: 

Music Theory QuickThink: 

-          Parallel fifths are when two voices, forming the harmonic interval of fifth, move in the same direction resulting in two new pitches that are also a harmonic interval of a 5th

-          Parallel octaves are when two voices, forming the harmonic interval of an octave, move in the same direction resulting in two new pitches that are also a harmonic interval of an octave

-          In species counterpoint, and most voice leading settings in “classical” music, parallel 5ths and parallel octaves are considered an error and should be avoided, because they create a poor sense of counterpoint (independent melodic lines)

-          NOTE: When an interval of a harmonic 5th is followed by an interval of a harmonic 5th by means of contrary motion, this is called ‘contrary 5ths’ or ‘parallel 5ths by contrary motion’ and is also considered an error.   Same goes for parallel 8ve’s by contrary motion

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-          NOTE: Why are we learning counterpoint?  - Some Theory texts do not cover counterpoint in the Theory 1 scope and sequence. Advanced counterpoint study is often offered at University as an entire separate one or two semester following Theory 4.  We are learning the topic because


(Laitz's The Complete Musician covers 1st and 2nd species counterpoint, Francoli's Harmony in Context covers 1st through 4th species, and Clendinning's The Musician's Guide covers 1st through 5th.  Kostka's Tonal Harmony does not formally introduce counterpoint).  

Objective 10.7: Examples in Music: YouTube

https://youtu.be/lMxiVjE2CJE

Objective 10.7: Define the concept of Parallel Fifths and Parallel Octaves, and be able to identify these errors in counterpoint exercises