Advanced Harmonic Expression

Taught by:

Rikki Mozes

$60/ Week

6 week program • $360 Total

The harmonic palate.

In this interactive course, a small group of teen musicians will discover how harmonic functions can transform a song. Through live demonstrations, listening challenges, group improvisation, and hands-on piano activities, students will experiment with extended chords, diminished and augmented sounds, suspensions, modes, borrowed chords, and reharmonization. Develop stronger ears, richer musical instincts, and the confidence to make bold, expressive choices in performance, arranging, improvisation, and composition.

    • Harmonic functions - explore how musicians use harmonic functions to create suspense, tension, relief, and richness in their music

    • Advanced chord vocabulary - experiment with different add chords, altered extensions, suspensions and resolutions, and borrowed chords, discovering the differences in emotional release and how to apply it to your own music

    • Mystery chords - explore “mystery chords” such as variations of the diminished and augmented chords, and practice applying them in different genres for effect

    • Cadences - step outside the classic cadences and learn how to manipulate expectations using the language of endings

    • Modes - go beyond the classic minor and major chords, exploring the seven modes and how modal interchange can transform your music

  • Level: Advanced

    Prerequisite: student should be comfortable playing basic chords, melodies, and accompaniments on the piano, as well as working with foundational music-theory concepts. Musical notation literacy not necessary

    Age group: teens | young adults

    Instrument: piano

    Note: Students must have a piano at home for practice 

    Duration: 6 weeks

    Schedule: once a week

    Length: 45 minutes

    Opening date: October 11

    Price: $360

  • This course is designed for girls with a background in music theory and playing piano, who would like to transform their music into something spectacular. If you want to dive beyond traditional music theory, beyond your classic minor and major progressions, and take your audience’s breath away, this course is your dream come true!

  • Students will leave with a maestro’s approach to music, and a palate of applications to take their music to a whole new dimension. They’ll have enough experience with modes, cadences, and harmonic functions, to recognize them instinctively in their favorite music and to replicate it on their own.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Rikki Mozes

Rikki is a musician and educator whose teaching is rooted in a deep love for music and a commitment to musical excellence. Her journey began with piano and music theory studies at a young age and has continued through years of dedicated training across a variety of educational platforms, including Berklee College of Music. Equally skilled in classical repertoire and playing by ear, she has led bands and performed in diverse musical settings. Rikki’s instruction is built on the principle that true artistry consists of strong technique, discipline, and persistence. She encourages students to approach music with both curiosity and determination, recognizing that true confidence emerges through consistent effort and meaningful achievement. Combining high standards with genuine warmth, she creates an environment where students feel inspired to grow, embrace challenges, and discover the full depth of their musical potential.

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