Microtonality

This lesson is part of the Harmony category.

Objectives

• Students will explore different types and characteristics of microtonality.

Resources

Readings

• Music Theory Online:
  • Wild, "Genus, Species and Mode in Vicentino's 31-tone Compositional Theory"
• Xenharmonic Wiki

Listening or Videos

• Harry Partch: Music Studio

Tools

• Offtonic Microtonal Synthesizer

Class Activities

• Discussion and definitions of microtonality
• Analysis and identification of microtonal music
• Composition and improvisation using microtonal instruments

Assignments

• Identification and analysis of microtonality in written and recorded music