How to Learn Voice Leading and Chord Progressions

A structured path through Voice Leading and Chord Progressions — from first principles to confident mastery. Check off each milestone as you go.

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Estimated: 30 weeks

3-4 weeks

Learn the rules of four-part (SATB) writing: voice ranges, spacing, doubling, avoiding parallel 5ths/8ves, and resolving tendency tones.

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2-3 weeks

Identify and write authentic, half, plagal, and deceptive cadences. Analyze phrase structure including periods and sentences.

2-3 weeks

Study standard progressions (I-IV-V-I, I-vi-IV-V, ii-V-I). Practice harmonic analysis with Roman numerals.

3-4 weeks

Identify and write all non-chord tone types: passing, neighbor, suspension, appoggiatura, escape, anticipation, pedal.

3-4 weeks

Understand and analyze secondary dominants (V/x). Write progressions with tonicization. Distinguish from modulation.

3-4 weeks

Study pivot chord modulation, common-tone modulation, and direct modulation. Analyze modulatory passages.

4-5 weeks

Use borrowed chords from the parallel key. Study Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords. Analyze chromatic passages.

2-3 weeks

Practice AP-style free response and multiple choice covering voice leading, progressions, NCTs, and chromatic harmony.

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