An Aural Skills Approach to Context

and Modulation in Tonal Music

Timothy Cutler, Austin College

Viewed as one of the more advanced topics in the study of tonal music, the subject of modulation typically is taught during the later stages of a harmony course. If one wishes to introduce modulatory concepts any sooner, a different route can be sought, one that relies less upon the language of Roman numeral and figured bass analysis. Employing an ear training approach, it is possible—and can be beneficial—to introduce the fundamental ideas behind modulatory techniques to students earlier in their music theory education. Beginning with only major and minor scales, and later adding triads, an aural skills approach allows students to ingrain these ideas in their ears well in advance of their theoretical indoctrination to the subject. This paper explains one such way to approach the topic of modulation from an ear training point of view, offers variants and extensions of this approach, and cites excerpts from compositions that illustrate these ideas.