Parallel Keys: Same Tonic, Different Mode

Parallel keys share the same tonic (root note) but differ in mode (major, minor, etc.). Think of it like two sides of the same coin – same value, different appearance.

• Major and Minor: The most common parallel relationship (e.g., C major and C minor).
• Dorian and Mixolydian: Less common but still important (we'll dive deeper into modes in Unit 8, but it's good to see the connection now).

Example: d minor and D Major are parallel keys

Closely Related Keys: Harmonious Neighbors 🏘️

Closely related keys share many of the same pitches and chord progressions, making transitions smooth and natural. These are your go-to keys for modulations!

How to Find Closely Related Keys:

1. Relative Keys: Share the same key signature but have different tonics (e.g., C major and A minor).
2. Dominant and Subdominant Keys: A perfect fifth away from the tonic (e.g., G is the dominant of C; F is the subdominant of C).
3. Keys Built on Scale Degrees: Build keys off of every note in the scale (except the 7th scale degree).

Example: Closely related keys to A Major

Example: Closely related keys to C minor

Distantly Related Keys: The Adventurous Cousins 🏞️

Distantly related keys don't share many pitches or chords, creating contrast and tension. They're like the adventurous cousins who live far away.

How to Identify Distantly Related Keys:

1. Tritone Apart: Six half steps apart with no common pitches (e.g., C and F#).
2. Major Second Apart: Two half steps apart with one common pitch (e.g., C and D).
3. Major Sixth Apart: Nine half steps apart with one common pitch (e.g., C and A).

Example: Distantly related keys on the circle of fifths

🦜 Polly's Progress Check:

Let's make sure you've got this!

• Which keys are closely related to F# Major?
• Which are distantly related to Bb minor?

Introduction to Modulation: Changing Keys 🔑

Modulation is the process of changing from one key to another. It's like changing scenes in a movie, adding variety and interest.

Types of Modulation:

• Modulation to Closely Related Keys: Creates smooth transitions and a sense of cohesiveness.
• Modulation to Distantly Related Keys: Creates contrast, tension, and surprise. Often achieved by moving through the circle of fifths.

Final Exam Focus 🎯

Alright, let's nail down what you absolutely need to know for the exam:

• Key Relationships: Be able to identify parallel, closely related, and distantly related keys quickly. Use the circle of fifths as your friend!
• Modulation: Understand how modulation creates musical interest and be able to identify modulations in excerpts.
• Closely Related Keys: Master the concept of closely related keys as they are the most common type of modulation.

Last-Minute Tips:

• Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Move on and come back if needed.
• Common Pitfalls: Watch out for parallel vs. distantly related keys. Double-check your accidentals!
• FRQ Strategy: Practice identifying modulations in musical excerpts. Look for common pivot chords.

Practice Question

Practice Questions 📝

Okay, let's test your knowledge with some practice questions similar to what you might see on the exam.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following pairs of keys are parallel keys? (A) C major and G major (B) A minor and C major (C) E major and E minor (D) F major and A minor

2. Which key is the dominant of D major? (A) A major (B) G major (C) B minor (D) E minor

3. Which of the following is NOT a closely related key to G major? (A) C major (B) D major (C) E minor (D) A minor

Free Response Question

Analyze the following musical excerpt and answer the questions below:

[Insert a short musical excerpt here, for example, a four-measure phrase that modulates from C major to G major. This could be a simple melody with chord symbols.]

(a) Identify the starting key of the excerpt. (1 point) (b) Identify the key to which the excerpt modulates. (1 point) (c) Identify the measure in which the modulation occurs. (1 point) (d) Name one closely related key to the starting key. (1 point) (e) Name one distantly related key to the starting key. (1 point)

Scoring Breakdown:

• (a) 1 point for correctly identifying the starting key (C major).
• (b) 1 point for correctly identifying the key to which the excerpt modulates (G major).
• (c) 1 point for correctly identifying the measure in which the modulation occurs (e.g., measure 3).
• (d) 1 point for correctly naming a closely related key to C major (e.g., G major, F major, A minor, E minor, D minor).
• (e) 1 point for correctly naming a distantly related key to C major (e.g., F# major, D major, B major, etc.)