Modern Harmony Method: Fundamentals of Jazz and Popular Harmony

by Michael Griffin

This clear and well organised text is suitable for students of arranging and composition, and for classically trained musicians wishing to further grasp the simple logic of jazz harmony. Essential structures and inversions-How to select chords; chord symbols-Simple but effective voicing formulae-The circle of 4th progressions, -Extensions to the 9ths and dominant 13ths, and altered 5ths and 9ths. Included in the 107 pages are comprehensive explanations, examples, exercises and solutions. For school students, the course can be started in year 9 and worked through to year 13."This book certainly delivers. Mr. Griffin does a superb job giving clear and concise steps that students should take when approaching the task of harmonizing a melody. The book is laid out in a clean, easy-to-understand format. Mr. Griffin is obviously a gifted teacher, and has developed a book that would be a great resource for any music teacher or student interested in understanding and implementing more complex theory/harmony concepts." – Natalie Wickham, Music Matters, USA. "Particularly good for A Level pupils composing in a pop and jazz style. The material gradually increases in difficulty and there are a lot of useful exercises to be completed by students”- Music teacher, UK. "Excellent resource which will save teachers hours of preparatory work. Useful for a general understanding of options when harmonising in composition. An essential part of KS5 harmony work which goes beyond the common chords and progressions. Very professionally set out.”- ZigZag Education, UK.

116 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2013

About the author

Michael Griffin B.Ed Music, M.Ed Studies, A.Mus.A (Pianoforte)

Michael Griffin has been involved in music education since 1985. As a conductor Michael and his school ensembles achieved many awards including the Australasian Open Choral Championship in 2004, a first for an Australian secondary school. Michael was awarded the Education and Arts Ministers’ Prize in 2006, and is listed in the Who’s Who SA Edition for 2007 and 2008. He was nominated for a National Teaching Excellence award in 2005.
In recent years, Michael has been based in Dubai and the UK, consulting in schools and at conferences in more than 20 countries. Michael has adjudicated eisteddfods in SA, QLD and the ACT. More recently, Michael has been consulting for Cambridge University Press redesigning music curriculum for Kazakhstan, and is currently Head of Music at CBC in Adelaide.
Michael’s books include ‘Bumblebee: Rounds & Warm-Ups for Choirs’ and ‘Learning Strategies for Musical Success’. Trained as a classical pianist, performance residencies include Dubai’s Burj al Arab and Australia’s Hayman Island.