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Modulation - Grade 8 Aural

Modulation is the process of changing keys in music, with three main types: Dominant Modulation (to the 5th note), Subdominant Modulation (to the 4th note), and Relative Modulation (between major and minor keys). Each type affects the mood of the music, with dominant sounding brighter, subdominant feeling warmer, and relative modulation shifting from cheerful to melancholic. To identify modulation, listen for changes in mood, key signatures, and intervals between notes.

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11 views2 pages

Modulation - Grade 8 Aural

Modulation is the process of changing keys in music, with three main types: Dominant Modulation (to the 5th note), Subdominant Modulation (to the 4th note), and Relative Modulation (between major and minor keys). Each type affects the mood of the music, with dominant sounding brighter, subdominant feeling warmer, and relative modulation shifting from cheerful to melancholic. To identify modulation, listen for changes in mood, key signatures, and intervals between notes.

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Modulation - Grade 8 Aural

Modulation means changing keys during a piece of music.

🔑 Types of Modulation

1. 🎵 Dominant Modulation (Tonic → Dominant)


●​ Moves to the 5th note of the scale.
●​ From C major, the 5th note is G → so we go to G major.
●​ G major has 1 sharp (F#) — so the music might suddenly sound brighter or more
energized.

2. 🎵 Subdominant Modulation (Tonic → Subdominant)


●​ Moves to the 4th note of the scale.
●​ From C major, the 4th note is F → so we go to F major.
●​ F major has 1 flat (Bb) — so it might feel warmer or gentler.

🎵
●​
3. Relative Modulation (Major ↔ Minor)
●​ C major and A minor have the same notes — they’re relatives.
●​ But C major sounds bright, while A minor sounds sad or haunting.
●​ Music might switch from cheerful to melancholy without changing any sharps/flats.

🧏‍♀️How Can I Tell a Modulation Happened?


Listen for:
●​ A change in mood or “flavour” of the music.
●​ A note or chord that feels less at home, then settles into a new place.
●​ A return to the original key at the end (common in exam examples).

🎯 How to Know Which Type of Modulation Occurred


1.​ Listen for the tonic/key at the start
→ What key does it sound like it starts in? (C major, G major, A minor, etc.)

2.​ Notice the change:


Does the music sound brighter or higher?
→ Maybe to the dominant
Does it feel warmer or more settled?
→ Maybe to the subdominant
Does it sound sadder/darker without much change in accidentals?
→ Maybe relative minor
Do new sharps/flats appear clearly? → Try identifying the new key by ear

3.​ Use intervals to judge:


Dominant = up 5 notes (C → G)
Subdominant = up 4 notes (C → F)
Relative minor = down 3 semitones (C → A)

🎯 How to Find the Relative Major or Minor of Any Key


They always share the same key signature.
So:

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