The Role of Sequences in Harmony Education

Abstract

This study aims to examine how sequences are addressed in harmony textbooks published in Turkey and to highlight their significance in harmony education. Sequences play a crucial role in both thematic and harmonic development, contributing significantly to the enrichment of musical structures. However, it has been observed that sequences are often superficially addressed or limited to practical applications in Turkish harmony education materials. This limitation hinders students’ understanding of the theoretical foundations of sequences and their ability to apply them effectively.
The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing document analysis as its primary method. The sample comprises 14 widely used harmony textbooks in Turkey, analyzed for their theoretical explanations, practical examples, and educational treatment of sequences. The data were evaluated using content analysis to identify the role, scope, and deficiencies of sequences in harmony education.
The findings reveal that sequences are generally treated superficially in most harmony textbooks in Turkey and are rarely integrated into broader theoretical contexts. Nevertheless, some textbooks provide more detailed theoretical and practical insights into sequences. The study emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to incorporating sequences into harmony education and offers suggestions for addressing these gaps.
This research serves as a valuable resource for academics and educators in music education, providing guidance on how sequences can be more effectively integrated into educational contexts. The findings also aim to contribute to the improvement of harmony education materials in Turkey. This study offers several recommendations for enhancing the integration of sequences in harmony education. First, educational materials should be developed to provide a detailed explanation of the theoretical foundations and various types of sequences, and sequences should be incorporated as a fundamental topic in the curriculum. Additionally, supporting materials should be provided to help educators utilize sequences more effectively in an educational context, and greater emphasis should be placed on the use of visual and auditory resources to enhance students’ understanding of the subject. In line with these recommendations, this study aims to contribute to the improvement of harmony education materials and to provide a framework for a more effective approach to teaching sequences in music education.