What are some effective techniques that can be used to change key in a composition?

Here is a list of some techiniques:

1) Using a secondary dominant to move to the dominant key

2)Augmented 6th

3)Diminished 7th - use one of the notes within the dominant 7th as a 'leading note' to a desired key

4)Cycle of 5ths

5)Semitone movements - usually within a less tonal piece

JM
Answered by Jenifer M. Music tutor

4520 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

When and where should I modulate in a Bach Chorale harmonisation?


What are the examiners looking for in the essay?


What is Sonata Form?


How did the first movement of Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ rework the formal conventions of the classical symphony?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning