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

4602 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What do the various names for structure mean - Binary, Ternary, Sonata etc?


What is the structural significance of the recapitulation in classical sonata form?


What is a tone row?


Discuss how Sondheim utilises Melody and Harmony in "Agony" from "Into The Woods"


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning