ROMAN NUMERAL ANALYSIS

Hoday,

Roman numeraly analysis is probably the single most important function of music theory. It can identify how a song is composed, help you memorize music, and help you compose your own music. It can be complex and simple. As an undergrad you will be exposed to four levels of theory. Level one is usually in the first semester and level two, three, and four in your next three semesters or quarters.

As stated in the last blog roman numerals are used to identify triads of the major and minor scale. But they are also used to analyze music. For example if you look at the 12 bar blues you can identify how to play the song in any key of you understand its roman numeral analysis.

In addition if you take one of your pieces and identify the chords and the scale degree of the chord, you may just find out how the piece was composed. I wouldn't suggest analyzing your Mozart Requiem just yet however. You may be able to play it now but some pieces of music may be on a theory four level while you're still in theory one - but it's fun to try and if you get stuck, just ask!

Thanks for reading,

John