Harmony
Harmony is a fundamental musical concept that deals with how different musical notes work together to create pleasing combinations. In choir direction and music education, it refers to the way voices or instruments blend together to create rich, layered sound. When someone mentions harmony skills on a resume, they're talking about their ability to teach, arrange, or direct multiple voice parts (like soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) to sing together effectively. This is similar to how an orchestra conductor ensures all instruments play well together, but specifically focuses on vocal music and choral arrangements.
Examples in Resumes
Trained a 40-person choir in complex Harmony arrangements for holiday performances
Created original Harmony arrangements for a professional vocal ensemble
Taught Harmony and sight-reading to beginning choir students
Specialized in barbershop Harmony direction and arrangement
Typical job title: "Choir Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Choir Directors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach teaching complex harmony arrangements to a choir that includes both experienced and novice singers?
Expected Answer: A senior director should discuss methods of breaking down complex pieces into manageable parts, using section leaders, creating practice recordings, and developing strategies to help weaker singers learn from stronger ones while maintaining group confidence.
Q: What strategies do you use to maintain vocal harmony when performing challenging contemporary pieces?
Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for maintaining pitch accuracy, methods for teaching difficult intervals, use of rehearsal pianist or recordings, and approaches to helping singers stay on their parts when surrounded by complex harmonies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you teach proper breath support to maintain harmony in long phrases?
Expected Answer: Should discuss breathing exercises, staggered breathing techniques, and methods to help singers sustain notes while maintaining blend and balance within the group.
Q: What methods do you use to improve choir members' ability to hear and adjust their harmony parts?
Expected Answer: Should explain ear training exercises, section rehearsals, recording and playback techniques, and methods for helping singers tune to others in their section.
Junior Level Questions
Q: How do you teach basic harmony to beginners?
Expected Answer: Should describe simple exercises for teaching two-part harmony, use of piano support, basic ear training activities, and methods for helping singers find and maintain their parts.
Q: What techniques do you use to help singers stay on their harmony parts?
Expected Answer: Should mention use of section leaders, rehearsal recordings, piano accompaniment for support, and basic exercises for strengthening part independence.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic piano skills for teaching parts
- Understanding of fundamental harmony concepts
- Ability to teach simple two-part harmonies
- Basic conducting patterns
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced ear training techniques
- Ability to teach complex harmonies
- Section rehearsal management
- Arrangement modification skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced choral conducting
- Complex harmony arrangement skills
- Advanced vocal pedagogy
- Program development and management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic piano skills
- Lack of knowledge about vocal health and safety
- No experience conducting groups
- Poor understanding of different vocal ranges and parts
- Limited knowledge of warm-up techniques
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