HARMONY TEXTBOOKS


The new CONSERVATORY HARMONY, Grade 3 was written specifically for students who wish to take an exam at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto or other, similar institutions. It is following the requirements of the 2002 RCM Syllabus and uses the RCM recommended chord symbols. It is a great resource for students preparing either for written or keyboard examinations. An Answer Book is also in preparation and will be available in the near future.


The PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HARMONY was written for students who wish to study harmony and want to take an exam at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto or other, similar institutions. In its further expanded Fourth EDITION it consists of 404 pages, while the Answer Book has 108 pages. It is compatible with the 2002 syllabus and suitable for written or keyboard examination.

  • This book provides a logical, step-by-step approach to harmony. It contains hundreds of examples from great compositions and exam style exercises. Take a look at the Table of Contents! To view the first chapter click here.
  • It contains all the material that is needed for a Grade 3-5 harmony examination. The counterpoint part of the Grade 5 exam must be supplemented with the material that is contained in the text PRACTICAL GUIDE TO COUNTERPOINT by Gábor Finta (available in 2005).
  • Separate Answer Book gives the solutions of the exercises.
  • It places greater emphasis on keyboard skills and ear training. Harmony studies without ear training and keyboard skills have very limited practical value.
  • Colin Mack has been using this book since 2001 to prepare groups of students for RCM exams at the University of Ottawa Professional Training Services. His comments:
    "Over the past 23 years I have had the opportunity to teach Common Practice Harmony to dozens of students. I have used a variety of RCM recommended texts. Gabor Finta's "Practical Guide to Harmony" is very high calibre work. The logic and consistency of the writing is a pleasure to read. His personal comments are enlightening, as are the musical examples. There is an excellent balance in the text between "the rules" and actual practice. The equal emphasis given to keyboard harmony is welcome and should prove very useful to students long after the exams have been written. Special mention should be made of PART THREE - Harmonization, especially "authentic" vrs. "plagal" progression. This concept is clearly articulated and will be very helpful particularly to more advanced level students. The accompanying "Answer Book" is a real time-saver for teachers. The cost of the text is very reasonable. "
  • Comments by Dr. Joan Miller (Associate Professor at Brandon University):
    "It is, in my opinion, the best resource on the market for RCM requirements. I like the text very much overall. It is clearly thought out and presented in a musical manner."
  • Read what students say about the book:
    "This book is much simpler; thus easier to understand than all harmony texts I've seen."
    "I wish this had been around earlier when I started harmony!"
    "The PGH text is a fantastic learning tool and I would not change anything in it!"
    "I liked most the logical order, understandable chord symbols and the abundance of examples to play."
    "I have especially liked the catalogue of chords!!! The modulations section is also great!"
    "I liked most that the examples are actual pieces!"
    "I liked that there were actual exercises with every chapter of the book and the clarity ot the explanations!"
    "I like that everything is in one book, so that it approaches music theory as a whole."
    "I like that the musical examples are taken from real pieces!"
    "I liked the summary: Rules of Voice Leading. Really helps!"

  • To order send check or money order to: Gabor Finta, 3006 Linton Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8H3.
    Prices: Practical Guide to Harmony $50.00; Answer Book $15.00;
    Conservatory Harmony, Grade 3 $35.00
    Shipping: $6.00 in Canada.
  • Foreign orders: $50.00 US for the PGH and its Answer book. Conseratory Harmony: $30.00. Ask for a quote regarding shipping expenses (air or surface).
    If you advise us by e-mail to gaborfinta@fintastudios.com we will be able to process your order faster. Thank You!