Musicianship: Tensions, Harmonic Function, and Modal Interchange

George W. Russell, Jr. continues Berklee’s musicianship sequence with the harmonic choices that give a progression its direction and color. The four modules work through E-flat major and C minor, II–V–I progressions, D major, modal interchange and suspended chords. This is a focused continuation for musicians who already understand basic keys and chord construction.

What you will learn

• Identify harmonic function in a short progression.
• Compare chord tensions with their underlying triads.
• Use modal interchange to vary a harmonic phrase.

Who this suits

Complete the first two Developing Your Musicianship courses, or review their material, before enrolling. The provider lists intermediate level.

Before you enroll

Harmony becomes clearer when you hear it. Keep an instrument or suitable playback tool available and leave time to play the examples rather than only watching the explanations.

Coursera lists paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for included assessments, certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. University authorship does not by itself confer admission, academic credit or a professional license.

Put it into practice

Write a short II–V–I progression, then make a second version with a suspended chord or borrowed harmony. Record both and explain the difference you hear.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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