Harmony & Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence & Phrase

Name: AP Music Theory Unit 4: Harmony & Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence & Phrase
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2 lessons · 28 min

What this unit covers

The topics below follow the published Music Theory course framework for Unit 4. Music Theory publishes no per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to chase here.

CadencesVoice leadingPart-writingPhrases

Lessons in this unit

Diatonic Harmony, Function & Voice Leading15 min · 3 objectivesLabel diatonic triads in major and minor with Roman numerals · Classify chords by tonic, predominant, and dominant function · Apply core SATB voice-leading rules and spot common violations
Cadences & Phrase Structure13 min · 3 objectivesIdentify the cadence types by their chords and voicing · Distinguish perfect from imperfect authentic cadences · Describe phrases, periods, and antecedent–consequent structure

Formulas in Unit 4

Diatonic triads and function in major

I ii iii IV V vi vii° → T: I, vi · PD: ii, IV · D: V, vii°

Case shows quality (I major, ii minor, vii° diminished). Functional flow is T → PD → D → T; the dominant resolves the leading tone up to the tonic.

Cadence chord templates

PAC/IAC: V(7) → I · HC: … → V · DC: V → vi · PC: IV → I

PAC additionally requires both chords in root position and the soprano ending on do. Break either condition and V–I becomes an IAC.

What examiners penalize here

On part-writing questions, resolve **tendency tones** without fail: the **leading tone (ti) rises to do**, and the **chordal seventh falls by step**. In a V7–I in C, B (ti) goes to C and F (the seventh) goes to E. Missing either resolution is an automatic deduction.
In a parallel period, listen for the antecedent to end on a **half cadence (the question)** and the consequent to answer with a **PAC**. Identifying "HC then PAC" over two similar phrases is textbook evidence of a period — a frequent free-response and aural task.

Practice Music Theory

Our practice bank is drawn from across the whole course rather than filtered to one unit, which is closer to how the exam asks anyway — it will not tell you which unit a question is testing.

24 practice questionsEvery one with a written explanation FRQ trainerWritten answers scored against the rubric Music Theory study guideAll units, weights and score data in one place All 8 Music Theory unitsThe full course

Questions about this unit

How much of the AP Music Theory exam is Unit 4?

The Music Theory course framework does not publish a per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to quote for Unit 4 and anyone who gives you one is guessing. Spread your time by where your own errors are instead.

What topics are covered in Music Theory Unit 4?

Harmony & Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence & Phrase covers Cadences, Voice leading, Part-writing and Phrases.

How should I study Music Theory Unit 4?

Read the 2 lessons below first — about 30 minutes — then work practice questions on these topics. Finish with practice questions and read the explanation for every one you get right by elimination as well as the ones you miss.

All 8 units of AP Music Theory

Unit names, topics and exam weights follow the published College Board course framework for AP Music Theory. AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which does not endorse this site.