Harmony & Voice Leading IV: Secondary Function

Name: AP Music Theory Unit 7: Harmony & Voice Leading IV: Secondary Function
Availability: InStock

2 lessons · 29 min

What this unit covers

The topics below follow the published Music Theory course framework for Unit 7. Music Theory publishes no per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to chase here.

Secondary dominantsTonicizationModulationApplied chords

Lessons in this unit

Secondary Dominants15 min · 3 objectivesExplain tonicization and how a secondary dominant borrows a leading tone · Spell secondary dominants such as V/V, V/ii, and V/vi · Resolve a secondary dominant to its temporary tonic
Secondary Leading-Tone Chords14 min · 3 objectivesBuild secondary leading-tone triads and seventh chords (vii°/x, vii°7/x) · Distinguish fully-diminished from half-diminished secondary function · Resolve secondary leading-tone chords to their target

Formulas in Unit 7

Building a secondary dominant

V/x = major triad (or dom7) a perfect fifth above x’s root · V/V in C = D–F♯–A

The chromatic third of V/x is the leading tone of x and resolves up. A chordal seventh resolves down. Compare V/V (D–F♯–A) with diatonic ii (D–F–A): the F♯ is the tell.

Building a secondary leading-tone chord

vii°/x is built on the note a half step below x’s root · vii°7/V in C = F♯–A–C–E♭

Stack the chord in thirds from the target’s leading tone. A fully diminished vii°7/x = three stacked minor thirds; a half-diminished viiø7/x has a minor seventh on top and suits major targets.

What examiners penalize here

To analyze any chromatic chord, ask: "**Does its chromatic tone lead into the root of the next chord by half step?**" If yes, it is very likely a secondary dominant of that next chord. Label it V/x (or V7/x), where x is the Roman numeral of the tonicized chord in the home key.
When you find a **fully diminished seventh** in the middle of a phrase, test it as a **secondary leading-tone chord**: its root is a half step below the next chord’s root, and it resolves there. Because it is symmetrical, spelling (which note is the root) tells you which chord it tonicizes.

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 7?

The Music Theory course framework does not publish a per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to quote for Unit 7 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 7?

Harmony & Voice Leading IV: Secondary Function covers Secondary dominants, Tonicization, Modulation and Applied chords.

How should I study Music Theory Unit 7?

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.