In search of siutable approaches to the study of harmony
I. А. Haidenko · Culture of Ukraine · 2025
The purpose of the article. Education in the Russian Empire was significantly influenced by XIX century German theoretical models, rendering it relatively progressive for its time. However, the Soviet era imposed intellectual isolation from Western academic discourse, resulting in rigid, didactic textbooks that suppressed critical inquiry. In the wake of disengaging from Soviet and Russian sources, contemporary Ukrainian music theory must address significant pedagogical gaps. This study evaluates modern Western approaches to teaching harmony, analyzing their strengths and limitations to identify the most effective strategies for integration into Ukraine’s music education framework. The methodology. The research combines historical and comparative analysis, critical evaluation, and AI-assisted inquiry. The results. Western theorists such as Heinrich Schenker, Arnold Schoenberg, Olivier Messiaen, and Paul Hindemith critiqued traditional harmony instruction and introduced more creative, application-oriented methodologies. Their innovations resonate with similar concerns raised in China, where educators increasingly adopt student-centered strategies to counter disengagement from purely theoretical instruction (Yin, 2024). Contemporary approaches are explored: the traditional method, grounded in functional harmony from the classical canon; the jazz-based approach, emphasizing chord color and improvisation; and the technological method, which leverages digital tools and AI for real-time harmonic modeling. Experimental techniques, including microtonal training and auditory-perception models, further expand pedagogical options. Despite isolated efforts such as Lemishko’s textbook (Lemishko, 2007; Lemishko & Zavisko, 2010), modern harmony instruction in Ukraine remains underdeveloped. Many students struggle to bridge theoretical concepts with creative practice — even within an extensive 17-year training framework. In contrast, Western institutions achieve comparable outcomes in shorter timeframes due to clearer objectives and better resources. The practical significance. The study offers the translation and adaptation of key Western textbooks, such as Piston’s Harmony and Nettles and Graf’s Chord-Scale Theory and Jazz Harmony, alongside integrating technological innovations like Scaler 3. These steps, supported by ongoing research and international collaboration, will help modernize harmony instruction and enhance Ukraine’s academic and creative potential in music education.