Harmony Master

The Harmonymaster is a visual aid that displays the significance of all notes in the context of a chord being played.

First, the reference key must be selected. The chord being played is analysed in MaxMSP with reference to this key, after which a colour is assigned to each LED – that is, each key. Green indicates consonant, blue indicates imperfectly consonant and red indicates dissonant. Whilst green notes can be played without any issues, blue and, in particular, red notes create friction with the chord currently being played.

When composing and improvising, it is a great advantage to be able to understand the relationship of all notes to the harmony. With its LEDs, the Harmonymaster provides the necessary overview at all times.

The Harmonymaster can be used for composing, improvising or even as a music teaching tool.
The Harmonymaster really comes into its own, particularly in keys with lots of accidentals, which can often be confusing when playing off the cuff.

In live situations, where there’s no time to experiment, the Harmonymaster provides key information at a glance, so that the player has a clear idea in advance of how each note will sound against the chord currently being played.

Another useful feature: the green LEDs show all the inversions of the chord currently being played.

The Harmonymaster can also be used as a learning tool to bring music theory to life directly at the piano. Interacting with the instrument helps you grasp music theory concepts far more effectively. What’s more, you learn music theory directly at the piano, right where it’s needed.

Music theory that would otherwise have to be laboriously learnt by heart is presented by the Harmonymaster live at a glance.