Harmonizing a new melody that does not feature chord labels.
This activity uses a technique called "Think-Pair-Share." It is most effective with a class that already understands the basics of harmonization, but is not completely comfortable choosing harmonies. The instructor assigns a single melody for harmonization to the class, provides a list of possible chords to be used, and establishes a time limit (usually 5 minutes). The students work individually harmonizing the melody. After 5 minutes, they are grouped into pairs. Each student must play for the other and compare harmonizations. Then they must come to a mutual agreement, and quickly prepare and practice a single version of the harmonization by taking the best of each version (this forces them to analyze an discuss why certain chords work better in certain circumstances). After a few minutes, the instructor calls on each group to play and share the harmonization with the rest of the class. They are also supposed to tell the rest of the class about their "negotiations" to arrive to the final version. If the result of one particular group is poor, the instructor may request the opinion or comment of other groups. If the correct solution does not come from other groups, the instructor should then explain the right answer making sure not to dishearten the groups. If there are other versions of the harmonization, the other groups then play their work. In order not to discourage original contributions, the instructor must make clear that sometimes there are many "correct" ways to harmonize a melody.