Do feelings matter?

How do you feel about your organ practice today? Did it go well? Or perhaps you didn't like it?

The feelings are irrelevant at this point.

What matters is that you sat on that bench and did the work.

Was it good? Was it bad? Will it help you accomplish your goals in the future?

It's not for you to decide.

All you have to worry about is that you beat your inner dragons just today.

If tomorrow comes, you'll deal with them again.

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Ausra's Harmony Exercise:

Practice ascending transposing sequence in B minor in major 2nds. Chords: V-V7-I (see video example below):

Here's the question from Robert:

"What's a good way to practice the inversions on the keyboard, taking in consideration I only started to study the pipe organ at 60 and it takes longer than a child to get it into your fingers."

First of all, it's nice to hear that my exercises are helpful to Robert.

Inversions take a little more time to master because you have to think about voice doubling.

In 1st inversion (the 6th chord), we generally don't double the bass and in the 2nd inversion (the 64 chord) we double the bass.

So take your time, choose a systematic approach to keys (just like I choose for these videos - from the easiest to the more difficult major and minor in alternation) and play I-V6, V6-I, I-IV6, IV6-I, I6-V, V-I6, I6-IV, IV-I6. To avoid forbidden parallel 5ths and 8ves, make sure your bass moves in the contrary direction with the soprano.

I'll try to add more inversions of I, IV, and V chords into the mix so you could practice as well.

Do you have a question about harmony for Ausra? You can reach her by email.

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