This document outlines the first steps, or "Species I counterpoint", of learning the compositional technique known as "Gradus ad Parnassum" or "Steps to Parnassus". It explains the use of perfect, imperfect, and dissonant intervals between two voices, as well as similar, contrary, and oblique motion between the voices in a simple counterpoint exercise.

1. (Baby) Steps to Greatness
• We will now explore
"Gradus ad Parnassum"
or "Steps to Parnassus"
• Species I counterpoint

2. What is counterpoint?

3. Your first steps will look like this. (Species I)
and even this. (Species III)

4. ...Not like this
https://youtu.be/ddbxFi3-UO4

5. Perfect Intervals.
Start and end with these
(P.S. do not put two in a
row)

6. Perfect Intervals.
Start and end with these
(P.S. do not put two in a
row)
Imperfect Intervals.
Try and use these a lot

7. Perfect
Perfect Intervals.
Start and end with these
(P.S. do not put two in a
row)
Imperfect Intervals.
Try and use these a lot
dissonant Intervals.
Do not use these!

8. The motion of two voices

9. Similar Motion

10. Contrary Motion

11. Oblique Motion