The book focuses on expanding the student's "harmonic resource," moving from simple triads to complex textures. Key topics covered include:

William Lovelock's Second Year Harmony is a seminal text in classical music theory, serving as the middle installment of his comprehensive three-part series on harmonic resource. Originally published around 1947, this 136-page guide remains a staple for students bridging the gap between basic diatonic harmony and more complex, expressive musical structures. National Library of Australia Key Focus Areas and Pedagogy

: Detailed study of these distinctive chords and their usage in different musical contexts.

For decades, the name William Lovelock has been synonymous with rigorous, no-nonsense music theory education. While his introductory texts are staples for beginners, occupies a crucial middle ground in his syllabus. It is the bridge between the foundational rules of four-part writing and the more complex, chromatic harmonies of the Romantic era.

What makes Lovelock’s approach unique is his . Each chapter contains hundreds of meticulously graded exercises—from chord construction to hymn-style part-writing and keyboard harmony. Unlike many modern theory books that prioritize analysis over writing, Lovelock forces the student to compose at the piano or on manuscript paper.

: Approximately 131–136 pages depending on the edition.