Which term refers to a nonharmonic tone held over beyond a chord change?

The term that refers to a nonharmonic tone held over beyond a chord change is suspension. In music theory, a suspension occurs when a note from a previous chord is sustained while the harmony below it changes, creating a moment of tension that typically resolves to a consonant tone in the new chord. This technique is often used to create emotional depth and can add richness to the harmonic progression. The characteristic of a suspension is its inherent sense of expectation—the held note must eventually resolve down to a note that is part of the new chord, establishing a stronger harmonic foundation.

Understanding suspensions is fundamental for composers and performers alike, as they are a common device used in classical and contemporary music to enhance the harmonic texture.