Creativity Tools


Composition tools

Rhythm Exploration

  1. Go to the Rhythm Page of the Learning Library
  2. Choose one of the Duple or Triple Series. Choose just ONE of the patterns, and:
    • chant it
    • play it on the piano on a single key (use good form!)
    • explore a scale using your chosen rhythm pattern
  3. BONUS: Using the different rhythmic units, make up your own two- or four-macrobeat pattern and:
    • chant it
    • play it on the piano on a single key (use good form!)
    • explore a scale using the rhythm pattern

Harmonic Exploration

  1. To get to know LH chords in a key:

 – play chord scale: root chord shapes, 1-5-1 chord shape

 – play resolving (going counter clockwise around circle of 5ths): root chord shapes, 1-5-1 shapes

 – play by 5ths (going clockwise around circle of 5ths): roots, 1-5-1

  • Play around with harmony — how many different ways can you harmonize?
  • I chord all the way through
  • I chord, plus V in a few places.
  • I chord, plus IV and/or V in a few places.
  • Minor chords! Write down a few favorites.
  • Minor chords: vi can replace I, iii can replace V, ii can replace IV.

2. Borrowed Dominants

3. Change normally major chords to minor (or vice versa).

4. Modulate to a new key.

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