Composition tools
Rhythm Exploration
- Go to the Rhythm Page of the Learning Library
- 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
- 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
- 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.