Short and sweet insights into the true nature of Composition & Improvisation…
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Category: Composition
Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 24 of 24: Idea: Add an Ending
A common practice is to add a few extra bars at the end of the form in order to signal crisp and clear closure…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 23 of 24: Idea: Add an Introduction
A well-crafted Introduction can create a sense of anticipation, establish a mood, and build musical momentum going into “the top” of the piece…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 22 of 24: Idea: Rhythmic Motives
Rhythm is an extremely powerful organizing force in music, oftentimes moreso than the pitches…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 21 of 24: Idea: Two-Handed Chord Melody
Here is a two-fisted melody consisting exclusively of chord tones played as alternating pairs in both hands…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 20 of 24: Idea: Pickups
There is no rule that says that a song or chorus must begin on the first downbeat…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 19 of 24: Idea: Melodic Sequence
A Sequence is a pattern with a characteristic melodic shape and rhythm that moves through the chord changes…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 18 of 24: Idea: Pedal Point
Pedal Point means to play a single note in the bass as the chords change above…
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Composition & Improvisation: A Case Study: Part 17 of 24: Idea: Subdivide Beat into Triplets
One way to Subdivide the Beat is to play triplet chords in the left hand…
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