BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
181 / 18210 · Module 6 — Cadences, Phrase Structure, Harmonic Rhythm, and Hearing Musical “Punctuation”← prev⊞ allnext →

6.18Phrase-ending clues

When listening, ask:

Does it feel fully settled?

Likely tonic cadence.

Does it feel suspended?

Possibly half cadence.

Did I strongly expect home but get something else?

Possibly deceptive cadence.

Did it settle gently without dominant tension?

Possibly plagal movement.

You do not need perfect pitch to hear these.

You are listening to function.