Homework for Module 23
A. Five intros
Take one melody and create five intros:
- two-bar ii–V
- four-bar turnaround
- melodic fragment
- tonic pedal
- dominant pedal
Keep each short.
B. Three-note fills
Play a familiar melody.
Every phrase gap gets a fill of no more than three notes.
Record it.
Then listen for any places where even three were too many.
C. Destination fills
Create fills leading to:
- C
- Am
- Dm
- G7
Make the final fill note an important chord tone of the upcoming chord.
D. Turnarounds
Practice:
Cmaj7-Am7-Dm7-G7
Cmaj7-A7-Dm7-G7
Cmaj7-A7-Dm7-D♭7
Then return to C.
E. Five endings
End the same tune using:
- G7-C
- F-C
- F-Fm-C
- Dm7-D♭7-Cmaj7
- Fm7-B♭7-C6/9
Compare the emotional character.
F. Tag ending
Repeat the final phrase three times.
Use:
- ordinary harmony
- reharmonized dominant
- final minor-plagal or 6/9 cadence
G. Intro/ending bookend
Use one motif in the intro.
Bring it back in the ending.
Change only register or rhythm.
H. Complete miniature arrangement
Take one simple tune and perform:
- intro
- melody
- two or three tasteful fills
- one richer repeated section
- turnaround
- final tag
- ending
Record the whole performance without stopping.
That is the important assignment.