BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
1589 / 18210 · Module 27 — Waltz and Classical-Style Accompaniment← prev⊞ allnext →

Homework for Module 27

A. Basic waltz

Play:

C | Am | F | G | C

in 3/4 with:

bass – chord – chord.

Keep beats 2 and 3 lighter.


B. Smooth waltz voicings

Use the same progression but minimize RH movement.

Then add:

G/B or F/A to improve bass motion.


C. Three waltz textures

Play one progression as:

  1. oom-pah-pah
  2. one-note-per-beat arpeggio
  3. wide Romantic arpeggio

Record all three.


D. Alberti bass

Practice:

C-G-E-G

C-G-E-G

A-E-C-E

A-E-C-E

F-C-A-C

F-C-A-C

G-D-B-D

G-D-B-D

under a simple RH melody.

Keep LH quiet and even.


E. 6/8

Take:

C-Am-F-G

Play each chord in a 6/8 rocking pattern.

Count:

ONE-two-three FOUR-five-six

Do not let it turn into 3/4.


F. Suspension

Practice:

G7 → C

with:

F → E

F → E

held/resolved in the melody or inner voice.

Then:

D → C

D → C

over tonic.


G. Minor waltz

Play:

Am | Dm | E7 | Am

then:

Am | A7 | Dm | E7 | Am

Hear the chromatic line:

C → C♯ → D.


H. Passing diminished

Use:

C | C♯°7 | Dm | G7 | C

one chord per 3/4 bar.

Voice-lead smoothly.


I. Meter transformation

Take one familiar 4/4 melody.

Recast its first 8 bars into 3/4.

Do not simply compress the rhythm mathematically.

Rephrase it.


J. Complete classical-style arrangement

Take a simple melody and include:

  • 3/4 or 6/8 transformation
  • smooth bass line
  • at least one suspension
  • one arpeggiated texture
  • one contrasting texture
  • one chromatic or diminished passing move
  • deliberate cadence
  • clear dynamic arc

Record the arrangement.