BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
13165 / 18210 · Workshop 103 — From Arrangement to Original Composition: Building a New Piece from Motif, Bass, Harmonic Function, Form, and Constraints← prev⊞ allnext →

103.177A practical six-pass composition workflow

Pass 1 — Motif

Write the seed.

Pass 2 — Phrase

Turn seed into question/answer.

Pass 3 — Bass

Design structural low line.

Pass 4 — Harmony

Support outer voices/function.

Pass 5 — Form

Create contrast, climax, return.

Pass 6 — Arrangement

Choose texture, register, touch.

Do not attempt all six simultaneously.