17073 / 18210 · Workshop 121 — Improvisation as a Composition Engine: How to Capture Spontaneous Ideas, Recognize What Is Worth Keeping, and Turn a One-Time Performance into a Real Piece← prev⊞ allnext →
121.270Apply to “Happy Birthday”
Because it is public domain, use it as a safe improvisation laboratory.
Play melody once.
Then improvise:
8–16 bars
using only:
its rhythmic/melodic DNA.
Do not simply repeat tune.