BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
1890 / 18210 · Module 30 — Melodic Transformation: Changing the Tune Without Losing It← prev⊞ allnext →

30.100Your practical transformation checklist

When varying a melody, ask:

What must remain?
  • hook?
  • cadence?
  • rhythm?
  • peak?
What am I changing?
  • rhythm?
  • contour?
  • intervals?
  • register?
  • ornamentation?
  • harmony?
  • meter?
Why?
  • more tension?
  • new style?
  • climax?
  • contrast?
  • continuation?

This prevents meaningless complexity.