Change

Using the verbal prompt, “Change,” controls the speed with which a student connects understanding something intellectually to performing it in an improvisatory context. Generally improvisations using ‘change’ should start out with a slower rate of change. Rates of change can at first be based on numbers of beats, then measures, for example. Prompting ‘change’ is especially useful in a group environment when the class is engaged in an ‘in tempo’ musicianship activity one student at a time or in groups.

“Change” Examples

Changing Rhythm: Movement - Direction of clapping for Time Signature

1. Students begin a left to right clapping of 4-time
2. Teacher calls out “Change.”
3. Students change the clapping to a right to left direction
4. Student ‘conduct’ in 4 time
5. Teacher calls out, “Change.”
6. Students ‘conduct’ from low to high

Changing Melody

1. Students Sing an upward melodic contour
2. Teacher calls, “Change”
3. Students sing a downward contour

Changing Harmony: Major to minor/minor to major

1. Teacher plays a ‘tonic’ pitch
2. Student sings a Major Third above the tonic
3. Teacher calls out, “change.”
4. Student switches to a minor third above the tonic
5. The same process can be repeated with all chord tones of all types of triads, seventh chords, and non-tonal verticalities