Accelerator Group Due 10-1-24

Step 1: Outline the Harmony
– Choose a simple jazz melody you are working on.
– For each of the primary melody notes, build a 4-note closed position chord in RH underneath the melody with the bass note in the LH.
– Your primary note choices are the shells (3rd and 7th), the 5th, and a color note (9th, 13th, etc.).
Step 2: 2 Hand Spacing and Texture
– Once your 4-note chords are outlined, experiment with opening up the voicings between the 2 hands to give the melody more space.
– Try organizing the notes in different ways to see how it affects the texture—do you want a more open or more closed sound?
– Ensure that the melody note rings out clearly on top of the harmony.
Step 3: Break Up the Chord
– Once you’ve settled on the spacing, break up the chord rhythmically. Instead of playing all the notes of the chord at once, try arpeggiating or playing the notes in small groups to add movement and rhythm to the harmony.
– Experiment with different rhythmic patterns to support the flow of the melody and create a more interesting arrangement.
– Optional Higher-Level Concept: As you break up the chord, start paying attention to inner voices. Smooth voice leading between chords can create engaging inner melodies and help guide the listener through the harmonic transitions.