Theme and Variations (Part 2)

Learn about theme and variations (part 2): study a master composition and apply one technique

🎵 Stage Brief #40

Try writing a 12-bar blues: 4 measures on I, 2 on IV, 2 on I, 1 on V, 1 on IV, 2 on I.

🎯 Your mission

Listen close. Move with it. Try it yourself.

⚡ The twist

Your ears are smarter than your eyes. Trust them.

What you'll learn

Try writing a 12-bar blues: 4 measures on I, 2 on IV, 2 on I, 1 on V, 1 on IV, 2 on I. Add a melody on top.

Remember

🎧 Listen

Listen for this

🎧 Close your eyes for the first 30 seconds. Just listen.

🎼 Notes on the staff

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🌟 Artist spotlight

🌟 Every musician you love started by listening way more than they played.

🤯 Mind = blown

🤯 Music lights up MORE parts of your brain than any other activity. Even more than math.

Check your understanding · 1 of 3

What is a theme and variations?

Check your understanding · 2 of 3

What is a motif in composition?

Check your understanding · 3 of 3

What is a canon in music?

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✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you hear this: Music is everywhere — once you can hear it, you can't unhear it.

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👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “What's a song that always makes you feel something? Why?”

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