JS 572 Applied Modal Analysis
Any piece of music – regardless of style – can be understood by its tonal, thematic and rhythmic ingredients. Informed by the perspective of George Russell’s Lydian Chromatic Concept (LCC) and expanded upon by Organic Music Theory (Ben Schwendener), classical and other works are analyzed by their modal components, rather than by any stylistic historical language employed by the composer at that time. These analyzed works then serve as blueprints from which the student creates, improvises, composes their own unique works and navigational procedures. New and familiar musical sounds and relationships are further understood, illuminated and expanded through ear training, intrinsic to this process. With this perspective, students first dive into modal analysis with Bach Chorales. Students improvise and create their own original works from modal elements. The class serves as an experimental laboratory. The process is repeated throughout the semester with modal realizations of various important works by Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Ravel, Stravinsky, Beethoven, and others. Through this, each student develops their own voice, becoming their own ‘Master Chef’, creating their own unique ‘recipes’ in the form of a book of original works. A final concert is produced by the class at the end of the semester. Open to all students from any department and on any instrument. Basic understanding of chords and intervals, and a basic keyboard or polyphonic music reading medium proficiency is recommended. No prior composition/improvisation experience necessary.