In the Composition for Kids lecture, I mentioned having a “Theme and Variations Challenge” to encourage students to compose. In my studio, we are currently having a “Theme and Variations Challenge” to the Christmas tune, Jingle Bells. Last week in our group lesson, I introduced students to the idea of a T&V through the Mozart’s Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) piece. I asked all of the students to come up with a variation to the Jingle Bells tune and promised them I would record each variation and post it on YouTube for them to share with friends and family.
My students were very excited about this, and I have been encouraged by how many students are participating (even ones that aren’t normally interested in composing). To make the assignment more straightforward, I am giving them specific assignments each week:
Week 1
1. Practice this Jingle Bells RH or Jingle Bells RH_LH and play it for me at your lesson.
2. On this Theme and Variations Challenge Worksheet, circle 2 moods that you are interested in using for your variation.
Week 2
1. At the lesson, I will listen to their Jingle Bells melody.
2. At the lesson, we will brainstorm about the moods they chose. For example, if a student chooses the mood “happy,” we would brainstorm about how we could make happy sounds on the piano. We explore things like: dynamics, register, tempo, modality, motives (grace notes are great for happy sounds!), etc.
3. The student will be assigned to go home and make a variation using our ideas.
Week 3
1. At the lesson, I will listen to their variation and ask them if they are satisfied with it or if there is is anything else they want to do with it. I might go ahead and make a few suggestions even if they say they are satisfied.
2. We will explore mood #2 that they have picked and repeat the assignment.
Subsequent Weeks
1. We will record their favorite variation. I have told them that their variation must be polished before I will post it on YouTube.
2. After everyone has performed and recorded their variation, I will assemble the videos into a longer streaming video and post it on YouTube and my site.
This is a fun way to talk about composing and the fact that we use a Christmas tune is extra motivating. If you choose to do something like this in your studio, let me know! I’d love to hear about it.
