In Composing Music, Ch.1 Ex. 4-8 introduce students to the first three modes of the major scale and familiarize them with William Russo’s General Rules and Basic Note Values. If you are curious about these tenets/tools, check out the book.
I gave myself a more comprehensive modal exercise with fewer restrictions by improvising 84 modal tune-lets, i.e., a tune for every mode of the 12 major keys: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian. If you have an hour or two to spare and enjoy noodling, I highly recommend trying this.
In my next post, I will start Chapter 2 and continue adventuring with the kids. In the meantime, here is link to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic. If you are need of some inspiration and cheerleading in the creative living department, and a reminder to make art/music for pleasure, self-soothing, and connection with others...read this book!
