Sondheim Unscripted Week 1
Workshop Summary
Exploration of Musical Concepts
Discussed the use of pedal points and modal harmonics in music, referencing Sondheim's work.
Emphasized understanding guide tones (1, 3, 5, 7) for creating melodies.
Practiced scales and arpeggios, encouraging comfort within key structures.
Vocal Exercises
Participants sang scales and worked on blending harmonies, focusing on guide tones.
Experimented with different entry points for notes within a bar, emphasizing rhythmic diversity.
Improvised Song Exercises
Explored creating melodies using the structure of guide tones.
Focused on keeping songs open and reflecting character states for theatrical songs.
Indefinite Pronouns in Lyrics
Analyzed the use of indefinite pronouns (someone, somewhere, something) for lyrical anchors.
Participants practiced writing improvised lyrics following "indefinite pronoun + list" format.
Thematic Improvisation
Used themes (e.g., being alone, joy of family) for improvised scenes and songs, exploring emotional depth.
Dialogue Games
Played "Take a Word, Change a Word" and "Keep a Word," focusing on listening and word association.
Character and Scene Development
Emphasized the importance of stakes, character depth, and context in scenes.
Key Insights:
Integrating improvisational techniques enhances not just musicality but also the emotional resonance of performances.
Exploring musical structures, such as guide tones, supports creativity in composition and improvisation.
Engaging in vocal exercises fosters collaboration and enriches harmonious blending.
Action Items:
Incorporate pedal points and modal harmonics into regular practice sessions.
Frequent practice of scales and arpeggios to develop familiarity with key structures.
Create regular opportunities for improvising songs based on themes and character exploration.
Encourage the use of indefinite pronouns in lyric writing to enhance depth and creativity.
Regularly engage in dialogue games to improve listening skills and word association.
