Theme & Variations

8th graders have been working on a newly-created unit, a Theme & Variations composition project. Theme & Variations is a musical form from the classical period (1750-1820), and while we are using the general structure of the form. In the project, students are creating a main theme for piano; this includes a melody and a chord progression, which the students change into a basic accompaniment pattern. In each variation that follows, students make alterations to the melody, rhythm, accompaniment, and other musical elements to create a different version of their theme. Students are composing 3 variations to go along with their theme.

​Below are some samples of students' themes. We look forward to sharing their full Theme & Variations compositions with you soon!

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