BASIC STEPS (Lever): 1, 2, 3 (& 4)
Refer to the Resource Hub for
Modulation Staircase Overview & Star Chart
>> Link to the Resource Hub <<
About the Basic Steps
Steps 1, 2 & 3 were created to let you practice the art of modulation ‘up’ and ‘down’ the Circle of Fifths (don’t worry if you don’t know what that means yet).
Each step is a PATTERN that you learn, and then you learn to modulate and play that pattern is a series of different keys.
In future classes & sheet music, you’ll get access to more complex modulating patterns that will combine modulation with:
- Classical techniques like arpeggios, scales & other patterns
- Rhythms and meters like bossa nova, samba, swing, waltz & 5/4 meter
- Improvisation – including Left- and Right-hand patterns, bass, accompaniment and melodic improv patterns
Steps 1, 2 & 3 were created specifically to get you familiar with modulating from key to key within the context of music – meaning, each pattern includes a section that represents a piece of music as well as the modulation itself. So you’re learning to integrate the modulation process with the music you already play, as well as learning the skill and art of modulating.
Step 4 is a ‘Bonus’ Step – it’s actually a bridge to the next series, but I wanted to include it as it gets you familiar with entering a key on the “2” chord. Don’t worry if you don’t know what I mean. As you play the steps – you’ll start to ‘discover’ the patterns of harmonic relationships, especially if you use the Star Chart Harmony Wheel (or whatever I’m calling it now — the name keeps changing!) .
Note that some steps have two alternate endings. That’s because if you keep using the same ending you’ll go off the top or the bottom of the harp. So if you starting to get to high or low on your harp, choose the other ending, or try alternating endings – or make up your own ending. These first steps of the Modulation Staircase are all about learning to navigate from key to key, not learning how to play the exact notes on the page.
Join the Creative Process – give Feedback!
Since we’re still in the development phase of these warmups, we invite you to join us in this creative process as a First Reader by giving us your feedback on any errors you find in the music and let us know what IS working and how it’s impacting your playing, fluency and comfort with modulation – scroll down to find the button for feedback or click here to scroll to the Feedback button.
Overview & Training
Step #1
The pattern of Step #1 is 4 measures long and each measure has a different function:
- M. 1 establishes the key with an arpeggio,
- M. 2. is a repeatable pattern that gives you as much time as you need to shift your levers
- M. 3 is a kind of travel or bridge measure
- M. 4 lands you in the new key
Step #2
Step #2 introduces the ‘technical’ elements of arpeggio & scale in 6ths, adds a slightly more complex modulation and has two options for the bridge to the new key.
You’ll use one or the other depending on how large your harp is and whether you need to begin the next modulation higher or lower on your harp.
Step #3
Step #3 Introduces the concept of a establishing the key with a harmonic progression outlined by arpeggios. This particular progression is a “1-6-2-5” progression.
You won’t be ‘learning’ the harmonic significance of the numbers, but you’ll likely discover it as you continue to play the patterns.
Step #4
Step #4 Introduces the concept of a establishing the key by starting with the “2-5-1-6” harmonic progression outlined in arpeggios.
You won’t be ‘learning’ the harmonic significance of the numbers, but you’ll likely discover it as you continue to play the patterns.
It also introduces an improv section as you ‘noodle’ from the Modulation to the big letter of the next section. In fact, it doesn’t really matter what the target note of your noodling is, but it helps to have a target.
We'd LOVE your FEEDBACK!
You are the first readers of this music! Thank you!!! We’d love to hear your feedback on what’s working, what’s confusing, what you love. Please just be kind. This is a brand new kind of product – a hybrid between sheet music, app and class – and we’re still trying to learn the best way to share it.
Thank you!
The Legacy Project Team that helped me structure, create and share this new edition with you is:
