Cambiata: The Melodic Composition Game Created by Ruth Paget
Objective:
Learn the vocabulary or jargon of melodic composition in Barron’s AP (Advanced Placement) test preparation book. Learning the vocabulary first makes learning the concepts and understanding the illustrations in the tenth chapter in Barron’s Music Theory book easier.
Some junior colleges and colleges will award college credit for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Music Theory examination. College credit awarded for one class saves tuition money.
Some high schools offer AP Test Preparation classes. Some businesses like Princeton Review and Kaplan can find tutors for the AP Music Theory examination
Skills and Related Jobs:
Mastering AP Music Theory will allow you to read and write music.
Related jobs include composer, musician (if you practice), singer (if you practice), concert organizer, and music industry writer.
Materials Needed:
-Barron’s AP Music Theory Book
-index cards
-markers
-access to Google pronunciation
Number of Players:
1, 2, 4, or a group of single players for a society game.
Method:
-Create flash cards with the vocabulary word on the front and the definition, symbol, and/or demonstration notes on the back. Look in the AP Music Theory book for this information.
-Learn the words two at a time.
-When you have learned ten words, test yourself on spelling and meaning.
-Continue to test yourself ten words at a time till you have learned all the words.
-Once you have learned the vocabulary words, read the tenth chapter two or three times to see if you understand the concepts.
-Finally, practice doing the exercises on separate sheets of paper first, so you can correct answers.
Play Cambiata till you know the following words:
-harmonic progression
-circle progression
-progression by thirds
-progression by seconds
-retrogression
-harmonization of a melody
-harmonic rhythm
-anacrusis
-augmentation
-conjunct
-diminution
-disjunct
-elision
-expansion
-internal
-cadential
-fragmentation
-imitation
-leitmotif
-literal repetition
-melody
-melodic inversion
-mode mixture
-modal borrowing
-motive
-motif
-non-chord tones
-non-harmonious tones
-appoggiatura
-anticipation
-escape tone
-échappée
-incomplete neighbor
-cambiata
-passing tones
-accented
-unaccented
-chromatic
-neighbor tones
-upper and lower neighbors
-suspension
-retardation
-octave displacement
-phrase
-phrase structure
-symmetrical and asymmetrical
-periodic structure
-antecedent
-consequent
-parallel period
-contrasting period
-double period
-repeated period
-modulating period
-retrograde
-rhythmic displacement
-sequence
-transportation
-variation
Have fun learning the building blocks of music!
By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France
