Theme and Variations
Theme and variations is a common musical form and an important part of a young musician’s toolbox for interpreting music. Learn how to identify a theme and explore how composers transform themes through various compositional techniques.
Musical Word Wall
- Theme
- Variations
Classroom Discussion Prompts
- How would you describe the character and tone of the initial theme (played by the flute and trumpet at the beginning of the video)?
- Of all the variations presented (rhythm, adding more notes, harmonies, articulation, instrumentation, and pitch range), which do you think is the most transformative? Why?
- Can you think of any other ways to create a variation on a theme?
- When the theme comes back at the end of the video with all the instruments playing together, how would you describe the texture?
- Take a theme from a piece of music you are working on. Describe the theme in your own words. Then choose a compositional technique and try creating your own variation!
Explore More
Articulation
Explore how articulation can change the mood and intention of a piece of music.
Texture
Discover how changes in texture and layering can alter how we hear a piece of music.
Ode to Community
Explore what it means to be a good musical citizen in an ensemble, and learn about the various individual and group roles that support a piece of music.
About Listen and Learn
Join Ensemble Connect fellows in a series of interactive videos that introduce core musicianship skills through guided listening activities. The fellows dissect an excerpt of classical ensemble music through the lens of a particular technique (e.g., articulation), helping students understand the technique and how to apply it to their own music. Alongside each video is a list of suggested prompts for discussion and further learning with your students.
Ensemble Connect is a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education.