Improvisation is a wonderful way to express yourself musically, but without structure, it can sometimes feel aimless. Today, I want to share how you can bring structure into your improvisation using a musical form: theme and variations.
What is a Theme?
A theme is a short, memorable melody—something simple you can hum or easily remember. It might be eight bars long and harmonized to give it depth. For example, I once improvised a nursery rhyme theme and later refined it into a composed piece.
- Create a melody you enjoy, either by composing or improvising.
- Keep it simple and recognizable.
What Are the Variations?
Variations are creative modifications of your theme. Here are a few ways to transform a theme:
- Melodic Changes
Add passing tones, trills, ornaments, or appoggiaturas. These slight alterations bring new life to your melody. - Harmonic Changes
Switch the harmonization or experiment with different chord patterns. For instance, I often use Alberti bass patterns to add rhythmic texture to the left hand. - Rhythmic Changes
Play with rhythm! A simple melody can become more dynamic by altering the rhythmic flow. - Key Changes
Move the theme from a major key to a minor key (or vice versa). This small adjustment creates a completely new emotional landscape. - Metric Changes
Experiment with time signatures. Shifting from 4/4 to 3/4, for example, can make your theme feel fresh and surprising.
One of my students, Ghislaine, who is in her late 70s, recently explored the Theme and Variations in her improvisation. She improvised her own theme and then created variations using arpeggios, staccato, double thirds, and even rhythmic shifts. Her creativity was inspiring!
Some students tell me they feel like they’re just “rambling” when they improvise. That’s where structure comes in. Forms like the Theme and Variations give you a framework to organize your ideas, helping your improvisation feel intentional and interesting.