87.
Small assignment: Overtone series
Practical introduction to spectral music and the overtone series.
Assignment author
Esa Ylivaara
Basics
Minimum time required
Goal and output
Pedagogical goal
Practical introduction through playing an instrument to spectral music and the overtone series.
Concrete output
Improvisation based on the overtone series.
Preparation
- Introduce students to the overtone series and write it on the board up to the 12th or 16th partial, depending on how advanced the students are. C2 is a useful fundamental.
- Present and have the students listen to spectral music (e.g. Grisey, Murail).
Work progress
- Improvise using the notes of the overtone series. This may be a free improvisation or a structured one (e.g. ostinato + solos). You may restrict the pitches used from time to time, e.g. by instructing the students only to play pitches from the 7th partial (minor seventh) upwards.
- With advanced students, you may try changing fundamentals in mid-improvisation.
Topics in the assignment
Musical structures and analysis
Playing an instrument & singing
Notation & music terminology
Arranging & parts
Music technology
Styles & techniques
Imagination & other arts
Tools
Further assignments
Assignment suitable for further study
