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I've written a song for piano which plays c.five minutes. There are two melodies, each with variations.

The A melody is a jazz waltz. The B melody, which is also in 3/4 time, has allusions to classical (and more specifically, ballet).

I'm seeking opinions re whether changes of key are expected in a work of this length which contains allusions to classical music.

i would definitely modulate to another key for melody B, but return to tonic key at the end (if you're going to recap).

signa,

Thanks for replying. The basic key is G, and I've been fiddling with moduating to C for A2 and introducing some substitute chords in A3.

I've been relying on the fact that B2 and B3 move to a higher register.

Today I'll see what I can do re just changing the key for the B's.

This project is providing me with more of a music education than I hoped for;-)

DavidH

that sounds good, and i always think changing keys is essential to a relatively larger size work and make it sound more interesting or dramatic. even some song writers would write a 1 or 2 minute long song with at least one modulation (Elton John's coming to my mind) in it, and i usually like such a song because of it.

signa,

Made a good start on rewriting the B variations in A. Enjoyable, tho I really wish that this thing were finished.

DavidH

Back in March, I sent some of my music to some local college professors, i.e. William and Mary, UVA, Vtech... The main thing they had to say to improve my music was more modulations. I started modulating A LOT more often, and they said it improved the music a lot. I am still keeping in touch with them, but I remember that being a big concern of theirs... not enough modulation. Modulation of themes also creates a more interesting feel to a piece. In a 10 minute long concerto movement, if you were to never modulate, it would get very monotonous.

In the end, modulating is good to do!