Checkpoint: One Progression, Three Styles
Updated: 2026-07-12After this lesson, you will be able to perform exactly one eight-measure progression, C–Am–Dm–G7–C–Am–F–G7, in three complete original arrangements: sustained blocks, quarter-note pop/rock pulse, and a Classical-inspired broken-chord flow.
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| Measure | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checkpoint's only chord source | C | Am | Dm | G7 | C | Am | F | G7 |
Speak all symbols on beat 1, then play arrangement 1. Add no intro, outro, fill, melody, or substitute chord. The first task is to hold one source absolutely stable before comparing texture.
Arrangement 1: sustain and hear decay
The first arrangement has one attack per measure. Play each middle-register stack; divide the lowest G7 pitch into left hand if needed, without changing pitch or duration. Its p–mp–p dynamic arc changes no harmony. Pedal is optional: play first, then change immediately after every new attack.
This is a sustained lyrical style: few attacks, time to hear tone, balance, and release. One wrong note lasts an entire measure, so prepare each shape before beat 1. Keep four steady beats and let decay belong to the arrangement.
Arrangement 2: straight pop/rock pulse
Arrangement 2 expands eight attacks to 32 without adding pitch. Keep shapes near keys, release pressure after sound, and control mf. Accents on 2/4 project while beat 1 anchors form. Avoid full-measure pedal so attacks remain clear. If the forearm tightens, slow down, practice two measures, rest, and never push through pain.
Surface rhythm changes while harmonic rhythm stays fixed. The progression remains recognizable, but pulse becomes the main role. Articulation and density create style without quoting a commercial groove.
Arrangement 3: directed broken-chord flow
Arrangement 3 sounds lighter than repeated blocks although it also contains 32 events. Group each measure into one gesture rather than accenting all four notes equally. Its overall register is F3–A4. Because notes sound one at a time, there is no simultaneous chord span; the widest per-measure hand shape is G3–F4, a minor seventh. Transfer weight through contour. Shallow pedal may connect within a measure but changes at every boundary.
Call this Classical-inspired broken flow, not a copy of a period work. Arpeggiation, legato, and dynamic contour supply the difference. Every pitch, meter, key, measure, and chord remains artifact-exact; no second melody appears.
Exercise
Perform 1–2–3 with one silently counted measure between arrangements and no tempo change. Then choose a final performance order and justify it through attack density, articulation, and dynamic contour.
Level 7 checkpoint
One eight-measure progression and exactly three complete artifact arrangements, with decision map, three connected recordings, and self-assessment rubric.
- Source: only
C–Am–Dm–G7–C–Am–F–G7, 4/4, key signature C, and eight measures in every arrangement. - Arrangement 1: exact eight whole-note block chords, soft attacks, audible decay, and clean boundaries.
- Arrangement 2: exact 32 quarter-note block attacks, straight pulse, beat-2/4 accents, and no physical tension.
- Arrangement 3: exact 32 broken notes, one slur per measure, directed contour, and audible release.
- Contrast: density, articulation, sustain, and balance distinguish all three without changing harmony.
- Originality: no commercial melody, hook, riff, lyric, or artist signature is added or implied.
Common mistakes
- Symptom: Tempo changes, but texture does not. Correction: Keep tempo and follow each score's attack and articulation map.
- Symptom: Extra bass, fill, or chord makes it feel complete. Correction: Accept the constraint and use only exact artifact events.
- Symptom: Pulse arrangement causes tension. Correction: Stay near keys, slow down, use short sets, and stop for pain or numbness.
- Symptom: Broken notes sound like an exercise. Correction: Group measures under slurs, shape toward the middle, and release the ending.
Practice pack
1. Prepare
Copy one eight-symbol row and mark attack counts 8, 32, and 32.
2. Core drills
Play every complete arrangement, then connect 1–2–3 at one tempo and roadmap.
3. Variations
Change performance order without changing any score token, pitch, duration, or harmony.
4. Self-check
Pass when all three are complete, distinct, and satisfy six checkpoint criteria.
5. 5-minute route
Spend one minute roadmap, one per arrangement, and one connecting style boundaries.
6. 15-minute route
Spend three minutes per arrangement, three connecting, two recording, and one on rubric.
Frequently asked questions
May I add melody to make the arrangements fuller? No. This checkpoint isolates rhythm, articulation, and sustain over one harmony source.
May I change inversions? No. The three artifact pitch-token sets are binding.
Why do arrangements 2 and 3 differ if both have 32 events? Arrangement 2 repeats blocks with accents; arrangement 3 unfolds single pitches under slurs and a dynamic contour.
Ready to continue when
- You use exactly one progression, eight measures, 4/4, and key signature C.
- Exactly three complete arrangements match every artifact score token.
- Rhythm, articulation, sustain, and dynamics clearly distinguish the styles.
- Decision map, recordings, and review confirm wholly original Ledutu material.