Piano Week 41: Neighbor-key modulation

Weekly Focus

Week 41 focuses on neighbor-key modulation. The goal is smooth departure and return without disrupting pulse or form.

Success this week means your modulations sound intentional and recover to home key cleanly.

Repertoire & Chord Map

Primary tune is Misty, with My Romance as transfer. Keep modulation points fixed until transitions feel stable.

Core modulation loop:

Imaj7 | V/IV | IVmaj7 | bVII7 Imaj7 | V/V | V7 | Imaj7

Daily map task: rehearse one pivot modulation and one direct modulation, then return to home key on cue.

Supplementary Listening & Ear Training (Required)

Link this listening directly to this week’s theme “Neighbor-key modulation” so ear work supports your keyboard work.

Weekly listening pick:

• In a Sentimental Mood — Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

Why this track now: It highlights ballad touch and tonal center stability, which matches Week 41’s goals.

Ear tasks (10–15 min, at least 3 sessions this week):

1. Listen once without the instrument and name the key center by ear (major/minor/modal). Then verify the key at piano.
2. Find one cadence or arrival point, then play: root + shell ii-V-I (or closest functional equivalent) in that key.
3. Lift a short 4–8 bar fragment by ear, play it slowly, and record ~30s so you can compare your hearing vs. the recording.

Extra challenge (optional): transpose your lifted fragment to the weekly priority ladder when possible (F → Eb → G → Bb → C).

End-of-Week Reflection

Which modulation move now feels dependable, and which still breaks flow? Carry one reliable pivot/direct strategy into Week 42.