Musical Tones

About the T.I.P.P. Series

This piece is part of Maurice Draughn’s T.I.P.P. Series (Theory in Practice and Performance), a multi-level set of instructional and performance pieces designed to introduce student harpists to the fundamentals of theory – harmony and rhythm. The pieces contained in each set may also be used as performance pieces in the form of a suite or stand-alone work. The concept for the T.I.P.P. Series arose from the composers’ interest in creating works for students in the H.I.P.P. program (Harp Instruction and Performance Program), an afterschool program that introduces young learners to the harp. Students were able to build their knowledge of theory as they developed technique on the harp. Each piece has “free-style fingering” which allows the instructor to craft fingering conducive to the level and physique of the student.

About Musical Tones

“Mystique” is based on whole tone scales. It begins with a nebulous array of glissandi with an undercurrent melodic line of bass octaves. The piece expands in dynamic and color through a more definitive accompaniment of poignant arpeggios with a transference of the melodic line to the upper register. The middle section shifts to a mysterious waltz before concluding with a boisterous revival of the opening material. “Lucky Eight” is based on the octatonic scale. The piece was composed in the style of the blues as well as funk. “Lucky Eight” is constructed harmonically on the diminished and dominant seventh chords found in the scale. The enharmonic capabilities of the harp are employed in the melodic and accompaniment lines. “Twelve Tone Waltz” was crafted through the use of the twelve-tone technique. This method creates a very structured yet organic flow of harmonic capabilities. The waltz was composed in an episodic manner with the opening and closing material remaining similar in style but contrasting in dynamic range. “Twelve Tone Waltz” explores the chromatic and symphonic possibilities of the harp through the use of pedal slides and demanding pedal changes. Musical Tones can be paired with Musical Meters to create the suite below.

Tones and Meters
“Mystique”
“Lucky Eight”
“Twelve Tone Waltz”
“Anomaly”
“Eccentricity”
“Synchrony”