Partimento

Partimento is a traditional teaching method from 18th-century Italy where musicians learn composition and improvisation through written musical outlines called "partimenti." These frameworks serve as foundational exercises, guiding students to understand harmony, voice leading, and musical structure by creating or elaborating melodies within a set pattern. Think of it as learning a language: starting with basic grammar and common phrases before developing creativity and expressive skill. This practical approach helps develop a deep functional understanding of music, enabling musicians to improvise, compose, and interpret music with a strong grasp of underlying principles.