Key Change as Structure
The MD's use of a key change to mark a turn in the song — emotional lift, new character entrance, or the 'last chorus' feeling — a structural move masquerading as musical decoration.
Known for
- Modulating up a half step or whole step signals 'one last push' — borrowed from pop arranging ('Livin' on a Prayer' does this).
- Used by improv MDs to tell singers without words: 'give me one more verse, then land it.'
- Anti-pattern: modulating too early drains the song of places to go.