Pattern Song
A musical-improv song built on a fixed lyric or melodic pattern the MD establishes and the singer variates — the musical cousin of a pattern game opening.
Known for
- Structure is usually: verse-pattern repeats with small variation, refrain hits, verse-pattern escalates.
- Associated with Sondheim-style wordplay songs ('Getting Married Today') and Gilbert and Sullivan patter — patter-song is a historical cousin.
- Teaches singers rhythmic precision before melodic freedom — the constraint of the pattern is the training wheel.