Matching Pairs Contemporary Music termsOnline version This is for a class lesson for piano students studying contemporary music ideoms. by Rene Johnson 1 Using one key for the right hand, another key for the left hand. 2 Non-traditional scales 3 Irregular time signatures 4 Cross rhythms such as 5 against 4 or 7 against 8 are common. 5 Putting objects in the piano to create new sounds on the strings or using the piano for knocking or tapping as part of the music. 6 Cloudbursts by Eric Whitacre 7 John Cage Dice Random notes Cluster chords Blues scales or modes 5/4 or 7/8 Chance Music Bitonality Polyrhythms Prepared piano