Curriculum
Composition or Improvisation?
I am wondering if some of us use the words “composition” and “improvisation” interchangeably. My understanding is that only if it is written it is a composition. Is this correct? So when teachers email about “composition” with pre-reading students, do they actually mean “improvisation” or…
Looking for Comp & Improv Ideas
I am looking for comp and improv ideas? Anyone have any that they would like to share? I am so pleased you have asked about this. It is an area I struggle with also. I often ask them to take a simple right hand (dog is…
Comp and Improvisation Chord Ideas
I had a bit of a revelation over the past two weeks that I thought might be helpful to some teachers regarding composition and improvisation. I have always approached Comp & Improv from the 3 note song and going from there, and it works well.…
Improvising on Life Song
I have tried improvising on black notes with ‘Life Song’ from the Time for More Music program with terrific results. I have tried these options: Lower part played on the keyboard, Upper part sung (or played on another instrument) and then improvising on the upper…
Improvisation Ideas
A couple of things I’ve been having fun with lately: Night Arr. 1 chords in the left hand while improvising with an “A” blues scale–sounds great! Also, playing Night Storm and Deep River with lots of solo breaks and improvisations within the melodies and having…
Improvisation in All Keys
A few questions have arisen from my previous post so I’ll try to elaborate and clarify. Firstly, the chord sequence is I V vi IV ( I made a typo in the first post – I think I must be a little dyslexic beginning with…
Improvisation Idea List
Concerning my post below, I’ve been approached to write out a complete list of ideas! I don’t know whether it’s actually possible to cover all ideas since there are no bounds on creativity. However, here is a list of ideas I am aware of. “Comp…
When to Introduce the Blues and Improv Stream
I posted regarding this stream before, but didn’t get much response. When are teachers introducing the blues program in general? Level 3, 4, or 5? I have been really uncertain about this program and haven’t done very much with it with my students. On the…
Unfolding Blues and Improv
I have successfully unfolded the Blues and improv program up until project 13. (blues scale) The same issue has cropped up in 2 different lessons so I am doubting my presentation of the project. My students are having trouble keeping the LH following the 12…
Need Help Teaching Blues & Improvisation
I’m feeling I’m at a bit of a loss with my first students to whom I’ve been teaching this program. I’m really hoping some people out there may have some advice. With my most advanced student (private lesson), we’d gotten through completing the Blues Scale…