Lesson 14: Basic Improvisation Exercises Part 1
Welcome to Your First Improvisation Lesson
Improvisation is an exciting aspect of music where you create melodies or harmonies spontaneously, as opposed to composition, where you plan and write down music ahead of time. While composition is like writing a story with a clear plan, improvisation is more like telling a story on the spot. It’s about expressing yourself in the moment, using your musical knowledge and instincts.
This first improvisation exercise might seem simple, but it’s incredibly effective, especially if you’re new to the concept. Over my 15 years of teaching, I’ve noticed that many students, particularly adults, find the open-ended nature of improvisation challenging. The freedom that comes with improvisation can be overwhelming at first.
To ease into improvisation, we’ll start with a small, manageable step: adding just one note to an already written exercise. This approach reduces the pressure of having to create music continuously. Instead, you only need to think of one note every few seconds.
The Therapeutic Side of Improvisation: Although this lesson might seem more therapeutic than musical, it’s an important step in your musical journey. As you add your note to the exercise, pay attention to any hesitation you might feel. Can you maintain the groove, tempo, and steadiness for a full minute? If so, you’re demonstrating an essential skill for improvisation: staying in the flow of the music while adding your personal touch.
If you can do this comfortably, you’re ready for the next level of improvisation. Remember, improvisation is about exploration and personal expression. There’s no right or wrong note – it’s all about what you feel in the moment.
Common Mistake in Basic Improvisation Exercises: Overemphasis on Music Theory
The Misconception: A common problem faced by students during this exercise is the belief that a deep understanding of music theory is essential to choose the 'right' note for improvisation. This belief can come from a fear of playing the 'wrong' note or creating disharmony.
Personal Experience: This reminds me of my own journey. I spent years delving into music theory with the same concern, believing that more theoretical knowledge was the key to better improvisation. But no matter how much knowledge I acquired, the hesitation in improvisation remained the same.
The Realization: Improvisation is About Experimentation, Not Perfection
Theory Isn’t Everything: While music theory can explain every note and its relationships, it's not a prerequisite to being a good improviser. Improvisation is about trying out different notes and seeing what you like – it’s about experimenting and having fun with the music.
Just Play: The most effective way to improve at improvisation is to simply do it. Experiment by playing any of the first 5 notes of the A minor scale (A B C D E) along with the exercise. Remember, there's no right or wrong note here – it's all about what pleases your ear. And remember, being overly critical of your choices, even the good ones, is a common trap. Allow yourself the freedom to explore without self-judgment.
Enjoy Every Note: Embrace each note you play, free from the constraints of theory. This approach not only fosters creativity but also enhances your enjoyment of playing music. When you start to appreciate every note, regardless of its theoretical correctness, you open up a world of creative possibilities and find more joy in your musical journey.
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