Lesson 17: Basic Improvisation Exercises Part 4
In this session, we’re advancing your improvisation skills by introducing a new exercise and an engaging musical concept known as “call and response.”
Approaching the New Improvisation Pattern:
- Four-Note Improvisation in Exercise 1: This first exercise challenges you to improvise four quarter notes in the last bar. You can choose any notes from the first five notes of the A minor scale (A B C D E). Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and integrating these notes seamlessly into the existing melody.
- Finishing the Exercise: As always, finish by playing an A note in both hands for a sense of closure.
Introducing Call and Response in Exercise 2:
- Understanding Call and Response: This musical technique involves a ‘call’ phrase, followed by an ‘answer’ or ‘response’ phrase. In this exercise, the first two bars serve as the ‘call,’ and your improvisation in the last bar will be the ‘response.’
- Three-Note Improvisation: Improvise three quarter notes in the last bar as your response. The challenge here is not just to play any notes but to create a response that feels like it naturally follows the call.
- Telling a Short Story: Think of your improvisation as part of a conversation or a story. Your notes should ‘speak’ back to the initial musical phrase, creating a dialogue.
Guidance and Creativity: Watch the video for examples of how these exercises can be approached. Remember, the real learning comes from experimenting with your own ideas. Feel free to express yourself and explore different note combinations. Improvisation is about your personal musical expression, so let your creativity guide you.
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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