Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
eNovation A: Playing on the Black Keys perform module.
Improvisation
If repertoire is the performance of a piece from a written score,
improvisation is the opposite.
Improvisation is the performance of music that is partly created on the spot.
There are always some constraints in improv
but some aspects will be different each time because you are creating in the moment.
Improvisation is a blend of technical knowledge and spontaneous creation.
In this improv activity, the constraint is the notated rhythm.
The spontaneous creation is the improvised notes on the piano.
Here are some practice suggestions.
Listen to the MP3 and tap out the rhythm of the student part.
Remember to count the measures containing rests carefully, or you will not be properly aligned with the audio play-along.
Allright, I'm going to practice this improv activity, Creating Melodies on the Black Keys. I have a three-part strategy.
So the first part of my strategy is, I'm just gonna clap the rhythms so I can be sure that I really am counting
those measures of whole rests which get four counts. So.... I'm going to do it with the audio file and just clap along.
music playing
music playing while pianist counts rhythm values.
You see how I messed up in bar 13? I started counting the wrong thing but I never lost my place.
I just kept going. I was able to jump back in. So, even the experts make mistakes.
Next, find your hand position based on the graphic.
Because you are improvising the melody, you can use one or both hands, in spite of the fact that all the stems are pointing upward.
Don't try to imitate the tune that you are hearing on the MP3, but instead, create your own tune using the given rhythms.
Every time you play this, it can be different.
Improv is the act of spontaneous creation
so is actually better to do it differently each time.
As always, counting is critical.
Allright, this time, when I do it,
I'm going to practice without the audio file. I'm just gonna try doing a little improv
on the black keys here. I can play any
of these notes..... sorry....
any of these notes that I want
and as long as I play the given rhythm, I'm OK.
I'm going to count the whole time.... I'm gonna start out with these rests.
1 - 2 - ready - go
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
music playing while pianist counts aloud
OK, I did pretty well. Um, I gonna do it with the audio file this time, but it's not important that I do the exact same thing.
In fact, it's better if I don't do the exact same thing because improvisation is the act of spontaneous creation. I can do whatever I want
as long as I play that rhythm and as long as I use these keys on the piano.
music playing
I liked that! That was good!
When you are happy with your improv skill level
you're ready to record and upload your video.
Remember, I need to be able to hear both the MP3
and your performance on the video.
Be sure that you have read the "Facebook/YouTube Video Upload Instructions and Peer Commentary Policy."
Have fun!