How to Teach The Blues
Watch my 12-year-old student tear up a classic blues tune in this throwback video. Notice how he throws in riffs, kicks, an improvised solo, and even a key change along the way without reading music (the music on the stand is a different piece). Now, some would assume this kid is exceptionally gifted or that his teacher is a miracle worker. As much as flattery is hard to deny, I insist that talent is overrated when it comes to playing or teaching creatively. My student is a well-rounded regular kid with normal musical aptitude and a lot of other interests as his uniform attests (soccer practice after the lesson).
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What are the best notes for improvising?
As a jazz educator, I am often, “How do you know what notes to play in an improvisation?” Given the many possibilities, it’s tempting to over explain this with overly detailed concepts such as modes, jazz scales, blue notes, chord tones and the like. However relevant these may be, too much information too early in the game tends to sap the confidence of inexperienced improvisers. Fortunately, there’s a simpler, more practical answer: The best notes for improvising on any given tune are the same notes that are in the melody. All the improviser has to do is mix them up and it’s easier than you may think.
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Play Christmas Tunes by Ear
The holiday season is a great time for learning tunes by ear because:
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How to Play Pop Tunes by Ear
My formula for learning or teaching pop tunes by ear is...
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Scary Music
When the shorter days of October turns our minds toward pumpkins, costumes and spooky fun, it's time to make some do-it-yourself scary music.
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Improvising Outros
Add one last touch to your lead sheet masterpiece with a stylish ending.
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Easy Introductions
A good musical introduction creates anticipation for the listener by suggesting the key and style of a tune about to be played.
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Dot Spots
Add improvised pizzazz to the easy rhythms found in beginner tunes by identifying “dot spots.”
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One Note Improv
Eliminate the problem of pitch choices by improvising a solo using just one note.
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Same and Different
Here’s a an easy way to start down the road toward personalizing music with touches of improvisation.
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Say It and Play It
To rhythmically enhance a plain melody, try using the natural rhythms of language.
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Three Ways to Embellish a Melody
Improvisation begins simply by merely embellishing which means you decorate or enhance a tune you already know.
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