Improvise in a variety of genres and styles, sustaining and developing musical ideas and achieving different intended musical effects with the instrument
Regularly ask learners to make up improvisations:
- in particular styles, e.g. rags, marches, folk-songs; draw on relevant musical devices from pieces being learnt, where appropriate
- by varying a theme, exploring contrasts of elements, e.g. pitch, rhythm, tonality, dynamics
- using a free theme based on the mood or character of a piece, e.g. sense of autumn, clouds, jollity, sadness, open space, speed, night time
Improvisation provides opportunities for learners to extend their own musical ideas within the context of what they have learned. As instrumental skills and knowledge develop, so should fluency in improvisation. Improvisation enables musicians to gain a deeper insight into musical styles as well as encouraging them to express their own feelings. It should, above all, be an enjoyable activity, undertaken in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, with the teacher joining in.
Give learners pentatonic patterns on which to improvise within a piece, using the existing chord structure and keeping in time with the auto-accompaniment. Encourage all the players in an ensemble piece to contribute improvised sections in an extended arrangement.
Repeat this in a range of pieces, allowing improvisation to become established as a normal part of interpretation. Explain to learners that they must keep track of the chord changes and bars in order to contribute effectively to the structure and overall performance.
As learners gain confidence, encourage them to include melodic and/or rhythmic references to the original melody of the piece, moving beyond any fixed pentatonic pattern.
Discuss the results of the improvisations with learners, perhaps considering the appropriateness of style, development of ideas, use of musical elements, structure and overall outcome.
Suggest and demonstrate further ways of developing and refining ideas, whilst building up learners’ confidence.
Make a recording, if possible.
It is vital to check the policy of the school or other organisation you are working in with regards to any form of recording. Children must never be videoed without parental consent and all policies regarding use and storage of recordings must be adhered to.
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