Improvise with freedom in a wide range of musical structures genres, styles and traditions, drawing on internalised sounds
Ask learners to improvise melodies above predetermined harmonic patterns, using conventions and techniques within the chosen style, e.g. melodies in Dorian mode with added chromatic notes above a chord sequence of seventh chords.
A chord sequence of Dm7/Am7/Gm7/Am7 provides a suitable accompaniment. The Dorian mode with chromatic notes would be D E F G G# A B C C# D.
Ask learners to improvise short melodies using a variety of scales, e.g. major, minor, pentatonic, whole-tone, blues, chromatic, modes.
Demonstrate some cliché bass licks and ask learners to create a bass line or solo using thirds, fourths and sixths over a repeated chord progression.
Ask learners to improvise with others on a specific melody e.g. the pentatonic Raga Bhupali.
Raga Bhupali
Focus on developing an awareness of style by relating the particular scale or mode to repertoire being studied.
Research less-familiar musics from around the world and make links with curriculum music where appropriate. Encourage learners to listen to bass players from around the world in different musical genres to help inform improvisations.
Ask learners to create a bass line to a well-known song spontaneously, using notes of the chords and passing notes.
Help learners to develop confidence by improvising frequently, doing a little at a time.
Make recordings of improvisations and discuss the outcomes with learners.
The best improvisations have a coherent, well-phrased, vocal quality. Singing the ideas before trying to play them provides learners with an internal template. This allows their improvisations to be head-led not finger-led and will help prevent them from getting musically ‘stuck’.
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