| Music students on any instrument at any age and level | | | | scale of (Key of F). Repeat step one, two and three. |
| can learn how to improvise. We can take all of our our | | | | After you feel good about that key, play with the third |
| theoretical knowledge and apply it to improvisation. | | | | chord and scale (Key of G). Repeat the process again. |
| I was fortunate to learn jazz improvisation with Dave | | | | Develop confidence in your creative ability. |
| Burns, former trumpeter in Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band. | | | | After you feel really good about playing over each |
| He had a beautiful grand piano in his studio and | | | | chord individually, try playing solos over the full 12-bar |
| recorded the chord changes of the songs I was | | | | progression. It can be a little tricky at first to remember |
| learning each week into a cassette recorder for me to | | | | which notes to use when the chord changes. In my |
| practice improvising at home. | | | | private lessons, my students pencil in the notes in the |
| Music students learn new rhythms and techniques by | | | | chart where the chord changes so they have a quick |
| breaking them down into smaller pieces and use | | | | reference. I call out the chord name when we arrive at |
| repetition to achieve success. You can use just a few | | | | the next chord so they know to change which notes |
| notes at a time over one chord to achieve your first | | | | thay are using. The more you practice, you will |
| successful improvisations. Then repeat each step until | | | | become used to the patterns. You'll start to hear the |
| you can use those notes in a variety of combinations | | | | chord change and your fingers will know what to do |
| comfortably. If you can play those first three notes, | | | | more automatically. |
| you will do a great job. Successes build your | | | | Not recognizing when the chord changes can be one |
| confidence. You can do it. You can create your own | | | | of your biggest potential problems. You can get so |
| melodies on the spot. | | | | involved in playing over the first chord that you don't |
| Let's start with the C Blues. When you feel good | | | | notice the chord has changed. If this happens to you, |
| about playing with the first three notes of the blues | | | | you can play the progression (backing track or live) |
| scale over the C7 chord, add the next two notes from | | | | and say each chord's names as they change. Follow |
| the scale. It's easier for you to add the next two notes | | | | the beats with your index finger and call out the chord |
| because you've already played simple solos well. Then | | | | when it changes. Another way is to play the correct |
| the last step is to use all the notes of the C Blues | | | | scale over each chord in the progression. Then try |
| scale. You should feel more empowered now. | | | | your improvisation again. If you need more practice |
| If you feel uncomfortable in the beginning, it's likely | | | | hearing the chords change, repeat as many times as |
| because you don't have to read notes from the staff | | | | you need to. The more confidence you have, the |
| that someone else wrote for you, as you've been | | | | better your solos will be. |
| taught. This freedom was not known to you before. It's | | | | Apply the same process to the next key after you've |
| OK to give yourself permission to try something new. | | | | mastered the first one. Some flow better than others, |
| Your self-talk can help you, so keep a positive attitude | | | | depending on your instrument. Eventually, you will |
| and tell yourself, "I can do this." Remember that | | | | improvise over all twelve keys. Add the Dominant 7th |
| everyone makes mistakes while learning new things. If | | | | scales and chords next. Once you've learned all the |
| you make a mistake, just start over. It's part of the | | | | Blues and Dominant 7ths, you will gain many skills on |
| process. | | | | your instrument and the ability to create your own |
| You may be able to progress more rapidly if you can | | | | melodies. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to perform your |
| work with a private teacher. A teacher can encourage | | | | own solos with other players? You can go to blues |
| you and guide you in the right direction. It helps to hear | | | | jams or open mics and sit in with other performers. |
| examples of how to use the notes vocally or on an | | | | My youngest student using the Beginning Improvisation |
| instrument. If you are studying on your own, I highly | | | | method is a 12 year old guitarist and my oldest student |
| recommend listening to a wide variety of great artists | | | | is 62 years young playing tenor sax. They are |
| to learn from what they do. | | | | successfully improvising. When you build on small |
| When you have created melodies to your satisfaction | | | | achievements you can create great solos in every |
| over the first chord, go to the next chord and blues | | | | key. Begin your journey into creativity. |