This introduction to improvisation takes place over three classes and is aimed at classical pianists wanting to explore their creative abilities beyond the musical text and have fun with music. Each lesson is based on a different classical prelude and focuses on extemporisation of the harmonies, creation of new harmonies, exploring different styles and building confidence in improvisation. This customised programme meets the pianist at his/her level of skill and comfort with improvisation and follows an easy-to-understand approach to the freedom of spontaneous piano playing.
Introduction to the course and explain what the aims are:
- Improving basic improvisation skills & knowledge of chords
- Expanding your basic pianistic skillset to play with/without notes
- Understanding the composer’s compositional material by means of analysis
- How to create your own version with the same material and improvise
- Having fun with music by means of improvisation & creative playing
For the lessons in improvisation you will need:
- Basic sight reading skills
- Knowledge of basic chord structures (major/minor) - Basic knowledge of scales and arpeggios
- Listening skills to analyse and imitate by ear
- Self confidence and imagination
After 3 lessons you will be able to:
- Explore Preludes by Bach, Chopin and Rachmaninov from the original
version to create your own improvisation on it
- Follow a method how to alter the material for either or both the LH and RH
to create your own original material
- Explore improvisation in 3 different styles and in various keys
- Make an introduction and ending
- Understand the arrangement behind the creation of your own arrangement and improvisation of any work
March 3rd Lesson 1: Bach Prelude no. 1 WTC I
Chords, chord symbols & harmony: how to analise
How to extemporise on the given harmonic scheme Melodic improvisation: how to use scales and arpeggios How to add chord notes to a melody
March 10th Lesson 2: Chopin Prelude Op. 28 no. 20
How to use variation as a form of improvisation
How to alter the tempo and style
Why is listening and ear training important?
How to make an introduction
March 17th Lesson 3: Rachmaninov Prelude Op. 3 no. 2
How to practise improvisation
Introduction to three basic styles
How to create and ending for your new arrangement
The role of confidence in improvisation