Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Five Songs for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, a time to remember those
who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation. For
centuries, music has been an important form for complex expression – the
gratitude and sadness we feel for those who make this sacrifice, the
frustration and angst we experience with war, the joy we have in our unity as a
country. Here are some songs for Memorial Day:
Thursday, May 19, 2016
5 Tips for Improving Improv!
Playing a challenging piece with ease, but freezing up when
you see “cadenza” or “ad lib” written on the page? Getting through written
music just fine, but struggling to “jam” with your buddies? Improvisation is
fun for both performers and audiences, but it can be daunting. How are some
musicians able to play on the fly so easily? Here are some tips for improving
your improvisation skills:
1. Strong fundamentals (Technique) – practice your scales,
arpeggios, melodic studies, etc. ... in every key, at various tempos, and with
different articulations. Solid technique will allow you to focus on creativity
rather than worry about what your fingers are doing.
2. Strong fundamentals, part 2 (Harmony and Melody) – a robust
understanding of music theory, especially chord progressions and melody, is
helpful. Know the functions of and relationships between chords. Learn how to
prepare and resolve dissonance. Listen to and transcribe your favorite solos,
then play the transcribed solos in multiple keys. Don’t limit yourself to
soloists that play the same instrument as you. This will help you develop your
musical intuition.
3. Creativity and Spontaneity – don’t be afraid to try new
things or make mistakes! Think outside of the box. Repetition can be a powerful
tool – if you make a mistake, for example, do the same thing again a step down
or a step up. The audience will think it was intentional, and it will simply
sound like a sequence. Don’t worry too much about “correctness” and following
established rules or well-known patterns. Strong technique and strong musical
intuition will guide you.
4. “Rely on your ears” – though important to know and
understand the chord progressions, don’t simply follow the chords. Instead,
listen to and interact with your fellow musicians to create a solo that is more
musical than contrived.
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