Monday, January 10, 2005

Improvising

Improvising

"Basic Improvising: How to Make Up Music As You Play"
In our lab at Piano University, students learned how to improvise -- make up music as they played. We started by having them break up chords into various rhythm patterns. Then we had them use neighboring tones, passing tones, and "blue notes". When they had a mastery of these elements, we had them use chord substitutions and extended chords. They improvised on pop tunes, jazz tunes, gospel songs, Broadway hits, standards -- most everything except heavy classical pieces.

Now that Piano University is just a wonderful memory, we have put the exact same courses on instructional audio CD's, along with a crystal-clear summary sheet, so you can save the cost of a trip to Oregon. Our course in Basic Improvising (WC-1-CD) covers the five basic concepts of improvisation, then the other courses take it from there.

The DVD course covers some of the same material, but from a different angle -- and of course, you can SEE what Duane is playing and teaching. So if you're serious about wanting to learn to improvise, get the entire package -- Combo #30, which includes all four CD's plus the DVD course!

"Basic Improvising: How to Make Up Music As You Play"