Improvisation is something that seems almost impossible when it’s done effectively. If you’ve ever seen a comedy act in which they improvise using different objects or ideas it can be incredibly entertaining and it’s amazing to watch people come up with such great ideas out of thin air.
In a lot of ways it’s how we used to think as a children; coming up with elaborate stories and creative games is something that comes naturally. Over the course of our development in society we are taught to temper these creative aspects of our personality in order to conform to a more strict set of rules. However, inside all of us lies the ability to be creative and let ourselves go – it’s just really a matter of re-discovering those aspects of ourselves!
When it comes to music, there are many different types of improvisation. Many genres of music have structure in which improvisation is built on. For example, when it comes to great jazz artists (like Chick Corea or Miles Davis) they will perform improvisations on a song that is somewhat pre-determined. There is a melody and theme to the music that stands as a foundation and throughout the course of the song they improvise and embellish it by using improvisation to change the melody, harmony and the overall arrangement. One of Miles Davis’ albums, “Bitches Brew” had over 20 musicians – including multiple percussionists – in the same room playing at the same time. Without some sort of foundation to the music it would sound like chaos. While there might not have been a pre-determined course for the music, a consistent rhythm section is able to keep the piece intact while other instruments improvise different melodies and solos. However, this is by no means the only type of improvisation when it comes to music.
Keith Jarrett is an artist who would go out on stage and play an entire concert that is totally improvised and not based on any previous material. Sure, there might be some riffs and chord changes he’s played a number of times before but the actual structure of the music is purely improvised with new melodies and structure every time.
There are dozens of different types of improvisation when it comes to music. Indian Ragas are another example of improvisation where a number of musicians will get together and play a piece that could sometimes last 90 minutes and is improvised above a consistent drone.
When it comes down to it, there are really two main types of improvisation. One that is built upon a foundation and one that is purely made up. A lot of improvisation will blur the lines between the two and form their own unique styles. For example, I like to improvise classical pieces. I have grown up with music and have a strong understanding of this musical language so I find enjoyment in making up pieces or taking existing pieces and improvising with them.
There are countless different ways in which you can improvise with music and all of them can be both rewarding and beneficial to your musical development.
Thanks again for joining me, Robert Estrin Robert@LivingPianos.com (949) 244-3729
3 thoughts on “The Basics of Musical Improvisation – Musical Improv 101”
Dear Deane. I love this idea and do this as well. Everyone gets to be part of the magic. Often the discovery involved in improvisation for me is so magical I require no audience as it is it’s own reward.
But this process you mention coaxes the artist into being relatable and directly communicative and accessible while off in ones own little world, whirled, as they say…It also I find, should I hope the music might speak to a listener, coaxes me to pull on all tools of development in hopes of creating some magnetism. When all is said and done, or said and played, I am in a different world when I leave the piano….Elated for hours if the piano talks to me…too bad we can’t walk around with a Steinway D attached to our heads and just play one note and listen listen listen. There would be no more sadness on the earth. Agreed!?! what a world that would be!!!
I used to use this as a program asset: Ask the audience, one at a time, to name a “note”, that is a letter between A and G followed by the word “sharp” or “flat” or nothing. Then I would play whatever comes up. I’d experiment with various chords and then do a waltz or whatever. It’s necessary to make a smashing ending. We all had fun. Sometimes if the tune was right, I’d improvise in the style of Mozart or Bach or Rachmaninov.
Improvisation as an art form has largely disappeared from the classical world, but it used to be a mainstay of any serious musician’s skill set. (Serious improvisation in western music today seems largely confined to the worlds of jazz and bluegrass.) To be an effective improvisor, one must be familiar with at least the fundamentals of composition, because to improvise means “to compose in real time.” So, to learn the basics of improvisation, it’s a good idea to start with learning the basics of composition: harmony and form. With a general understanding of those two ideas, a person can go a long way in developing their own ‘musical’ improvisations.