Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Top 10 Ways To Improvise On The Piano
Looking for piano improvisation tips? Here are the top 10 ways to improvise on the piano:
1. Use fake books. Fake books, as one of the top 10 ways to improvise on the piano, are gentle introductions to what could be interpreted as the Wild West of improvisation. Improvisation is largely based on freedom of expression. Without having a good foundation of the basics, beginners may feel intimidated by the possibilities. Fake books however contain music that provides opportunities of expression. Since it's music lacks full notation, fake books allow the musician to fill in the missing parts with what *could* be there or what *should* be there without leaving *everything* up to the pianist.
2. Make up your own songs. Making up your own songs really isn't as easy as you might think. If you've been trained in the classics for example, you might find it difficult to break from instilled patterns. See if it helps to hum a random melody right off the top of your head at first. Then fill it in with interesting chords. You could probably fill up an entire album of improv this way!
3. Imagine how a master would play a song. Here, you can put your imagination to use and let your fingers tell the story. Ask yourself what Alicia Keys would play for a crowd -- impromptu of course. Since her music is already a bit unconventional, your mind shouldn't have too much trouble inventing new tunes for "her" (er... we mean, for you).
4. Improve a song with elements from your culture, the current holiday, etc. Every culture has it's own unique set of chords and rhythms so why not incorporate them into the contemporary music that you play? This way, you can spice things up. You could for example, give the National Anthem an Brazilian spin or Italian twist.
5. Try to forget whatever you've learned about notes, intervals, scales, chords, and all the rest. Approach the piano as if you've never seen the thing before and you wonder what it does. Touch it's keys and see if your random play generates any interesting tunes. If you should 'accidentally' discover a cool tune, melody, chord, or rhythm, build on it. Think of another section that would go well with the element that you just discovered. Keep following this pattern and you'll have an entire song in no time.
6. Remember that when improvising, there are no mistakes. Okay, that's not entirely true -- but the idea is to break you from fearing improvisation. The thing that prevents a lot of us from even trying improvisation is our own fear.
7. Try different elements within a single song. Mix and mash different rhythms, octaves, dynamics, and more just to see what results. While you might not find anything appropriate for an entire song, you just might discover a unique passage that would fit well in an existing song.
8. While you're experimenting, record your efforts. You can easily create a database of unique passages if you record your efforts into a sound database. Your database needn't be anything fancy, as a simple file of wav files will suffice. Just remember to give your recordings descriptive names.
9. Chord it. Play a steady beat and a single chord with your right hand in other words, and use then use your left hand to decorate the chord with an interesting melody.
10. Try playing a song that you've committed to memory -- only play it backwards. You're sure to find some unique and creative passages using this method!
1. Use fake books. Fake books, as one of the top 10 ways to improvise on the piano, are gentle introductions to what could be interpreted as the Wild West of improvisation. Improvisation is largely based on freedom of expression. Without having a good foundation of the basics, beginners may feel intimidated by the possibilities. Fake books however contain music that provides opportunities of expression. Since it's music lacks full notation, fake books allow the musician to fill in the missing parts with what *could* be there or what *should* be there without leaving *everything* up to the pianist.
2. Make up your own songs. Making up your own songs really isn't as easy as you might think. If you've been trained in the classics for example, you might find it difficult to break from instilled patterns. See if it helps to hum a random melody right off the top of your head at first. Then fill it in with interesting chords. You could probably fill up an entire album of improv this way!
3. Imagine how a master would play a song. Here, you can put your imagination to use and let your fingers tell the story. Ask yourself what Alicia Keys would play for a crowd -- impromptu of course. Since her music is already a bit unconventional, your mind shouldn't have too much trouble inventing new tunes for "her" (er... we mean, for you).
4. Improve a song with elements from your culture, the current holiday, etc. Every culture has it's own unique set of chords and rhythms so why not incorporate them into the contemporary music that you play? This way, you can spice things up. You could for example, give the National Anthem an Brazilian spin or Italian twist.
5. Try to forget whatever you've learned about notes, intervals, scales, chords, and all the rest. Approach the piano as if you've never seen the thing before and you wonder what it does. Touch it's keys and see if your random play generates any interesting tunes. If you should 'accidentally' discover a cool tune, melody, chord, or rhythm, build on it. Think of another section that would go well with the element that you just discovered. Keep following this pattern and you'll have an entire song in no time.
6. Remember that when improvising, there are no mistakes. Okay, that's not entirely true -- but the idea is to break you from fearing improvisation. The thing that prevents a lot of us from even trying improvisation is our own fear.
7. Try different elements within a single song. Mix and mash different rhythms, octaves, dynamics, and more just to see what results. While you might not find anything appropriate for an entire song, you just might discover a unique passage that would fit well in an existing song.
8. While you're experimenting, record your efforts. You can easily create a database of unique passages if you record your efforts into a sound database. Your database needn't be anything fancy, as a simple file of wav files will suffice. Just remember to give your recordings descriptive names.
9. Chord it. Play a steady beat and a single chord with your right hand in other words, and use then use your left hand to decorate the chord with an interesting melody.
10. Try playing a song that you've committed to memory -- only play it backwards. You're sure to find some unique and creative passages using this method!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Concert
The Concert
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin,
the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing Suddenly,
the curtains parted and spotlights
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her littleboy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
"Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance,
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her littleboy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
"Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance,
quickly moved to the piano, and
whispered in the boy's ear,
"Don't quit.""Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached
down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation
whispered in the boy's ear,
"Don't quit.""Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached
down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation
into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall
what else the great master played.
Only the classic,
" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Perhaps that's the way it is with God.
What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always
graceful flowing music. However, with the
hand of the Master, our life's
work can truly be beautiful.
Only the classic,
" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Perhaps that's the way it is with God.
What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always
graceful flowing music. However, with the
hand of the Master, our life's
work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish great feats,
listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the
Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."
May you feel His arms around you and
know that His hands are there, helping you
turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't seem to
call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.'
listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the
Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."
May you feel His arms around you and
know that His hands are there, helping you
turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't seem to
call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.'
Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.
So touch someone by passing this little message along.
May God bless you and be with you always!
and remember ,
"Don't quit."
"Keep playing."
and remember ,
"Don't quit."
"Keep playing."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Christmas offer
Hi Fellow Musician,
The Christmas season, my favorite season of the entire year, is ALMOST here. AND... Courtesy of Jermaine and HearandPlay.com, I have the PERFECT gift idea that YOU or one of your relatives would LOVE to see under the tree (...or better yet, on top of their piano).
My good friend Jermaine left me a message just last night to let me know that his revolutionary 3 H-O-U-R Christmas instructional course, Christmas Keys Vol.1 is now available at a special reduced price. And for the price he quoted me, I simply had to fill you guys in!
Let me tell you, his one of a kind learning method has already taught thousands to play many of their favorite Christmas
songs by ear. And the best part is... it's so simple to do!
Once you pop the first disc inside your DVD player, he literally takes you by the hand and shows you step-by-step how to conquer virtually ANY Christmas song that you've ever heard...from the classics we all listened to while growing up to some of todays more popular renditions.
"Christmas Keys vol.1" is LOADED with tons of powerful tips, easy-to-do tricks, and techniques that will have you playing like a pro by this Christmas season - GUARANTEED!
In this course, you'll...
...*Learn several variations of each song so you can play these Christmas classics a different way every time!
*Discover the power of "inversions" and how changing one note in your chord can totally alter the way a progression sounds!
*Uncover the secrets to playing an entire song with only three-fingered major chords (...also known as "major triads").
*How to add fuel to your bass by understanding how "power"
chords work in holiday music...
*How to play "Go Tell It On The Mountain" in a churchy praise style! I'm talking about bass lines, runs, fill-ins, and more (...similar to GospelKeysTM 300 and GospelKeysTM 500)!
*From beginning to end: How to play every song, step-by-step, with no guessing (whatsoever) or any information left out!
By the end of this course, you'll have what it takes to fully play all of these Christmas songs by ear - That's a PROMISE!
Click the link below to learn more:
http://www.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/437773/ck.html
Due to the high demand and moderate supply, this incredible offer for Christmas Keys will only be around for a short time.
So...
...Don't waste time!
Start Playing Your Christmas Favorites TODAY!
All the best,
rachel neil
P.S. - You might find more interesting information, techniques, or resources just by clicking around on their website...
Again, visit
http://www.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/437773/ck.html
The Christmas season, my favorite season of the entire year, is ALMOST here. AND... Courtesy of Jermaine and HearandPlay.com, I have the PERFECT gift idea that YOU or one of your relatives would LOVE to see under the tree (...or better yet, on top of their piano).
My good friend Jermaine left me a message just last night to let me know that his revolutionary 3 H-O-U-R Christmas instructional course, Christmas Keys Vol.1 is now available at a special reduced price. And for the price he quoted me, I simply had to fill you guys in!
Let me tell you, his one of a kind learning method has already taught thousands to play many of their favorite Christmas
songs by ear. And the best part is... it's so simple to do!
Once you pop the first disc inside your DVD player, he literally takes you by the hand and shows you step-by-step how to conquer virtually ANY Christmas song that you've ever heard...from the classics we all listened to while growing up to some of todays more popular renditions.
"Christmas Keys vol.1" is LOADED with tons of powerful tips, easy-to-do tricks, and techniques that will have you playing like a pro by this Christmas season - GUARANTEED!
In this course, you'll...
...*Learn several variations of each song so you can play these Christmas classics a different way every time!
*Discover the power of "inversions" and how changing one note in your chord can totally alter the way a progression sounds!
*Uncover the secrets to playing an entire song with only three-fingered major chords (...also known as "major triads").
*How to add fuel to your bass by understanding how "power"
chords work in holiday music...
*How to play "Go Tell It On The Mountain" in a churchy praise style! I'm talking about bass lines, runs, fill-ins, and more (...similar to GospelKeysTM 300 and GospelKeysTM 500)!
*From beginning to end: How to play every song, step-by-step, with no guessing (whatsoever) or any information left out!
By the end of this course, you'll have what it takes to fully play all of these Christmas songs by ear - That's a PROMISE!
Click the link below to learn more:
http://www.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/437773/ck.html
Due to the high demand and moderate supply, this incredible offer for Christmas Keys will only be around for a short time.
So...
...Don't waste time!
Start Playing Your Christmas Favorites TODAY!
All the best,
rachel neil
P.S. - You might find more interesting information, techniques, or resources just by clicking around on their website...
Again, visit
http://www.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/437773/ck.html
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Frederic Chopin
Chopin was one of the greatest composers of music for the piano. He was also a fine pianist, performing concerts and demonstrating to audiences the full range and power of the piano, which in his day was a new and modern instrument.Chopin was born in Poland and he spent most of his life in France.
But he never forgot his native country and he often used rhythms and melodies from Polish folk music in his works.Frederic Chopin was born near Warsaw, Poland, on february 22 1810.
His father was a Frenchman who had settled in Poland; his mother was Polish.
Chopin, like Mozart, first showed his musical genius when as a young child he began to imitate his older sister as she practised on the piano. He was composing musical pieces before he understood how to write them down. By the time he was 8 he gave his first public concert.
He was only 15 when one of his compositions was published.In 1829, when chopin was 19, he went on a concert tour.
He was so well received in Paris that he decided to live there, and he never returned to Poland. However, the folk music of his native land had a great influence on his musical style; rhythms and melodies of two Polish dances, the mazurka and polonaise, can be heard in many of his compositions.
But he never forgot his native country and he often used rhythms and melodies from Polish folk music in his works.Frederic Chopin was born near Warsaw, Poland, on february 22 1810.
His father was a Frenchman who had settled in Poland; his mother was Polish.
Chopin, like Mozart, first showed his musical genius when as a young child he began to imitate his older sister as she practised on the piano. He was composing musical pieces before he understood how to write them down. By the time he was 8 he gave his first public concert.
He was only 15 when one of his compositions was published.In 1829, when chopin was 19, he went on a concert tour.
He was so well received in Paris that he decided to live there, and he never returned to Poland. However, the folk music of his native land had a great influence on his musical style; rhythms and melodies of two Polish dances, the mazurka and polonaise, can be heard in many of his compositions.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky was born in Votkinsk, Russia, in 1840. His parents had no particular ambitions for their son to become a musician, but young Peter showed an early love for music. He was given piano lessons at the age of five and within a year he could play better than his teacher.
His mother died when he was fourteen years old and he was greatly saddened by her death.
He began to compose music which, he said, helped to soothe his troubled mind.
By the end of his life, in the late nineteenth century, Peter Illich Tchaikovsky was acknowledged as the greatest living composer.
However, at the beginning of his career, his compositions were not always appreciated. Tchaikovsky's music, which is so popular and familiar today, was at the time considered to be very modern and different.
Some people thought it was too sentimental and emotional. But audiences everywhere soon came to appreciate Tchaikovsky's distinctive musical style, which was full of passion and feeling.
His mother died when he was fourteen years old and he was greatly saddened by her death.
He began to compose music which, he said, helped to soothe his troubled mind.
By the end of his life, in the late nineteenth century, Peter Illich Tchaikovsky was acknowledged as the greatest living composer.
However, at the beginning of his career, his compositions were not always appreciated. Tchaikovsky's music, which is so popular and familiar today, was at the time considered to be very modern and different.
Some people thought it was too sentimental and emotional. But audiences everywhere soon came to appreciate Tchaikovsky's distinctive musical style, which was full of passion and feeling.
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