After last month’s article, are you still looking for:
- A few ideas for a fresh new way to start off a lesson?
- A few quick improv games to use in a group setting?
- A reward activity for a student’s hard work on an assignment?
- Starter ideas for the next composition:
In each part of this series, we are exploring a different angle in the music creativity process. So, today we are going to explore improvisation with an activity I call…
“Walking the Dog!”
Excuse Me? You may be wondering what exercising your pet has to do with improvisation techniques? I have found this to be one of the best and ways to help my students to understand and practice development of motifs and phrases. Most people can relate to having a new pet with fond recollection, and so you’ll immediately have their eager attention to try this exercise when you greet them with “Today we’re walking the dog!”
The Motif: A Mini Melody
I first ask the student to play a mini, or baby melody, 3 or 4 notes (recommend mostly steps and maybe one larger interval). [···]