Group 3
Anyone can improvise! When classical pianists hear the word "Improvisation," they often think of learning fancy jazz scales or studying the rule of the octave. But improvisation doesn't have to be intimidating! In this two-week intensive, pianist Jeremy Siskind will demonstrate how to improvise a twenty-four measure ABA tune without being a jazz or historical improv genius. Topics covered will include standard chord progressions, left-hand patterns, use of arpeggios, adding color using non-chord tones, and exercises for two-handed coordination.
Pianists of all levels are welcome.
More Detailed instructions coming soon!
- Sign-Up : April 12 - April 15
- Course Period: April 17 - May 1
- Class Size: max. 4 Groups 谩 10 Participants
- Optional check-In via Zoom: April 26th 1:30pm - 2:30pm PT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85277587596?pwd=V1ZBN0ozZ2ZWQ1QraU5JR24yRXBNUT09
Assignment 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiDUR1esb70
For the assignment:
1) Learn the given chord progression in Eb major and C minor | I | IV | V7/V | V | V/IV | IV | V | I |
2) Create 4-6 contrasting left hand accompaniment patterns and practice them in both Eb major and C minor
3) Practice improvising limiting yourself to just the arpeggios (notes of the chords)
4) Ask "what if" questions to spark different improvisation ideas
Assignment 2
For the assignment:
1) Beautify your melody through lower chromatic neighbors, scale passages, and ornaments.
2) Think orchestrally - use more of the piano to create orchestral framing, including unisons, chorales, left-hand melodies, and upper-register passages.
3) Put it all together! Practice creating contrasting ABA improvisations, making sure to add transitions between the sections.
Zoom Meeting Checkin Video:
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Hi Jeremy and Dominic, thanks for organizing this! Look forward to exercising although it will be a bit of a challenge as exactly these two weeks I'll be traveling quite a bit for work. In some cases I may need to rely on my iPad piano during my flight
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Hello Maestros & Superlatives, I love jazz music, and love the classical music as well ,,, i plan on learning more about making beautiful music during these workshops! Also, learning about comping is important to me
double bass & 
s. Thank you very much
Tonebase, you are really great! 
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Dear All , Thank you for inviting me to this class , I am a very amateur classical pianist but in the last few months I have become interested in Jazz and the Blues since seeing Jeremy on this channel . I have 4 of his books and have also started taking group jazz lessons ( the rest of the group have been taking lessons for several years so I鈥檓 struggling a bit ) . This group sounds to be just what is needed and I can鈥檛 wait to play !
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mariannejhampton I wasn't going to reply to anyone, but someone who has four of my books deserves a reply!
I'm so happy I've been able to help spark your interest in these musical styles!
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Hi all, I've been playing classical piano since I was a kid (solid intermediate) but wish I could play more jazzy/rock style. I enjoyed the first video lesson, although it took me a while to research and figure out what "5 of 5" means! I think I have it now. Are we supposed to post our creations somewhere? Also, when is the next video? Thanks.
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Hi everyone! I'm just poking my head in to say hi! I'm so glad you all are interested in pursuing this project and I look forward to doing my best to guide you!
Just a note about my teaching - I like to give lots of options and possibilities. That doesn't mean you have to investigate every single one. Choose which rabbit holes you want to go down and know that others will still be waiting for you down the road.
Happy practicing and talk to you soon!
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Here is my offering so far! It seems to be an AB tune
Learned the chord progression Movie on 2023-04-22 at 3.24 PM
Um-pah-pah base - some hesitation, still needs work Movie on 2023-04-22 at 3.34 PM
Another base Movie on 2023-04-22 at 3.36 PM
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Gillian you transpose very naturally and effortlessly! Good job!
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Natalie Peh Hi Natalie, thanks... It doesn't feel natural or effortless (yet) - need to keep practicing for a few minutes every day!
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Hi Gillian, for some reason I can鈥檛 seem to access your movie , maybe I鈥檓 not something right ?
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mariannejhampton Hi Marianne, I think the movie downloads before playing, so if you are blocking automatic downloads it might stop it from playing... Have also put the videos on Youtube which might be easier...
https://youtu.be/zMUuj88dXuI
https://youtu.be/hX6OIAIgklc
https://youtu.be/BpohYIALn0o -
Gillian Bravo . You sounded great . I have been so busy these past few days . Hope to get something in before the deadline
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Gillian Love this! This is exactly what I was hoping you would do. You've now already got the right-hand shapes to improvise some arpeggio melodies. Well done!
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Hi all, this is what I have so far:
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Jarkko Janhunen Love it!
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Gillian Many thanks!
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Jarkko Janhunen that's beautiful, and so inspiring! I'm going to go to the piano right away to practise!
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Natalie Peh Many thanks!
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Jarkko Janhunen Bravo !
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mariannejhampton Many thanks!
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Jarkko Janhunen Love this, Jarkko! Congratulations. Good job creating a jazz-y feel with the rhythm of the accompaniment and grace notes in the melody. Some chromatic lower neighbors will really make this totally come alive. Bravo!
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Jeremy Siskind many thanks! I've started exploring chromatic neighbors.
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Jarkko Janhunen
Wow! I really enjoyed that! Pretty sure it was more than 24 measures
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Many thanks!
LBugbee Maybe? But it鈥檚 hard to stop once you get going.
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Hi everyone! Glad to be on this course. Here is my part of little improvisation.
Video 1. https://youtu.be/AIRnWrWZhJg
Video 2. https://youtu.be/AwG2bn5rNmM
