Group 1
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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I have just worked out the implication for the Zoom meeting of the time difference between GMT and PT, which is 8 hours, which means that this meeting is between 9:30 and 10:30pm in the UK. Is the Zoom meeting recorded so it is available later please?
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When will the Zoom meeting recording be available, please?
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Michael Furmaniak
should be available later today!
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Dominic Cheli Thank you Dominic
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Thanks very much for posting the zoom recording! Really appreciate it!
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Hi Jeremy, hi everyone, here is my video:
Thank you all for the inspiration, it's been good fun doing this.
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Natalie Peh I loved it! It reminded me of Beatles tunes a little bit. With the pulsing quarter notes and the syncopation in the melody, it sounded like "Let it Be"! Great sense of groove and you've got a catchy melody going. I think it's a hit. Congrats!
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Jeremy Siskind thanks, Jeremy! It was a great chord progression to work with, so the credit goes to you for getting us to an amazing start!
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So sorry to have been silent, way behind on this challenge. Will work to catch up!
