Improvise in a variety of genres and styles, sustaining and developing musical ideas and achieving different intended musical effects with the voice
Regularly ask learners to make up improvisations:
- in particular styles, e.g. gospel, folk-songs; draw on relevant musical devices from songs being learnt where appropriate
- by varying a theme, exploring contrasts of musical elements, e.g. pitch, rhythm, tonality,dynamics
- using a free theme based on the words of a poem
Improvisation provides opportunities for learners to extend their own musical ideas within the context of what they have learned. As vocal skills and knowledge develop, so should fluency in improvisation. Improvisation enables musicians to gain a deeper insight into musical styles as well as encouraging them to express their own feelings. It should, above all, be an enjoyable activity, undertaken in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, with the teacher joining in.
Discuss the results of the improvisations with learners, perhaps considering the appropriateness of style, development of ideas, use of musical elements, structure and overall outcome.
Suggest and demonstrate further ways of developing and refining ideas, whilst building up learners’ confidence.
Make a recording, if possible.
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