Improvise with freedom in a wide range of musical structures genres, styles and traditions, drawing on internalised sounds
Provide opportunities for learners to develop jazz improvisations. Demonstrate the appropriate techniques, using recordings, and encourage learners to develop their own personal style.
Singing is the most natural and spontaneous way of improvising. In order to improvise, learners need to have first an idea of the music in their heads. By developing their ideas in a relaxed manner, they can develop coherence and fluency, enjoying this creative aspect of singing.
Ask learners to improvise melodies above predetermined harmonic patterns, using conventions and techniques within the chosen style, e.g. melodies in an Aeolian mode.
A chord sequence of Am7/Dm7/Em7/Am7 provides a suitable accompaniment. The Aeolian mode would be A B C D E F G A.
Ask learners to improvise and embellish short melodies using a variety of scales, e.g. major, minor, pentatonic, blues, chromatic, modes.
Focus on developing an awareness of style by relating the particular scale or mode to repertoire being studied, e.g. folk-songs, spirituals, gospel songs, African rain-songs. Research less-familiar musics and make links with curriculum music where appropriate.
Help learners to develop confidence by improvising frequently and doing a little at a time.
Make recordings of improvisations and discuss the outcomes with learners.
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