Introduction to Music-Improv.com
Over the years, I've been frequently asked about what path I would advise for musicians learning to improvise. And when challenged, I've always felt powerless to point them towards an organized process that holds musical integrity. While there is plenty of material that teaches music theory or technical study, there just isn't much that ties all this together as a singularity, for musicians that have facility and an interest in becoming improvising musicians. In particular, I have been struck by the need that (so-called) "classical" pianists have expressed.
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Musical Inspiration -
If we are in a tightly controlled musical context, there are finite choices with regard to harmony and melodic structure. If it's strictly diatonic, then we are expected to create within these very limited structures. If it's modal, we have a different dimension of freedom - chordal voicings have more freedom, and melodic structures can be more ranging. The key is that even with a strict diatonic structure, there are two options - either define a melody from trying the finite options, or "releasing ourselves" for something to lead us in the right direction.
The method of trying different options until a pleasing result is found is very common, and is a method employed by composers, songwriters and improvisors alike. For really good improvisors, it is more often a means to getting inspiration moving. For some players, it's as far as they ever get. Even their solos demonstrate that they are operating from a sense of harmonic theory, rather than being inspired in their approach. Years ago, Herbie Hancock suggested to me that the more seasoned players did not force the issue -- even in front of thousands of people. They simply waited for the ideas to flow, because they knew that they would. And they were not disappointed. |
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Now What? -
This article assumes you have read much of the background materials: Defining Improvisation, On Inspiration, etc.
Shifting
Our purpose is to shift your thinking. The suggested exercises are structured to break down established ways of thinking so that new choices can be made. Sometimes you will see instantaneous results. Sometimes you won't see any results for a long time. Trust the process. Our adaptive brain is capable of awesome shifts in awareness, but it takes time for real progress.
Also, be forgiving to yourself. This is different than any other study. We are not trying to do something right. We are trying to free ourselves from a limited view of what right is. |
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