Category Archives: Improvisation

60/100 The Rhythm Clock

Posted on October 15, 2016 by

A rhythm clock is a pattern of 12 rhythms arranged in a circle like the hours on a clock. Like this:   You can project this image on a whiteboard, and then start all kinds of fun learning activities. First … Continue reading →

Posted in Class Teaching, Composition, Djembe, Improvisation, Percussion, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

35/100 Practice Starters

Posted on June 5, 2016 by

Paul Harris has a list of publications as long as my arm. Here is my new “toy” Now, don’t laugh; I was ordering a couple of books of music, and needed to add a little something so that I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Improvisation, Learning, Lessons that have happened, Piano, Practising | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

140: Engine Engine, Number 9

Posted on September 20, 2014 by

I suddenly remembered this song when I was teaching ukuleles this week. You can sing the whole song to a C7 chord, which must be the easiest ukulele chord to play (a no-fail item in the end-of term showcase?). Strum … Continue reading →

Posted in Class Teaching, Composition, Improvisation, Ukulele | Leave a comment

Issue 133: Improvisation for learning piano scales

Posted on July 6, 2014 by

How can you make learning scales interesting? Here is my favourite version of “Pianists” from “Carnival of the Animals” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGv933Mnru0 and here’s a little improvisation activity to enjoy, based on knowing your scales; With your left hand, just play the first and … Continue reading →

Posted in Improvisation, Keyboards | Leave a comment

Issue 127: Samba compositions

Posted on April 18, 2014 by

I’ve been giving some thought on how to add a composition element to the Wider Opportunities samba classes I have been teaching. I’ve just six more sessions for one class, before we do a final “end-of-year” presentation. I am planning … Continue reading →

Posted in Composition, Improvisation, Samba | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Issue 126: Surprisingly good listen and copy game

Posted on March 20, 2014 by

When I am teaching young children, I try and keep a careful balance between sitting still, moving around, action activities, songs, listening, and doing. So what do you do when you need some kind of action activity in between quieter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Class Teaching, Improvisation, Lessons that have happened | Tagged | Leave a comment

Issue 122: Improvisation and Listen-and-copy Game

Posted on February 12, 2014 by

Here’s a variation on the “pass the shaker” improvisation game, which helps keep a whole class engaged. The basic game is just passing a shaker round the circle while counting, or maybe all saying a chant. Whoever is holding the … Continue reading →

Posted in Improvisation, Lessons that have happened | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Issue 114: Introduction to Easy-Peasy Chord building

Posted on December 3, 2013 by

So, what does       I  VI  II  V       mean? It is a chord progression, listing a sequence of chords built upon notes of any scale. If I show you how it works for C major, the easiest scale of all for … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Improvisation, Keyboards, Piano, Theory | Tagged | Leave a comment