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Category Archives: Improvisation
60/100 The Rhythm Clock
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 rhythm clock
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140: Engine Engine, Number 9
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
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Issue 133: Improvisation for learning piano scales
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
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Issue 127: Samba compositions
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 composition, noise levels, samba, working outside
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Issue 126: Surprisingly good listen and copy game
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 movement activity
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Issue 122: Improvisation and Listen-and-copy Game
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 pulse and rhythm, Pulse game
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Issue 114: Introduction to Easy-Peasy Chord building
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