Introducing Students to Improvisation

A good way to introduce students to improvisation is to create an environment where no one is singled out, and nobody can possibly fail in their attempts to improvise.

Begin by telling students "play back what I play to you." Put on a background accompaniment (see the section on music technology). Use a single D chord, or a D-G progression. Have them play back these patterns to you:

Depending on the tempo and style of the background, the eighth notes can be played either straight or in a swing style.

DO NOT pass out a sheet of music with these patterns. DO NOT write the letters or anything down on the chalkboard. This must be done COMPLETELY by ear.

Add one new pitch at a time, so the patterns you play increase gradually in difficulty:

then:

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