Category Archives: Improvisation
Better Improvisation…
To improve your improvisation – consider these three things. 1. Speed (technique) 2. Length of soloing (Confidence) 3. Volume (Tone) Neil.
Creative Saxophone Series (Books)
These are a fabulous set of books that allow player to improvise to a mixture of rock, shuffles, swing and funk pieces. This book gives the player time to learn the tune and then set improvisation areas – it allows … Continue reading
Improvisation isn’t just jazz!
Improvisation isn’t just used in jazz. Some of the best solos I’ve played to date range from improvisations in pop songs, world music, Classical and church songs. Improvisation is the making up of either a tune, or solo or both … Continue reading
Into Jazz – better get this AB guide to it then!
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) – have in the years published the entry levels jazz examination pieces in one book – containing all the music you’ll need on your relevant instrument from gardes 1-5. If you … Continue reading
Improvisation – 10 week course
Remember I have created a special 10 lesson course that covers all of the basics in improvisation. If you are serious about learning it – I recommend asking me about this, as all those who have taken it will recommend … Continue reading
Improvisation – it’s not just jazz…
Improvisation can be used in any genre of music – it is not just jazz, so listen to other types of music e.g. pop, contemporary, film music, showtunes, soul, funk, chillout, reggae etc to hear how improvisation is done in … Continue reading
Improvisation – Practice, practice and more practice…
Improvisation is all about experimentation. How many times did Fleming have to research until he found the lightbulb?? Improvisation is hard as at first glance it feels like there is no boundaries and you don’t know what to do. My … Continue reading
Improvisation – what tune?!
One of my students reminded me of this today so I’ve included this to help all learning improvisation. It sounds simple but if this isn’t in your improvisation then it is ust random and not improvisation. Improvisation must represent (in … Continue reading
Improvisation – Silence
Many beginner improvisers play constantly during their solos. I see this constantly and just want to say that this is not the best way to play. Don’t be afraid of silence. Listen to the jazz greats and you’ll hear a … Continue reading
Improvisation – playalong CD’s
Another quick way to practice the tips and skills needed for improvisation is to play along to jazz and blues music CD’s. There are two especially good and well known series of music books that have a selection of music … Continue reading
