 You're
Going Backwards!
  Creativity on the road is something that can lead to trouble. But when it comes to making music, it's "top shelf." If you ever find yourself at an impasse for piano improvisation ideas, I have one word for you: Backwards
Thinking
backwards can
actually be considered a "quick-fix" for getting those creative juices
flowing. Remember, it doesn't take much to get yourself pumped with
ideas. It's just a matter of getting that first idea... then a
"snowball effect" can occur. Being lost for a creative idea can be kind
of like driving along a straightaway. You're moving at a good speed,
but it's the same route and you're ready for something different. There
are many turns along the way, but for some reason, you choose not to
take any of them. It merely takes
the
decision to turn that can
lead to a whole new beautiful scenery... the landscape is different,
the grass smells fresher, etc...
Well, here's one simple turn you can take: play it backwards. Let's consider this four bar excerpt of Hello Dolly by Jerry Herman:  Go ahead and play it as you see it there. Once you do, consider playing that melody backwards while playing the same chords... (we're not using the pick-up note here):  Hmmm... different for sure! Now, whether you are in love with the result at this point is up to you, but what's more important at this stage of the game is that you've taken the turn. Now consider this: what other ways can you twist, turn, and tumble these melody notes to create different sounding results? I'm thinking that you can come up with plenty of ideas. How about assigning those whole notes to two of the other members of that melody... or keep one the same and change the other... Just one example:  You don't need me to tell you that the possibilities here are endless! Now, we've done this with an entire four measures of a song. But keep in mind that you can do this with just one measure, two measures, etc. Here's a game I'd like you to play today... pick one song that you enjoy playing and aspire to improvise on. Apply the concept we've taken a look at here. Don't judge... just do! Appreciate the different results you obtain for what they are. Once you begin, commit to coming up with at least five (5) different results by playing around with those melody notes in this fashion. Keep it fun... play this game for a week and see how much more confident you feel when it comes to piano improvisation in such a short period of time! Want more improv ideas? Listen to this voice. Listen... listen... listen... (Gold : o ) ) Remember... Always... ALWAYS... PLAY WITH PASSION!  PS If you're inspired to obtain more guidance with ideas like this one, consider checking out Piano Wiz (quite educational) |
