Improvisation

• Rhythmic Improvisation: Ties in Compound Time: Select a time signature (6/8, 9/8, or 12/8), then improvise rhythms using the rhythm grid below. Add ties across rhythms. For additional practice, take turns doing call and response. Improvise one measure using a neutral syllable; the class responds by singing back the rhythm with correct rhythmic syllables to ID the rhythm. 

  • • Rhythm Grid with Takadimi syllables

    • Rhythm Grid without rhythmic syllables

• Melodic Improvisation (iii): Compose a progression that incorporates a mediant chord as tonic prolongation. (Here's one sample progression.) Sing through arpeggiations of each of the chords, then improvise a simple melody over the chord progression without using a chord grid (but visualizing it while you sing). Create a backing track using an online chord player like Chord Player, Musicca Chord Player, or ChordChord to fit your progression. Once you feel comfortable, add in diatonic and chromatic embellishing tones.