For our next studio challenge, I am going to ask everyone to improvise on a scale, cadence pattern or arpeggio for a few minutes - 3 minutes for K-5 and 5 minutes for 6-12th (charts coming home next week). For some this will come easy! For others, you may be watching the clock! Here are great some ideas that we learned from Jennifer Bowman:
Try 2 chords in the LH (like I and V) and a RH scale for melody. Try “cousin chords” that share notes. Try the “rock star LH”.
Give yourself some rules and boundaries, and keep it simple!
No judgement! Just play around and try things - different chords, keys, styles. Build on small patterns.
Copycat other pieces that you like, or are playing!
Try organizing the form of the piece, like into groups of 2, 4 or 8 measures.
Most of all, have fun!
You can find more information on Jennifer Bowman, including her recent Bridgerton film contest submission at https://www.jenniferbowmanmusic.com!