how do I start to improvise music?

Question

I was classically trained up to grade 8 on the piano, but I cannot sit down at a piano and play a thing without music! I want to break free from this and learn how to improvise... any tips would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Start with the basics. Pick an easy key and use I IV V7 chords in the left hand. In your right hand make up simple rhythms with notes that are in the chord you are in. e.g. if you are playing a C chord then you can play C, E, G. Experiment to see what sounds good and then start adding in other chords (vii dim, ii, etc.). Try to improvise on the chords of one of your classical pieces (Pachebell's Canon is a popular one).

You can also try suspensions: ex. play a C chord in steady quarter notes play 4, then 3 (F & E).

I like experimenting with fake books, AKA lead sheet writing. You are given a melody and the letter names of the chords, then you can try different rhythmic patturns in the chordal left hand, while the right hand plays the melody. Try block chords, arpeggios, alberti bass, etc. Use what you like and ignore what you don't.

Another thing I did to develop my ear was to make up harmonies to oldies on the radio. It's great when you're driving along in the car on your own because you can sing as much as you want and no one can hear you and if you make a mistake it's not a big deal, just try something else.

Good for you to try improvising! It will take practice and experimentation to train your ear, but it's well worth it. Good luck.

Answer 2

Improvisation.

I don't believe any one HAS to be born with it, or believe in being born with anything special at all.

Anyway, expect difficulty in this area due to your strict training all these years. You'll find it a bit easier to improvise if you know what sound you're looking for.

If not, simply start off with an E major chord. From there, play a C# minor. After that, strike an A major chord. Then continue to a B major. Like it?

All it is, is a chord variation. the right amount of steps between chords is what makes it sound so sweet.

Come up with your own 3 or 4 chord progression, and, what the heck, put some lyrics to it. As soon as you write yourself a couple verses, make a turn in the progression. Take the first chord and use it to make a whole different progression for the chorus. Put lyrics to the chorus too. Maybe you'll find the songwriter in you!

Answer 3

Do you have experience in theory? Knowing chord names and progressions can help a lot. If you don't know them, take a theory class. Then get a "real" book of jazz standards and play something just using the chords listed at the top of the measures. If the notes you play are within the chords listed, it will sound good.
Also listen to lots of jazz - Vince Guaraldi is a good jazz pianist to listen to.
I don't think this is something you're born with - you have to know the theory behind it (especially if you're classically trained) before you can even begin! Good luck!

Answer 4

i've always improvised.

The easiest way to start i think would be to take a key and play around with the chords within that key. As long as you hit a note in that chord at the right time - you are improvising ;)

Answer 5

I think that that's something your born with, you may be able to play fabulously but improvising is something totally different, you either have that ability or you don't. If you sit at the piano and play around with notes chords etc, and never seem to come up with anything maybe it's an ability that you just don't have. I play classical guitar, and I talked to other classical guitarist who would love to play jazz, but no matter how hard they tried to it just didn't happen, he was able to play the notes of course but that certain something was missing, classical was his thing and jazz just didn't come naturally, that certain something that a lot are born with was missing, so maybe you just don't have those little gray cells that are capable of improvising, I think improvising has a lot to do with perfect pitch, I think that's one of the things necessary to be able to improvise. Like I said I play classical guitar, but for the life of me I can't play with a pick, sounds weird I know, but I'm grateful for what I do have. Maybe you could try a teacher for about a year on improvising, and she if he/she thinks with training you could succeed with the proper training, if not just be grateful that you have the ability to play piano, millions of people wish that they had that ability, that in it's self takes a lot of talent. Why not make a video on youtube so that we could all hear you play, I would love to hear you play !!!!!!!

Answer 6

Depending on the style of music, and speaking as a guitarist - there is a basic vocabulary of phrasing and links which, in truth, everyone learns and applies. Lots of printed and DVD material available on this. The originality comes in the ways you use this vocabulary, and in discovering new 'phrases' along the way. Start simple and build it up. Stretch yourself but perform within your abilities. Its the WAY you play it that matters. Feel it.

Answer 7

i unfortunately don't really play any instruments, i can play drums but not brilliantly, but recently, one of my friends, a guitar and bass player said if you just like, hum a tune, then find the notes on the instrument, then you could easily do that

try that, let me know if it's of any help