[Trombone-l] Improv

[Richard Keyton]

from a retired band director....



Just a comment or two concerning improv...




1. Start with what you know and go somewhere with it.


          While teaching elementary music using the Kodaly method,  
the kids and I frequently changed the basic rhythms to create a  
simple method of improv.

	If the original rhythm was an eighth note pattern of even (running)  
notes we changed the rhythm to a skipping pattern (quarter/eighth).  
Same melody, just a different feel.

	This was also used to provide a check on the accuracy of the  
original when we changed back to "regular" rhythm.

	The same can be used with any exercise from the Arban book or other  
trombone method.


         Play any melody and add simple improv to "decorate" the  
existing melody.

	One way is to play around the melody with simple ornamentations such  
as anticipations or extensions of melodic tones.

Try to hear the chord structure of the melody and use these chord  
tones to add to the melody. Start by using a simple folk tune or an  
easy blues tune.

It helps to write out the chords, using your method of notation, and  
play these as broken chords (arpeggios) within the melodic context of  
the tune.


2. Develop your instrumental technique and musicianship at the same  
time.

          While developing your improv skills, work on all aspects of  
your musicianship, not on just one area.
	
	Add to your trombone skills and at the same time add to your  
musicianship during your practice and performance sessions.
	
	Knowing how to perform any style in a strict method is a great  
beginning to allow one to depart from that style.
	
	Great trombone technique is a good beginning to a world of imrov.


Richard Keyton

Old trombone players never die,

They just slide away. (a wag anon)