Improvisation Cements Learning:
Creative Solo and Ensemble Activities for Recreational Learners
Learn it. Use it. Cement it.
Goals
1. Learn to internalize rhythm layers: Macrobeat (Pulse), Microbeats (meter), and Divisions.
2. Learn a vocabulary of rhythm patterns.
3. Use rhythm pattern vocabulary to create musical ideas.
4. Use rhythm improvisation procedure to learn and cement repertoire.
Group Warm Ups
Improvisation Projects
Create Short Musical Ideas
From Music Moves for Piano, Student Book 1, pg. 6
From Music Moves for Piano, Student Book 1, pg. 9
From Music Moves for Piano, Student Book 2, pg. 26 (See ABA Project video below.)
Repertoire Application
Diversion 3 (Juan Cabeza)
Explore More Resources
Q & A Improvisation Projects with Class Piano for Non-Majors
In this video, beginning young adult students create Q & A Phrases in Triple Meter. The first time, they are instructed to use the same pattern for the Question and the Answer. The second time, they are instructed to use two different patterns for the Question and Answer.
ABA Form Project from Music Moves for Piano, Student Book 2
In this video, student create an ABA form piece using the prompts from the Exploration/Creativity/Improvisation Project from Music Moves for Piano Student Book 2, Unit 9 (pg. 26).
Pattern Power: Learning Piano Repertoire through Rhythm and Tonal Pattern Play
In this mini-webinar, I demonstrate ways to build rhythm and tonal pattern vocabulary (the words of music), through repertoire study, using Beethoven’s Russian Folk Song, Op. 107, No. 3 as an example.
Using Rhythm and Tonal Improvisation to Learn a New Piece
In this video, I help an 8-year old student learn Reinagle’s Minuet No. 1 by guiding her through a series of fun and engaging improvisation activities.
Improvisation Lesson Activity Demo
In this video, I walk a student through an activity that combines tonal patterns (using the D Minor Tonic & Dominant Melodic Cadence) and triple meter division rhythm patterns to improvise her own musical ideas.
Step by Step Improvising: An Overview of Music Moves for Piano Exploration/Creativity/Improvisation
In this webinar, I explore the purpose and progression of the Exploration/Creativity/Improvisation projects in the Music Moves for Piano Student Books one through five.
Music Moves for Piano
By Marilyn Lowe in cooperation with Edwin E. Gordon
Music Moves for Piano is a new piano method for the 21st century that builds on Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki, and Dalcroze and applies Edwin E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory to the teaching of piano.
Keys to Music Learning Podcast
Unlock your students’ musical potential.
The podcast that discusses common goals and challenges in the piano studio, and offers research-based ideas and solutions to guide every one of your students to reach their full musical potential with audiation.