By Leila J Viss
Introduction
Be Cool and Play the Blues is a step-by-step introductory level explanation of how to play and improvise within the standard 12-bar form. It can be used with pianists of all ages and levels. There are three main components of the resource: Lesson Grid, Notated Examples and this interactive E-book.
Just like the 12-bar blues is a framework in which to create, this resource is yours to follow, copy, and modify to suit your studio needs. Consider using the resource as
A studio-wide theme or unit
A summer camp
A Dr. Seuss-inspired studio theme and recital
An annual addition to your regular curriculum
A module for an adult class.
Activities are customizable for private and group lessons.
Make sure to follow and master the steps yourself and be prepared to model examples of the various blues patterns to your students.
Included in this e-book are videos of me playing elements and variations of the Blues, as well as entire arrangements. In addition, there are videos of students exploring the Blues who are in the process of mastery but, perhaps not there yet. These are meant as a model to teach and inspire. You are free to borrow and modify as you please.
At times, posture, hand position, etc. were periodically (and accidentally) left at the door for the sake of exploration.
Leave judgement at the door. These are moments when I encourage pianists to be BRAVE and NOT PERFECT.
Just like the 12-bar blues is a framework in which to create, this resource is yours to follow, copy, and modify to suit your studio needs. Consider using the resource as
A studio-wide theme or unit
A summer camp
A Dr. Seuss-inspired studio theme and recital
An annual addition to your regular curriculum
A module for an adult class.
Activities are customizable for private and group lessons.
Make sure to follow and master the steps yourself and be prepared to model examples of the various blues patterns to your students.
Included in this e-book are videos of me playing elements and variations of the Blues, as well as entire arrangements. In addition, there are videos of students exploring the Blues who are in the process of mastery but, perhaps not there yet. These are meant as a model to teach and inspire. You are free to borrow and modify as you please.
At times, posture, hand position, etc. were periodically (and accidentally) left at the door for the sake of exploration.
Leave judgement at the door. These are moments when I encourage pianists to be BRAVE and NOT PERFECT.
Loading...
Loading...
Lessons 1 and 2
Loading...
Master the Hand ShiftsLesson 3
Add a Blue Note
Lesson 4
Four ways to generate word-based rhythms for improvisation.
1) Create a new wheel in Decide Now and borrow words from a favorite meal or cuisine.
Let students spin and use the rhythm of the words as a basis for a rhythm in which to improvise.
2) Collect paint strips from a local hardware store. Ask students to choose a strip and choose a favorite paint color name. Use the rhythm of the words as a basis for a rhythm in which to improvise.
3) Open a box of Crayola crayons or visit the Crayola website to find ideas for word-based rhythms.
4) Choose a favorite Dr. Seuss quote from students' favorite Dr. Seuss Book.
1) Create a new wheel in Decide Now and borrow words from a favorite meal or cuisine.
Let students spin and use the rhythm of the words as a basis for a rhythm in which to improvise.
2) Collect paint strips from a local hardware store. Ask students to choose a strip and choose a favorite paint color name. Use the rhythm of the words as a basis for a rhythm in which to improvise.
3) Open a box of Crayola crayons or visit the Crayola website to find ideas for word-based rhythms.
4) Choose a favorite Dr. Seuss quote from students' favorite Dr. Seuss Book.
Lessons 4 and 5
Add a the Back and Forth Bass in the LH
Word-based melody with LH Back and Forth Bass
If there's no time to create a Decide Now wheel, ask pianists what they had for breakfast. If pianists can't recall what was for breakfast, ask them about their day as a way to determine words for a Blues rhythm. After visiting the science exhibit at the museum, Adrian created his "Bioluminescence Blues."
Coordination = Patience + Repetition
I asked Aliya what she had for lunch and she said "Chicken Tikka Masala!" We shortened it and used "tikka masala." It turned out to be an ideal rhythm to create a RH pattern on C E and G and the blue note, Eb.
The video shows Aliya working to coordinate the RH with the LH Back and Forth bass pattern in her "Tikka Masala Blues."