Developing Improvisation Skills
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Aural learning goes hand-in-hand with improvisation.
The simple harmonic structure of the piece LYFE are working on lends itself well to developing improvisation skills.
Here, LYFE and Emily plan an improvised section for the piece. Notice how Emily makes this a safe and achievable task for the group in the way she frames it (video 34):
- How does Emily create a safe musical space for improvising?
- What suggestions does Emily make for the content of improvisation
- What additional support might Ali or Zac from Sharp Academy need to participate in this activity?
Trying it out
Watch LYFE’s first try out of the improvised section:
- Why do you think LYFE struggle with improvising initially?
- How does Emily support the ensemble to develop their improvising skills?
- What role could Seb and Grace from Sharp Academy take in this activity?
Watch LYFE have another go at trying out the improvised section (video 36):
- How could you support a group to improvise like this if they didn't have a pulse/rhythm section?
- What would be your top tips to a group to help them improvise effectively?
You can refresh your memory of Sharp Academy Orchestra and strategies for activity adaption here.
Media
Video:
