Learning Improvisation

[robertzhang123]

I am a very advanced piano student. I have attended Juilliard for many years. The only problem is that I cannot improvise. How do I learn? My teacher does not teach it.

[pianowolfi]

I didn't learn it. I just did it.

[lostinidlewonder]

Improvisation has a lot of directions I find it has more application in "Jazz" than classical music. It is tricky to improvise classical music with a group of musicians, but not so in the structures of Jazz. I think the first step is to work out what type of Improvisation interests you. With Jazz improvisation I learned a huge amount of scale forms then listened to countless recordings observing rhythmic devices used (Jazz is rhythmic music). Learning Chord progression and riffs can't hurt either. But as pianowolfi suggests, you just do it! Experiment, trial and error, lots of listening and testing.

[quantum]

I think Wolfi has the right idea.


I didn't really get into improvising until half way through uni.  Difficult piano rep, no problem but I was stumped on how to improvise.  I guess I had a preconception that there was a "correct" way to improvise.  When one plays rep, one gets used to the notion forming an interpretation that follows some generalized attributes relative to time period or composer and such.  When one improvises, one IS the composer and performer.  It can be thought of as composing spontaneously. 

The best way to start, is to play.  It is a process of self discovery.  Yes, you can read books on the subject, but ultimately you will learn the most from actively improvising on your instrument.   What is important at this stage is to get the creative juices flowing.  Do not be let down if your first attempts sound like garbage.  It will get better if you persist.  Later on, reading materials may help you refine your improv skills. 

I used to be a 100% repertoire player.  Now my playing is split 50% rep, 50% improv.  Improvising has a wonderful way of refining your understanding of your instrument and solidifying your technique.  I wouldn't say it has taken time away from my repertoire practice, but has enhanced my performance ability, confidence, and ability to interpret composed music. 

Best thing I can recommend to you at this time is to go to the piano and start playing.  It might even be helpful to not think about what to play, and just let the music guide your fingers. 

[pianowolfi]

Great post, Quantum. 

[etcetra]

yea i agree with what has been said here.. I think the biggest obstacle that people have is that they can't get over the whole idea of playing what is right and wrong.. because that has been so ingrained in most of us.  I think the first step is to just play whatever comes to you.. I used to do this with writing where I just write whatever that came to my mind.. its almost as if i was just watching myself as these words came out of me.. A lot of it was rubbish, but there were some gems in those writings..

I guess if you can do that in the piano its the first step. I think the next steps is to be able to do that within the context of form.. In jazz that where you learn tunes and scales and licks.. I don't know how that translates in classical music, but basically you have to learn different idioms, styles.. vocabularies in which you can base your improvisations on.. its a lot like composition except you are learning these idea to use them in a spontaneous manner..

I've heard jazz pianists who are able to improvise a 3-4 part fugue.. so I know there is a way to do it in classical music...