Student Dilemma.

[trosa]

Hey guys,

I'll get right to it.

I'm currently taking lessons with a classically trained teacher. 

Here's the thing. 

My goal isn't to be classically trained.  I'm a music producer,
and my main goal is to learn the art of improvisation.

You might be asking "Then why take lessons from a classically
trained teacher?"  $25 a lesson and the fact that I gel well with
this teacher.  I've taken a few other "first lessons" with other
teachers, only to feel ripped off and never to return. 

My teacher is talented. 

My question:  Is there any book or advice you guys can give that
will help my teacher guide me and help me learn improv? 

Or should I just take the classical route which will allow me to improvise
once I learn the basics and advance?

If you guys need more info please ask.

Thanks for the help
-TRosa

[ninto]

Hey TRosa,
Well first of all If you feel good about continuing your lessons with the teacher don't quit.It won't hurt to get familiar with classical piano music (i.e. Fingering,Intervals,Harmony etc.).
As far as improvising goes there are a number of different ways to get you started, you pick the one your comfortable with.
1-Learn the chord progressions of your fav. song then try to apply and play your own melody on it. This is a lot of fun and you learn different scales,progressions etc.
2-If you're an intermediate player you can look into Jamey Abbersold's play along series. Volume 1 is specifically designed to teach improvising. Also there's a free pamphlet on his website that is a great source of info.
Btw, What genre are you interested in improvising on? how long have you been playing?

[trosa]

Thanks for the response ninto.

I'm interested in jazz improv and maybe pop type stuff.
Since I'm producing dance music.  So I want to learn
Improv that will help me in that area.

& I've been playing for about 4 months. (don't laugh at me lol)

[ninto]

Well then I suggest the 1st way. Learn the progressions to your favorite songs and start improvising on top of them.

Since you are interested in jazz, listening to jazz greats is the best way to get new ideas.

As I said there's free pamphlet on jamey abbersold's website called Jazz Handbook.I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to play/improvise jazz.

Also don't forget to consult with your teacher too.Teacher is your best friend (alongside the Metronome!).

[trosa]

Thanks a lot for the advice.

I met with my teacher and we put together a plan.