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Music Improvisation
Improv Workshop with Pam Blevins Hinkle – Fall 2013
“There are no ‘unmusical’ people, only those with no musical experience.”
(from the Music For People Bill of Rights)
Improvisation finds its way into much of my music-making. From improvising in worship in response to a prayer to playing in THIN AIR, an all-improv band, or teaching collaboration with boomwhackers, improvising with sound is magical, playful, holy, and much more!
Check upcoming events for future improv classes, concerts, and more.
Improvisation Tips (from Music For People)
- Be a powerful soloist when you find yourself in that role
- Be ready to provide a rhythmic groove for others
- Use solo/drone and solo/ostinato when appropriate
- Offer your silence when you don’t have a musical idea to give
- Give attention to quality of what you are offering more than the quantity
- Close your eyes some of the time, but not all the time
- Make eye contact at key times and smile at your partners
- Give soft instruments and voices room to be heard
- Get physically close to anyone who has difficulty listening or hearing
- Be aware when someone is soloing – imagine yourself as the ocean keeping the soloist afloat
- Remember that imitation is one of the most powerful tools for a satisfying musical experience
- Be responsive to the natural ending point of your improvisation
