If we continue to follow the language analogy, then we all improvise all of the time. We don’t walk around with a script that we read from all day. We select words from our vocabulary that fit the situation. In music, we choose patterns that fit the tonal or rhythmic context of the musical situation. Let's do some tonal improvisation, even though our tonal vocabulary is limited.
Pattern Improvisation
Major Improvisation
Minor Improvisation
Unfinished Songs
This first imprompt is called “Unfinished Song” and is designed to see what is lurking underneath the audiational waters of your mind. Here are the procedures:
Step 1 - Listen
Listen to the unfinished song, and see if an ending emerges in your audiation. (Don’t sing, just audiate!)
Step 2 - Listen again
Listen again, and quietly sing the ending that emerges. Use a neutral syllable (like “La” or “Bum”). It’s OK if it’s different than the first ending you audiated! As you’re improvising, try to audiate the underlying harmony that you’re hearing. A good way to end a song is with a dominant chord followed by a tonic chord.
Step 3 - Sing your ending
Listen again, and then try to sing the same ending with more confidence.
Step 3 - Sing a different ending
Listen again, and then try to sing a different ending.
Here are five unfinished songs for you to try: