GENERAL MUSIC

Improvisation Lesson: Michael Cox

When musicians improvise, they create their own version of a song that they have memorized by using their imaginations in the moment.

Key music terms:

• Melody – notes that are combined together one after the other to make a tune or a song.

• Rhythm – the combination of long and short notes in music.

• Improvisation – the act of creating or composing a musical idea from your imagination in the moment.

Here are some keys to improvisation:

• Make sure you have the original song memorized.

• Start by playing first changing the rhythm of the melody – keep the pitches or melody notes the same.

• Then, explore new melody notes along with fun rhythms to improvise a completely original version of the song.

Watch as Columbus Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Michael Cox demonstrates how to improvise, using the song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.

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