Utilizing background tracks to teach improvising

Ron Bartol
ronbartol@bellsouth.net
Duquesne University

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments

Level:

College

Class:

Instrumental

Equipment:

background tracks using Band in a Box or Finale sequences.

Duration:

50 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

The student should have basic improvisation skills to play over blues or rock or jazz changes.

NAfME Standards of 1994 Addressed:

NAfME Standards of 1994: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

NAfME 2014: Performing 

NAfME Standards of 1994: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.

NAfME 2014: Creating 

NAfME Standards of 1994: Evaluating music and music performances.

NAfME 2014: Responding 

Materials:

Audio midi sequences with existing changes to present to the student via computer or other playback situations.

Objectives:

Improvise using notes from the blues scale to create meaningful rhythmic and melodic patterns within an improvisation while listening to a background track

Procedures:

The teacher will choose the background tracks and discuss the scales and notes involved in the improvisation. The student should create a melodic as well as a rhythmically correct solo over the changes of the tune.

Evaluation:

Students will receive 1 point if their improvisation is limited to notes within the specified scale.

Students will receive 1 point if the improvisation uses rhythmic patterns that imply a valid melody.

Students will receive 1 point if the improvisation is considered musically valid on their chosen instrument.

Follow Up:

Students will be able to play a solo with proper scales and correct notes with a valid rhythmic feel.

Items to Purchase:

Midi sequences, background tracks provided by the teacher

When budget should be submitted: