Utilizing background tracks to teach improvising
Ron Bartol
[email protected]
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:
