Piano Lab: Piano Improv for Beginners
MIN2361.01
Course Description
Summary
Instructor will provide musical prompts such as chordal patterns, melodic fragments, and rhythms as a basis for evocative and expressive improvisation. While we will learn some music theory terminology, the class will de-emphasize sheet music in order to focus on navigating the keyboard itself. All experience levels are welcome.
Class will meet weekly in the Jennings keyboard lab. Students will work on the day’s prompt individually with headphones and then share their results with the group. In the final weeks of the semester, the students have the option to play in a group recital.
Students are expected to practice daily for at least ten minutes. Contact the instructor with questions.
Learning Outcomes
- -Experience and identify the notes of the keyboard and their relationships.
-Learn to read and play the notes of common major and minor triads.
-Develop independence of the fingers and hands.
-Improvise using common rhythms in meters like 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8.
-Grasp key music theory ideas such as the construction of chords and the use of rhythm in evoking emotion and movement.