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or $123 for 8 classes
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Improvisation Magic at the Keyboard

Completed by 14 learners
Ages 10-14
Live Group Course
Put music theory into practice: anyone who has done some piano studies can make their own music through fun, games, and creative keyboard exploration!
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(283 reviews)
Star Educator
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 8 weeks
2-7 learners per class
35 min

What's included

8 live meetings
4 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Assignments
1 hour per week. Assignments will be to continue the learning we did in class and go more in-depth with improvisations in between classes.
Progress Report
A progress report will be sent to the learner and parent, or just the parent, as requested or needed.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate with the skills worked on and learner's name will be available after completion of the course.

Class Experience

Anybody can improvise their own music! Yes, really! Piano and keyboard students of any level who want to make their own music are invited! Some knowledge and experience at the keyboard is expected, but this is a beginner, intermediate and advanced-level pianist's introduction to improvisation at the keyboard. This class will feature many keyboard games that will challenge and inspire young improvisers. Each week, we will explore a different improvisational approach which does not build on the previous week, such as the use of pentatonic scales, repeating bass lines, or a rhythmic drone. This is a join anytime class; every week is a stand-alone unit. After we've done some warm-up activities, we'll have some time to practice and get instructor support before sharing what we've done and discussing some of the theory behind it, including how you might notate your own composition. Students can feel free to join any time; the approach is great for anyone with a start in piano and little or no background in improvisation. This is a good class for students who want to compose music.

I started out as a very, very timid piano and organ student, terrified to play anything not on the music score in front of me. Since then, I have let go of my perfectionism and embraced the sometimes messy process of musical creativity. I have studied with famous organist-improvisers in the USA and France, and use a friendly, game-based approach that has coaxed many of my shy students in the past.

This class may be taken with private lessons, group classes, or on its own. If your student wants to eventually write down their improvisations, I recommend Introduction to Music Reading and Writing. The classes I offer will complement each other, so contact me about cross enrollment options and suggestions.

Learning Goals

Developing a positive, progress-aimed mindset not only in improvisation, but in all aspect's of learner's musical and creative endeavors
Hands-on understanding of music theory as it applies to topics

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Improvisation
 What is improvisation? How do we get started? Games and introductions 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Improvisation on the Black Keys
 We'll explore rhythmic and arhythmic ways to approach black key only colors and expressions 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Using Rhythmic Drones
 Improvising on only one specific rhythm pattern at a time, we'll free ourselves up to explore all sorts of different notes and sounds, while still sounding 'composed' 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Major Scales and Minor Scales
 We begin with an introduction or review of the major and minor musical scales and basic music theory needed for using them 
35 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Before the first class, please check your Zoom Audio settings. You should select "Use Original Sound" and then selected "Enable Original Sound" once you have entered the classroom. Otherwise, Zoom may filter out your music as background noise.
Supply List
A piano or keyboard with at least 62 keys and polyphonic settings are necessary.
The camera during class should show at least some of the keyboard as well as the learner, as best as able.
The book we will use for some classes is called Discover Beginning Improvisation, by Nancy Faber. It is not required but students who want to go farther with improvisation should get it-$8.95 from SheetMusicPlus.com
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

    Meet the teacher

    Joined November, 2020
    5.0
    283reviews
    Star Educator
    Popular
    Profile
    Teacher expertise and credentials
    Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Oberlin College and Conservatory
    Bachelor's Degree in Music from Oberlin College and Conservatory
    Bachelor’s of Music in Performance, Oberlin Conservatory, USA
    Diplôme de Perfectionnement, Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Versailles, France
    
    15+ years working, performing, and teaching piano, general music, choir, and organ all over the world
    
    As a professional musician and a mom, I put a high value on exposing children to music in fun, uplifting, and creative ways. I particularly enjoy introducing music in ways that support and affirm a student's own innate musical understanding, and help bring that out from the start. I believe in whole child education, understanding that a learner brings their whole self to the lesson, and that my role is to affirm and support their WHOLE self. My ACE Educator workshops focused on different ways to engage the whole child-whether cultural, emotional/SEL, neurodiversity, or other difference, I care about your learner having the best possible introduction to music.
    
    My own musical training included studies overseas, where exposure to a different culture surrounding musical education broadened my own training and goals in teaching beginning students to play. Although I have an affinity for starting students off right as beginners, I have worked with music students of all ages and levels, and value the changing needs and goals when helping intermediate or advanced musicians grow and hone their skills. When I'm not making music and teaching, I'm probably knitting and designing unique knitwear and clothes to wear and gift :-) I also enjoy pottery, painting, and sewing, to name a few things.
    
    Studio policies:
    All my classes are currently autoposting recordings. If there's ever a safety reason for a recording to not be posted, you will not be able to view it. If you miss a class, you are encouraged to watch these recordings. I follow all of Outschool's policies regarding refunds and make-up classes.
    
    If you are taking private classes with me, I will always wait at least 20 minutes before closing the section. I otherwise follow the same refund and absence policies as set forth by Outschool: students must be logged in by 10 minutes after the start of class. Given the nature of the classes I teach, I will not teach to an empty classroom, but practice videos will be available when the class listing calls for it.
    
    Many parents are curious about where to start their learners. Here's a quick rundown/sample course of studies:
    
    Younger beginners 3-5:
    Ready for Piano->Introduction to Piano and Music Book A, Book B, Then begin Book 1
    5-7 Year Olds: Start directly in Book B
    
    Older beginners (8 and up): Beginning Piano Lessons, Book 1. For those who prefer an ongoing course offering, I now offer a class called Piano Level 1, where we cover some of the same materials in Beginning Piano Lessons, but with more abstract concepts of music theory and improvisation. It still includes a lot of fun games, however! :)

    Reviews

    Heather Kirkconnell suggests this class next...
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    Heather Kirkconnell
    5.0
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