Ep. 30 of Themes and Variation features Peter Martin, jazz pianist and composer, educator, and founder of the e-learning site, Open Studio.
Tag: improvisation
Why Improvisation Should Be Part of Every Young Musician’s Training
Based on neuroscience research, improvisation can deactivate the self-judgment in your brain, and help you engage more creatively with music.
Breaking Down Sonny Rollins’ Catchiest Tune
A personal OpEd on one of Sonny Rollins’ most classic melodies, and a reframed way to improvise within blues-infused modern jazz.
How to Let Your Notes “Breathe” in Improvisation
In this excerpted lesson from Soundfly’s The Improviser’s Toolkit, Mahea Lee explains why it’s important to let your notes “breathe” a bit.
An Introduction to 20th Century Composer Christian Wolff
Today we’re taking an introductory look at one of the 20th century’s most daring avant-garde composers and his music, Christian Wolff.
Why Improvisation Is Great for Seasoned Musicians and Those Learning Music Alike
Some general thoughts on why improvisation is healthy and encouraged for musicians of all levels and types to experiment with.
The Basics of the Dorian Mode for Guitar
A lesson on how to use one of the most exciting and practical scale modes for soloing on the guitar in jazz, blues, rock, and fusion.
Talking Points: Ryuichi Sakamoto & Alva Noto Explain Working with Images and Sound
In this edition of “Talking Points,” composers and electronic artists Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto discuss the nature of collaboration and improvisation.
Learning to Scratch with “This Is America”
+ Learn to create and arrange original, instrumental hip-hop music from sampling pioneer RJD2 himself in his…
RIP Cecil Taylor
This article originally appeared on Ethan Hein’s blog. When I was nineteen, I was flipping channels…