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 new course on Soundfly, RJD2: From Samples to Songs. This article originally appeared on Ethan Hein’s blog. One of my projects for this summer is to realize my decades-old ambition to learn how to scratch. I borrowed a Korg Kaoss DJ controller from a…
-
RIP Cecil Taylor
This article originally appeared on Ethan Hein’s blog. When I was nineteen, I was flipping channels on TV late at night, and I stumbled on this: I had no idea what I was seeing, but I was spellbound. I still can’t exactly verbalize what this music means to me, but I know it means something. I’m…
-
Who Is the Art Ensemble of Chicago?
+ Bridge the worlds of theory, improvisation, and jazzy hip-hop, and improve your piano chops with Grammy-winner Kiefer in his course, Kiefer: Keys, Chords, & Beats. For the musicians of the many houses of improvised music out there, the Art Ensemble of Chicago is one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. Yet for…
-
Matt Mehlan of Skeletons on How the DIY Golden Age of NYC Still Shapes His Music
Welcome back to Soundfly’s weekly interview series, Incorrect Music, curated by guitarist, singer, and composer Lora-Faye Åshuvud (of the band Arthur Moon). In this series, we present intimate conversations with artists who are striving to push the boundaries of their process and craft. Dre’s interview with Matt Mehlan (of the avant-garde pop band Skeletons) makes me smile…
-
Circuit Des Yeux on Improvising to Find Her Voice and How ‘Why?’ Is an Answer
Welcome back to Soundfly’s weekly interview series, Incorrect Music, curated by guitarist, singer, and composer Lora-Faye Åshuvud (of the band Arthur Moon). In this series, we present intimate conversations with artists who are striving to push the boundaries of their process and craft. Chicago’s Haley Fohr has returned to her irreverent rock project Circuit Des Yeux after…
