Want to start improvising? Start with a musical conversation

Music has often been said to be a conversation.

This idea of a musical conversation is a way in to starting improvisation and musical experimentation.

Here are three progressive musical improvisation games that can be used with any instruments. Even better – anyone can do it and will get something out of it from the beginner to the advanced student.

To begin with a dialogue with words, play the Sentence Game.

THE SENTENCE GAME

Players: Best with two, could modify for a group

Time: 5 minutes

Ability: All

Age: All

One person says a word and the next one continues, alternating until someone says FULL STOP and the sentence is complete.

E.g. I stare intently at student, letting the tension build… “The…”

They grin and usually respond with their favourite animal “Giraffe”

“Went”

They have no choice here: “To”

Now I have no choice: “The”

Now the cheeky ones get a bit crazy: “Rollerskating rink!”

“Full stop!”

Then I let them start the next sentence.

Once their having fun with words announce that you’re going to use notes instead of words and that they can choose any note. Stress there’s no right or wrong (some will still freak out a bit, gently insist).

Variations:

• Try three words/notes at a time (or more)
• Try using only notes that are next to each other
• Make the rule you’re NOT allowed notes that are next to each other
• If you’re working on scales/keys ask for only notes in a certain scale

NEXT: Dramatic Dialogues