Improvise: The Basics

Orchestral instrumentalists can learn the basics of improvising from a lead sheet.


Course Description

  • Do you play a brass, woodwind or stringed instrument?
  • Do you wish you could play during the worship service, but aren't really sure what to play from the lead sheet?
  • Do you wonder what all those letters and numbers mean above the notes?
  • Have you ever tried to play from a lead sheet but get bored only playing the melody?
  • Do you think only the super talented people can create their own music?

    • If you answered yes to any of those questions, this new series is for you! Learn the basic music theory needed to understand what information a lead sheet gives and how you can translate that on to your instrument. The book includes workbook pages as you learn the music theory. But theory learned in isolation isn't practical.

    The Play Today sections help you apply the concepts and techniques into your playing. Follow a step-by-step guide to apply the theory to hymns in lead sheet format, and you can begin playing right from the beginning. Improvising can be difficult if you are not able to hear the melody or the chord structures, so simple MP3 practice tracks are provided for each lead sheet which allow you to hear how your part fits with the whole. Links to publisher's and composer's websites allow you to download lead sheets and recordings to further develop and build your repertoire at each stage.

    What you will learn in Book 1:

    • Find elements of a song
    • Decode a chord
    • Understand major and minor chords and how they are notated
    • Choose the notes to play
    • Play from a lead sheet using a capo
    • Transposition for transposing instruments
    • Learn slash chords
    • Follow a lead sheet arrangement
    • Create a motif
    • Play from a chord chart


    Your Instructor


    Kristin
    Kristin

    Hi I'm Kristin! I've been creating music for the last 25 years. One of my favorite ways of playing is to improvise. The Harvard Dictionary of Music defines improvisation as, "the art of thinking and performing music simultaneously." Being able to create music that didn't exist 10 minutes before I played it, or creating my own part to fit with other instruments is very gratifying for me and I love teaching others to do the same.

    I've spent hours playing in symphonies, string quartets, blue grass bands, recording studios, orchestra pits, and worship bands. While I love playing, I also enjoy teaching others to play and create music, whether it's Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Violin Concertos, Bach Inventions, Fiddle Tunes, or improvising for worship bands.

    My husband Matt is in the Air Force and we are currently stationed in Louisiana. When I'm not playing music, you might find me hiking, looking for great BBQ with a pile of coleslaw on top, riding bikes, or drinking coffee with friends


    Frequently Asked Questions


    When does the course start and finish?
    The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
    How long do I have access to the course?
    How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
    What if I am unhappy with the course?
    We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

    Get started now!