International Association of Jazz Educators
How Do I Know What To Play? Randall Key, President, Alabama IAJE
I hope everyone is having a productive year and ready for the challenges of days to come. One of the main ques- tions students ask when attempting an improvised solo is, "How do I know what to play?" If this question was asked to a professional jazz musician the answer could be "Play what you feel." The student in the beginning real- ly does not understand how to solidify their thoughts, vocabulary or improvisation, therefore, the answer given by the professional will probably leave the student con- fused. Students want an answer that will ensure them immediate success on their instrument. It is important for the teacher to give the young interns a set of parameters to guide them. By giving the students limitations, they have a higher percentage of hitting workable notes. These limitations, or devices are understandable and will work over most circumstances. The instructor needs to play musical examples either on an instrument, or a recording. This is an excellent means of motivation and
allows the beginners to know that you are interested in the musical process of improvisation.
The first device I suggest is what musicians refer to as playing around with the melody. This is basically taking the melody of a particular tune and manipulating its form. The melody can be altered melodically or rhyth- mically depending on the soloist interpretation. In order for this to be very effective it is important that the student be able to memorize and play the melody from memory. I have noticed that most students have better success manipulating the rhythm of songs in the early stages. If the melody has a half note, have the student change the half note to four eighth notes.
Augmentations and
diminutions of rhythm allow students to experience improvisation without distorting the harmonic structure of the song. This is a very basic approach to improvisa- tion, which works great on ballads. All-State Jazz Band requirements are listed on the AMEA website at
http://www.alabamamea.org/. Click on the
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October 2006
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