Composition & Improvisation

How to think about composition & improvisation like an artist, not like a computer…

For specific improvisation grammar and vocabulary in a particular genre, check out each “school” of music: Blues || Country || Gospel || Jazz || Pop-Rock ||

Introduction to Composition & Improvisation

1. Why Study Composition & Improvisation?
2. The Big Picture
3. Theory & Practice
4. Creativity
5. Improvisation Fundamentals: Micro-Lessons

Case Study in Composition & Improvisation

1. Lead Sheet
2. Reading the Lead Sheet
3. Melodic Analysis
4. Harmonic Analysis
5. Simple Chord Accompaniment
6. Alberti Bass Accompaniment
7. Change Register
8. Change Articulation
9. Change Tonality
10. Shift the Melody
11. Change the Meter
12. Chord Tone Melody
13. Scale Tone Melody
14. Harmonic-Melodic Suspension
15. Left Hand Melody
16. Harmonize Melody in 6ths
17. Subdivide Beat into Triplets
18. Pedal Point
19. Melodic Sequence
20. Pickups
21. Two-Handed Chord Melody
22. Rhythmic Motives 
23. Add Introduction
24. Add Ending