Course Description:
Welcome to “The Improvising Harpist Online Course.,” an engaging and comprehensive course designed to empower harpists and pianists with the art of improvisation. This course provides a structured approach to developing your improvisational skills, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate musicians. With a focus on harp techniques and musical concepts, you will embark on a journey that leads to confident and creative musical expression.
This course can be taken in the following ways:
- Self-paced online course
- Live group classes for 5 or more people
- Individual lessons
Course Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Improvisation (Weeks 1-2)
- Module 1: What is Improv? How to Get Started…
- Understand the fundamentals of improvisation.
- Learn the basics of starting your improvisational journey.
- Module 1a: Hand Warm Ups for Harpists and Pianists
- Explore essential hand warm-up exercises for optimal performance.
- Module 2: Rhythm and Groove
- Master the nuances of rhythm and groove in improvisation.
- Module 3: Timers
- Implement timers effectively to enhance your practice.
- Module 4: Sources of Improv
- Discover various sources of inspiration for your improvisations.
- Module 5: Simple RH Pattern, Check Point & Homework
- Develop a solid foundation with simple right-hand patterns.
Chapter 2: Left Hand Patterns (Weeks 3-4)
- Module 1: Simple Drones
- Explore the concept of drones in improvisation.
- Module 2: 5ths and Triad LH Patterns
- Dive into left-hand patterns involving 5ths and triads.
- Module 2a: Broken 5ths
- Extend your knowledge with broken 5th patterns.
- Module 2b: Root Triads
- Explore root triads for richer harmonies.
- Module 2c: Rolled Root Triads
- Master the art of rolled root triads for dynamic textures.
- Module 3: Doubled Root LH Patterns
- Enhance your left-hand technique with doubled root patterns.
- Module 4: Inversions
- Delve into chord inversions to expand your harmonic vocabulary.
- Module 4a: Extended Voicings
- Explore extended voicings for more advanced compositions.
- Module 5: Arpeggios and Friends
- Learn the versatility of arpeggios in your improvisations.
Chapter 3: Right Hand Patterns (Weeks 5-6)
- Module 1: Beginning Right Hand Patterns in 4/4 time
- Develop right-hand patterns for rhythmic consistency.
- Module 2a: Octaves, 10ths, and 6ths Intervals
- Expand your right-hand repertoire with intervals.
- Module 2b: Pentatonic Scales
- Explore pentatonic scales for melodic richness.
- Module 2c: Glissandi, Grace Notes, and Two-Finger Walkups/Walkdowns
- Add flair to your improvisations with glissandi and grace notes.
- Module 3: Triplets, Scales & Inversion Walk Ups and Walk Downs
- Discover the art of triplets and scale-based improvisations.
- Module 4: Freeform, Two-Handed Patterns, and Other Sources of Right Hand Patterns
- Experiment with two-handed patterns and advanced techniques.
Chapter 4: Crafting Your Own Melodies and Progressions (Weeks 7-8)
- Module 1: Chords and Scales and Numbers
- Understand chord structures and scale relationships.
- Module 2: Three Simple Chord Progressions
- Explore common chord progressions for improvisation.
- Module 3: Creating Your Own Chord Progressions
- Develop your unique progressions using creative methods.
- Module 4: Making Your Own Melodies: Major Chords, Triads, and Melodies
- Craft captivating melodies over major chords.
- Module 5: Minor Chords, Triads, and Melodies
- Dive into the world of minor chord improvisation.
- Module 6: Mixing Major and Minor: Blue Moon/Ash Grove Progression & Checkpoint
- Blend major and minor chords in captivating ways.
Chapter 5: Improvising from Songs (Weeks 9-10)
- Module 1: Blues in D
- Immerse yourself in blues improvisation.
- Module 2: All The Pretty Little Horses
- Apply your skills to a traditional tune.
- Module 3: Amazing Grace
- Explore improvisation on this timeless hymn.
- Module 4: Ash Grove
- Dive into improvising over this classic melody.
- Module 5: Greensleeves
- Discover the art of improvisation on this holiday favorite.
- Module 6: Silent Night
- Create your own interpretation of this beloved carol.
Catch-up week (Week 11)
- A week to catch up on any homework and work out any improvisations.
Conclusion and Beyond (Week 12)
- Final Checkpoint
- Reflect on your journey and progress in improvisation.
- Next Classes
- Explore opportunities for advanced courses and further learning.
Course Features:
- Engaging video lessons for practical learning.
- Backing tracks to accompany your practice.
- Musescore worksheets for hands-on exercises.
- Interactive discussions and feedback for student collaboration.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to improvise skillfully on the harp and piano, allowing you to add your unique musical voice to any performance. Join us on this exciting journey of Harmonious Harp Improvisation today!