Learn to improvise. 2005-2006. Lesson 09: playing without faltering.

1. Faltering is not allowed.
Listen to the example.

2. Hesitating is allowed.
Listen to the example.

3. So with a difficult piece: better slow down, then play quickly and restart again. Rubato (with free treatment of the tempo) is all right.
Listen to the example.

4. Music is a dynamic art (just like dance and film): the changes in tempo, loudness and timbre have to correspond to the movements you can make with your body.
Listen to the example.

5. Express. Sell your piano-playing. Don't play a lot, loudly or fast, but play smart and sensible.
Listen to the example.

6. LISTEN! to the space (the acoustics) and the public (how will your music appear).
By using the pedal I create the atmosphere of acoustics in the space.

7. Exploit the possibilities of the instrument, so from the piano the touch and the pedal.
Listen to the example.

8. Cultivate your own qualities. For example: big hands for wide grips, feeling of rhythm for dance music, memory for songs.
Listen to the example.
9. Notice if people start singing and dancing. Then you do well.


HOMEWORK: Reach this piano-playing without faltering by simplifying where you are not strong at (chord, key, etc). Only 1 chord per bar. Below as example the song ''Shine'' in key G with the last paragraph adapted to personal taste by adding Go and E7.
Listen to the example.

[G] Shine a[Go]way your [D7] bluesies
[G] Shine start [Go] with your [D7] shoesies
[B7] Shine each place up
[Em] make it look like new
[A7] Shine your face up,
[D7] wear a smile or two

[G] Shine your [Go] these and [D7] thosies
You'll [B7] find that everything
will [Em] turn [B7] out [Em] fine

[C] Folks will [Go] shine up to ya
[G] Everyone will [E7] how-dy-do ya
You'll [A7] make the [D7] whole world [G] shine!


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