CPTP075: The 5 Myths of Improvisation with Bradley Sowash

Bradley is a fantastic improviser and has inspired many piano teachers to bring creativity into their piano teaching studios. Through this experience, he has found these 5 myths of improvisation stop many classically trained pianists from getting started with jazz or improv.

When we allow ourselves to believe these myths, we're closing ourselves and our students off from a whole section of music making. And the truth is, you probably already improvise in some way. Even if you don't know it yet.

As part of the classical to chords month, Bradley and I are going to bust through the myths of improvisation. While we're at it, we're throwing in some quick and easy accompaniment patterns you can use to teach creativity right away.

So jump in, and get started with improvisation today. It's not scary I promise.

PS. This is an audio-only podcast. Please take this opportunity to click here and subscribe to my podcast on iTunes using the Podcast Player on your phone. Get into the habit of listening while you're driving, walking, cleaning or cooking!

Transcript

If you'd like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

[thrive_leads id='122769']

TopMusicPro Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member?

In this episode, you’ll learn

• What improvisation means to Bradley
• The elements of jazz that are open for creativity
• Why Bradley was drawn to jazz in the first place
• How to improve your musical ear
• Why you don't have to be Oscar Peterson to improvise
• The approach to creativity and reading that Bradley advocates
• How to move to the next level with teaching creativity
• Why classically trained pianists shouldn't be scared of the uncertainty of improv
• How to get through a lack of musical inspiration in the moment
• Tricks and patterns that you can use right away in your teaching

Links Mentioned

• Bradley's Online Lessons
• 88 Creative Keys Workshops

88 Creative Keys 2017

At 88 Creative Keys workshops, we teach teachers to improvise, use technology, lead off-bench activities, direct group teaching, and acquire updated business skills with today’s leading pedagogues.

We're passionate about helping you make your successful 21st-century studio a reality. Act fast and you might even catch the early bird discount. Plus all teachers with a teacher's association membership get an extra discount. I hope to see you there!

Get $100 off Annual TopMusicPro Membership

As a valued podcast listener, you're eligible for a $100 discount on an annual TopMusicPro Studio Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you're a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you'll pay as long as you remain a member.

Copy this coupon code to use when you see the "Coupon Code" box: PIANOPODCAST.

[thrive_link color='blue' link='https://members.topmusic.co/join/pro/' target='_blank' size='medium' align='aligncenter']Become a Member[/thrive_link]

Thank you for Tuning In!

There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine.

Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run.

Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page.

Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally.

Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Which of these myths of improvisation did you believe?

Was one of these myths getting in the way of musical creativity for you? Do you think your students have any of these preconceptions about to improvisation?