Creating an idiomatic blues performance
I can perform an idiomatic blues improvisation over the 12-bar blues sequence and create an extended blues performance.
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- Year 8
Creating an idiomatic blues performance
I can perform an idiomatic blues improvisation over the 12-bar blues sequence and create an extended blues performance.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An idiomatic blues improvisation can be created by using a motif and typical blues features.
- These include blue notes, syncopation and an AAB phrase structure.
- They also include piano techniques such as tremolos, playing in octaves and using chords in the melodic line.
- We have performed an extended 12-bar blues performance using the blues scale, improvisation and a blues accompaniment.
Keywords
Idiomatic - if something is idiomatic it is appropriate to the style (e.g. blues music using blues features such as the blues scale and syncopation)
AAB - a melodic phrase structure, common in blues music, where the first phrase (A) is repeated then followed by a contrasting phrase (B)
Octaves - when the piano plays in octaves it plays the same note (e.g. C) but 8 notes apart
Syncopation - when the rhythm emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats
Common misconception
Any notes will work for improvising
Find the balance between developing confidence in improvising and quality of musical ideas. Encourage pupils to think about the choice of notes, repetition, returning to a main note etc, as well as trying ideas and reflecting on what they sound like.
Equipment
Keyboard
Licence
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