Creating an idiomatic blues performance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform an idiomatic blues improvisation over the 12-bar blues sequence and create an extended blues performance.
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.
Teacher tip
Give pupils time to develop different improvisations. They can choose the blues elements (boogie-woogie etc.) that they prefer to build their performance, and some pupils could be directed to easier options. It could be played in different keys by guitarists and more experienced musicians.
Equipment
Keyboard
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.How many bars is the chord sequence in blues music?
Q2.The piano and guitar usually play the __________ in blues music.
Q3.In a 12 bar blues, if my first chord is C, what chord will I move to after C?
Q4.Which scale is the correct C blues scale?
Q5.In a blues song the first and second line of the lyrics are always .
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What word means the music is appropriate to the style?
Q2.The same note played 8 notes apart is called an .
Q3.What rhythmic feature emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats?
Q4.What structure is most idiomatic when creating a blues improvisation?
Q5.A motif is most successful if it returns to a note (in our case C).
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Creating an idiomatic blues performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Creating an idiomatic blues performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the The 12-bar blues unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.