Improvisation Saturday
8:00–8:20 a.m.
Classical Pianists And Improvisation, An Historical Overview
Chicago Ballroom FG
Most of the 18th- and 19th-century musicians whom we revere had amazing improvisational skills—and used them routinely. This session takes us back to our roots and the need to train complete musicians!
★ George Litterst, CyberConservatory, Rehoboth, Massachusetts
8:20–9:00 a.m.
Understanding Chord Symbols
Chicago Ballroom FG
One of the biggest challenges beginning pop/jazz improvisers face is learning to construct and interpret chord symbols. This session provides a straightforward explanation of the principles, common practices and variations in contemporary chord nomenclature.
★ Bradley Sowash, Bradley Sowash Music, Columbus, Ohio
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Classical Improvisation
Chicago Ballroom FG
This session will offer a fun, step-by-step approach to improvisation built entirely upon the elements of traditional piano study. Ideas and exercises that unleash one’s creativity will be explained and then applied to well-known repertoire.
★ Brian Chung, Kawai America Corporation, Rancho Dominguez, California
Developing A Personal Curriculum For Improvising And Playing By Ear
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
Everyone needs a personal plan for developing improvisation skills. The presenters will show how to improve your current skills by using fun MIDI accompaniments in a structured and educationally sound way.
★ George Litterst, CyberConservatory, Rehoboth, Massachusetts; Paul Sheftel, Juilliard School, New York, New York
Understanding And Improvising In Popular Styles
Kane Room
Drawing on his vast repertoire of contemporary pieces, Christopher Norton will show how quickly one can be improvising with tracks, in specific styles. Clear guidance on voicing, note and rhythm choices will be provided.
★ Christopher Norton, composer, London, UK
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Developing A Personal Curriculum For Improvising And Playing By Ear
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
Everyone needs a personal plan for developing improvisation skills. The presenters will show how to improve your current skills by using fun MIDI accompaniments in a structured and educationally sound way.
★ George Litterst, CyberConservatory, Rehoboth, Massachusetts; Paul Sheftel, Juilliard School, New York, New York
From Random To Rhythm: Helping All Students Improvise
Chicago Ballroom FG
Many students play “randomly” when first improvising. They don’t listen, play in rhythm, or feel a connection to the tones. This session will explore proven and effective techniques for teachers to help student move from randomness to rhythmic, creative responses.
★ Forrest Kinney, NCTM, independent music teacher, North Bend, Washington
Group Improvisation On And Off The Bench
Kane Room
Learning to improvise can begin in a social setting away from the piano bench. Discover how to engage pianists of any age in dynamic group activities off the bench and how to transfer them to creativity at the keyboard.
★ Bradley Sowash, Bradley Sowash Music, Columbus, Ohio; Leila Viss, independent piano teacher, Centennial, Colorado
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Lunch On Your Own
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Improvising Cadenzas In A Classical Concerto
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
This session looks at the anatomy of cadenzas and fermatas in classical piano concerti and presents a structured approach to learning how to improvise in these contexts.
★ George Litterst, CyberConservatory, Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Preparing Your Student For High School Jazz Band
Kane Room
How does a pianist move from soloist to playing in a big band? Learn to coach students on interpreting and voicing chord symbols, accompanying improvisers, working within a rhythm section and understanding stock jazz styles.
★ Bradley Sowash, Bradley Sowash Music, Columbus, Ohio
Sequences, Formulas, Fills And Other Tricks
Chicago Ballroom FG
Every improvising musician needs a bag of tricks that is readily available at the finger tips! This session will explain the “tricks of the trade” when improvising.
★ Phillip Keveren, composer, Brentwood, Tennessee
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Developing Artistry
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
Playing by ear and unlocking creativity isn’t always enough in the world of improvisation. This session will focus on techniques to raise one’s improvisations to a level of artistry that takes it from interesting to fascinating.
★ Richard Grayson, professor Emeritus, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California
Going Further With Lead Sheets
Kane Room
So you can already play the melody and chord symbols on lead sheets…now what? Learn creative techniques to personalize your interpretation. If you can do it, you can teach your students to do it.
★ Bradley Sowash, Bradley Sowash Music, Columbus, Ohio
Preparing Your Student For Praise Band
Chicago Ballroom FG
This workshop offers first-hand experience in improvised keyboard styles for contemporary worship ensembles. Equip your students with the necessary skills to participate and collaborate with other church musicians.
★ Phillip Keveren, composer, Brentwood, Tennessee
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Developing Artistry
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
Playing by ear and unlocking creativity isn’t always enough in the world of improvisation. This session will focus on techniques to raise one’s improvisations to a level of artistry that takes it from interesting to fascinating.
★ Richard Grayson, professor emeritus, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California
How To Apply Today’s Experiences To Real Life Lessons
Chicago Ballroom FG
Join Leila Viss as she moderates a lively panel discussion with many of today’s presenters. Bring your questions and comments!
★ Brian Chung, Kawai America Corporation, Rancho Dominguez, California; Phillip Keveren, composer, Brentwood, Tennessee; Forrest Kinney, NCTM, independent music teacher, North Bend, Washington; George Litterst, CyberConservatory, Rehoboth, Massachusetts; Christopher Norton, composer, London, England; Paul Sheftel, Juilliard School, New York, New York; Bradley Sowash, Bradley Sowash Music, Columbus, Ohio; Leila Viss, moderator, independent piano teacher, Centennial, Colorado
Open Lab Time
Kane Room
The lab is open for hands-on practice. Various presenters will be available to help you try out the new things you have learned throughout the day. Feel free to move back and forth between the lab and the lectures.
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Jam Session
Los Angeles/Miami/Scottsdale
Enjoy this interactive jam session in which presenters trade improvised licks switching on and off the bench and then answer questions about “how we do it.” Volunteers are welcome to join in.
★ Richard Grayson, professor emeritus, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California