Improving improv

Post Reply
Rededshred
Posts: 0
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2019 12:45 pm

Improving improv

Post by Rededshred »

Hi all. I wasn't to sure where to post this, it's part of my performance so I'll post here?
So anyway, I've been playing trombone for about 5 years and looking for ways to improve my improvising solos, my improv is quite good at home, creative, playful even at rehearsal it's getting better and better.. then we do a show and it kinda all goes out the window, I get lost and generally somehow blag my way through it.. I did the "effortlessly mastery" meditation which was great, really helped me get to that relaxed place where you need to be before a performance.
Question,, is there anything else out there that I can absorb?
Podcasts books etc etc?
Cheers.
Ed.
User avatar
Geordie
Posts: 290
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:45 am
Location: UK

Re: Improving improv

Post by Geordie »

Do a search of the forum. For example:
viewtopic.php?t=23146&hilit=Improvisation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Life is not a rehearsal
Rededshred
Posts: 0
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2019 12:45 pm

Re: Improving improv

Post by Rededshred »

Geordie wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:55 am Do a search of the forum. For example:
viewtopic.php?t=23146&hilit=Improvisation
I have searched quite a bit but can only find info on technique and approach with regards method etc. I'm really after almost psychological approaches, ways that I can take my relaxed playful, inquisitive approach from the rehearsal room to the stage without overthinking/overplaying. It's more a state of mind if you know what I mean.
As I said, the effortless mastery meditation was really good and I definitely noticed flowing improvements and a more relaxed approach. I'm going to continue with this but I'm asking if there is anything else out there like that? Podcasts, meditations etc etc
User avatar
tbdana
Posts: 664
Joined: Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:47 pm

Re: Improving improv

Post by tbdana »

IMHO there is no substitute for flight time. When you do a great many performances, it becomes routine and no longer a reason for nervousness or leaving your "quite good, creative, playful even" soloing. Find every place possible to improvise before an audience. And most important of all, don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. After a while, improvising in performance just becomes normal. It's just another thing you do.
Nolankberk
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Sep 06, 2023 9:53 pm
Location: CA

Re: Improving improv

Post by Nolankberk »

Play more!
Bach5G
Posts: 2485
Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:10 pm

Re: Improving improv

Post by Bach5G »

You need to find somewhere to play chorus after chorus.

Jazz camp? Comm College?
User avatar
dershem
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2018 7:24 pm
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Improving improv

Post by dershem »

Face time. Spend a lot of time with your horn on your face, learning to play anything you can hear in your head. The Aebersolds are a good tool to get you used to standard changes - Watrous used to use them.
Bach5G
Posts: 2485
Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:10 pm

Re: Improving improv

Post by Bach5G »

I found out how to loop sections on IReal Pro. Loop bits of the ii-V, minor ii-V and Dom 7 exercises. Start slow and build up tempo.
Posaunus
Posts: 3888
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:54 pm
Location: California

Re: Improving improv

Post by Posaunus »

tanstaafl49 wrote: Thu May 23, 2024 9:24 am
Rededshred wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:06 am Hi all. I wasn't to sure where to post this, it's part of my performance so I'll post here?
So anyway, I've been playing trombone for about 5 years and looking for ways to improve my improvising solos, my improv is quite good at home, creative, playful even at rehearsal it's getting better and better.. then we do a show and it kinda all goes out the window, I get lost and generally somehow blag my way through it.. I did the "effortlessly mastery" meditation which was great, really helped me get to that relaxed place where you need to be before a performance.
Question,, is there anything else out there that I can absorb?
Podcasts books etc etc?
Cheers.
Ed.
Sure, I can assist you locate sources to enhance your lug trombone improvisation abilities. Right here are some very suggested publications plus podcasts:

Publications:

"" The Jazz Language: A Theory Book for All Musicians"" by Dan Haerle
"" Improvise for Real"" by Jerry Bergonzi
Podcasts:

"" The Jazz Session""
"" The Trombone Chats""
In addition YouTube networks like "" Jazz Tutorials,"" "" Jamie Aebersold Jazz,"" together with "" Jazzedge"" use valuable pointers as well as workouts. Sites like "" JazzAdvice"" together with "" JazzImprovPractice"" likewise offer beneficial sources.

Keep in mind improvisation takes some time plus technique to create, so maintain exercising explore originalities together with paying attention to various other artists for ideas. Best of luck with your proceeded progression!
Thanks for your AI post. Chat GPT?
kbryson
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 11:29 am
Contact:

Re: Improving improv

Post by kbryson »

3 things that I would recommend:

1) Transcribe, and get as detailed as you can. Go beyond the notes themselves and get into the articulation/time feel/sound of players.
2) Learn & memorize tunes. Try to learn both the melody and harmony by ear.
3) Jam: with friends, colleagues, or play alongs at first. Once you feel like you can keep track of a form/outline changes accurately on a few tunes find a jam in your area to attend. Only take the stage if the tune called is one you know.
BobK
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:37 pm

Re: Improving improv

Post by BobK »

Bach5G wrote: Fri May 17, 2024 9:22 am I found out how to loop sections on IReal Pro. Loop bits of the ii-V, minor ii-V and Dom 7 exercises. Start slow and build up tempo.
I have to agree... you can find a lot of standards there that are already richly covered by well known artists that solo all over them...so you have a lot of references for style and figures. And Aebersold :good:
Post Reply

Return to “Performance”