Bob Taylor - The Art Of Improvisation (Teaching Improvisation - Guitar).pdf

VISIT…
The Art of Improvisation
… Creating real-time music through jazz improvisation …
*Teaching Improvisation*
by Bob Taylor
Author of Sightreading Jazz, Sightreading Chord Progressions
©2000 Taylor-James Publications
Teaching The Art of Improvisation
This section provides some guidelines and tips for using The Art of Improvisation in classroom
or private teaching situations. It covers the following topics:
• Order and Balance in Private Study
• Classroom Approaches
• Support for National Music Standards
Order and Balance in Private Study
When you take a student through The Art of Improvisation, here are some steps to follow:
1) Assess where the student is. The student can read through the exercises and try playing
some of them for you so you can see where it would be best to start. Remember: there
may be large gaps between what a student knows and what he/she can actually play.
2) Focus on chapters that unlock the student’s creativity. What are the biggest roadblocks to the
student? What topics would make a big difference in motivating a student and opening
up a vision of improvisation? Following the chapters in order usually works well, but be
aware of the student’s individual needs. Devise a study order that works best for you.
3) Balance the seven elements (MR ED, CPA) in study. After the student gets started, make sure
that the seven elements of improvisation get the proper care and attention, no matter
what the skill level.
4) Review the creativity chapters every so often. At different stages, the student needs to re-visit
the principles of creativity to solve new problems or try new ideas.
5) Hear and describe the AOI concepts in recordings. For a start you can use the BRIDJJ
transcribed solos in chapters 2J and 3J. Then analyze other transcribed solos, looking
for solid examples of the concepts and techniques demonstrated in The Art of
Improvisation. You should also locate and identify these concepts in recordin