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As a musician, one of the most daunting lessons to learn is how to improvise during a performance. With improvisation, you deviate from a learned musical piece to make up something new on the spot, whether you’re playing an instrument or singing. With this skill, you can add new melodies to pre-planned music or create something completely original. If you’re hesitant about improvising, here are some ways you can improve your craft.

How to Improve Your Improvisational Skills

1. Begin With Something Simple

Once you are mentally relaxed and ready to work, start your improvisation by playing along with something simple and work your way to more complex arrangements. Stick with music that doesn’t have many chord changes or complicated rhythms; it’s best to work with consistent music because you can easily add notes to fit the groove. If you’re not skilled in improvisation, working with complex music can be overwhelming.

2. Get in the Zone

musicianOne of the best features of improvisation as a musician is that there are no mistakes. Unfortunately, musical artists find improvising difficult because they want to reach specific goals or have expectations about how the music should sound. Feeling too much pressure can inhibit your creativity, so before you improvise, find ways to relax. Sometimes, listening to your favorite music or artist will inspire you to create without added pressure.

3. Record Yourself

When you listen or watch your improvised sessions, you will better understand how you improvise, including your style and technique. You’ll notice different aspects of your performance with room for improvement so that you become a better musician each time you practice. Improvising is an excellent way to spark your creativity and get new ideas for music. Instead of relying on your memory for the ideas you have, record your sessions.

 

If you want to learn more about improvisation or hear great music, check out Walter Hansen Music. Located in North Bend, WA, this musician and music producer specializes in chillwave, instrumental, and smooth jazz. He is also an accomplished saxophonist who has wowed audiences since 2016 with his first EP, “Perspective.” In addition to creating art, he helps aspiring artists improve their craft. Learn more about Walter Hansen’s music by visiting his website and following him on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. You can listen to his music on Spotify and Pandora, or call (813) 486-5735 with questions about songwriting and producing.

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