Anyone else remember this from their childhood?
This was probably one of my first experiences of improvising within a structure.
They start with the first Mahna mahna, boop boopie doopie a few times — that’s “home”. Then the jazzy guy starts to make stuff up & go a little crazy, and then — back to the repeated (and grounding) Mahna mahna, boop boopie doopie!
Then me and my mom would do it. This song was an invitation! It has an organized structure designed to make improvising easy. Fun, right?! (Despite the judgmental cows. 😊)
Most people think of improvising as something scary, that you have to get “right.” It’s just as legit to approach it like a muppet.
I do a lot of improvising with my students — I think it’s one of the best ways to explore your voice and that it’s one of the most effective and natural ways to practice ear training.
Meaning that you’re listening deeply and your brain is processing what it’s hearing so that what comes out of your mouth is connected to what you’re hearing. When you’re playing and improvising it happens without even thinking about it consciously – it’s more of a feeling thing. It’s how children learn music.
It’s hard to do if you’re stressed, and much easier if you’re in a calm, playful, and/or soulful place. Curiosity and exploration are the names of the day. Give it a shot!
Love,
Nancy
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