Improving improv

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Rededshred
Posts: 18
Joined: Mar 31, 2019

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.
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Geordie
Posts: 349
Joined: Mar 30, 2018

by Geordie »

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Rededshred
Posts: 18
Joined: Mar 31, 2019

by Rededshred »

[quote="Geordie"]Do a search of the forum. For example:

<LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=23146&hilit=Improvisation">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=23146&hilit=Improvisation</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]

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
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tbdana
Posts: 1928
Joined: Apr 08, 2023

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.
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Nolankberk
Posts: 77
Joined: Sep 06, 2023

by Nolankberk »

Play more!
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Bach5G
Posts: 2874
Joined: Apr 07, 2018

by Bach5G »

You need to find somewhere to play chorus after chorus.

Jazz camp? Comm College?
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dershem
Posts: 117
Joined: Aug 16, 2018

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.
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Bach5G
Posts: 2874
Joined: Apr 07, 2018

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.
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Posaunus
Posts: 5018
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Posaunus »

[quote="tanstaafl49"]<QUOTE author="Rededshred" post_id="235343" time="1708949176" user_id="5721">
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.[/quote]
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!
</QUOTE>

Thanks for your AI post. Chat GPT?
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kbryson
Posts: 47
Joined: Jul 24, 2018

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.
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BobK
Posts: 7
Joined: Dec 14, 2018

by BobK »

[quote="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.[/quote]

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: