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Compose. Improvise. Create

“Compose” and “improvise” are two words that can send shivers down the spine of music teachers. But composition, improvisation, and creativity are the cornerstones of everything at TopMusic. Over the last 10 years, teachers have really started to embrace creativity in their lessons. But, there are still some hesitant educators.

Compose. Improvise. Create

“Compose” and “improvise” are two words that can send shivers down the spine of music teachers.

But composition, improvisation, and creativity are the cornerstones of everything at TopMusic.

Over the last 10 years, teachers have really started to embrace creativity in their lessons. But, there are still some hesitant educators. Those who were taught ‘traditionally’ and were brought up to think composition and improvisation has no place in the lesson.

If you’d like to include creative activities in your lessons but don’t know where to start, or you’re just looking for new ideas, we’ve compiled a whole host of resources for you!

Table of Contents:

  1. Composition
  2. Improvisation
  3. TopMusicMag

Composition

Imagine you’re in an English lesson at school. Your teacher says, “Write a story. You have 30 minutes.”

Some people might dive straight in, scribbling down on the page wherever their mind took them.

But others would stare at the blank page with more questions than answers. About what? About how? Any specific genre?

That’s how students feel when you say, “Let’s compose a piece.”

So, let’s have some starting points and ideas to help them out:

Improvisation

Improvise: create and perform without preparation.

Just the very thought can bring the most competent musician out in a cold sweat.

So, let’s give our students (and ourselves!) some strategies and confidence for improvising:

TopMusicMag: Compose. Improvise. Create.

For even more ideas and perspectives on composing and improvising, check out the free TopMusicMag: Compose. Improvise. Create.

It covers:

  • Why certain teachers are passionate about teaching improvisation and composition
  • Composition tips for hesitant students
  • A group piano composition idea
  • 3 simple but effective improvisation activities
  • How ChatGPT can help you with creative activities

Georgina Wilson

Georgina is a piano teacher who loves making learning fun and enjoyable for both the student and the teacher. She is often found pestering her cat or creating music resources for BusyLittleTurtle

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