Top Seven Dos for Successful Improvisation
- Do listen to what's going on inside yourself before and while you sit down to play - your inner state will determine the emotional quality of your playing;
- Do let go of the need to be perfect. Trying to "be correct" will defeat the playful attitude necessary for improvisation;
- Do believe that you are good enough to begin. No one person knows it all so you might as well jump in and experience the joy of improvisation;
- Do realize that you don't need a lot of theory or technique before you're ready to play piano in the new age style. If you don't begin now, when will you?;
- Do understand that improvisation is not some mysterious skill, but a game that can be learned and played just like any other game;
- Do enjoy the process and let go of the outcome. Trying to control what comes out of you is a sure way to stop the creative flow;
- Do stop playing when you become bored or indifferent. There is a natural starting and stopping point to playing. Just like anything, when you feel yourself growing disinterested, stop playing.
