The video playlist below contains a series of over 50 (mostly) non-tonal or chromatic improvisations for unaccompanied violin. I call it “Mezzi Schizzi”, aka “Middle Sketches”.
Part teaching, part practice, and part music for listening, browse all 50+ tracks in the playlist below.
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These free improvisations bring to mind pencil drawings. They are unaccompanied melodic lines. They’re meant to be direct, vulnerable, and naked. You can get the sheet music to several of these within Chromatic Universe (in the shop.)
Free improvisation is one of multiple modules I teach (beyond jazz violin), I hope this playlist will inspire classical musicians to explore free improvisation. It is a useful way to develop your voice without studying conventional harmony.
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If you are a Teacher, watch the video below to understand my pedagogical approach to teaching non-tonal improvisation for classical musicians, during this presentation from the Colorado Music Educators Association conference:
Free/Structured/Non-Tonal Improvisation allows classical musicians to create, regardless of their fluency in tunes, forms, styles, or harmony.
It’s like the process whereby a three year-old, when picking up a crayon, begins to naturally develop a signature voice.
It was in this way that I first began improvising in my teens, unsure what kind of sound I should make, and frustrated with my inability to quickly master blues, rock, jazz, etc…
It’s a unique challenge to improvise unaccompanied on violin- like being out on a ledge. The process builds confidence after time. I imagine it strengthens mental muscles in the same way as walking with 50 lbs on your back strengthens your body.
It is often difficult for beginning improvisers to evaluate their own work, or figure out what to practice.
If you would like to get feedback from me, connect with me in a private session here.
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