Creating Phrases

Creating Phrases from musical patterns is like making sentences out of words. You have to know words in order to create a sentence, and you have to know musical patterns to make musical phrases.

But knowing the patterns isn’t enough. You’ve got to put them to use! This video will show you a short 4 step template to create your own simple musical phrases.

Once you get it down you can take this concept in so many different directions. Take your time and make sure you’ve got the idea then manipulate it in any way you can think of.

Tension & Release

Music is an interplay between opposites. Sound and silence. Tension and release.

We practice patterns so that we can have access to the tools that give shape to our ideas.

But if you try making music in the same way that you practice patterns you’ll sound dry and uninteresting. The way to breathe life and interest into your playing is to use that interplay of opposites.

Explore space in different ways. Explore phrasing; upward motion vs. downward motion, slow vs. fast, high vs. low, linear vs. vertical movement.

These are some of the aspects that you can play with.

The most important idea, though, is what I like to call “theme and variation”.

Play an idea.

Then respond to your own idea and develop it.

Then have a conclusion that leads you to your next idea.

Rinse and repeat.

This is the basic formula that I present in today’s video.

It’s a short and easy way for anyone to start playing with phrasing.

I hope this helps you explore improvisation in a new way.

Have fun creating phrases of your own

Keep practicing and make sure to enjoy yourself. Focus intently on what you’re doing and you’ll benefit more from smaller stretches of practice time.