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Piano Inspires Kids

Piano Inspires Kids

A Magazine for Pianists 8-14

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Practice Improvisation at the Piano

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new YouTube series: Play! with Piano Inspires Kids!

Designed to spark creativity in young pianists, this series encourages students to explore the piano in fun and imaginative ways, focusing on improvisation, listening, and creating at the keyboard.

Each video is filled with musical activities that will inspire students to develop their own unique musical voice. No matter the student’s level, Play! with Piano Inspires Kids will help them explore the endless possibilities of sound and creativity.

For each improvisation, listen to the accompaniment, and create your melody. Listen to and play with the video multiple times, choosing different options each time. How many improvisations can you create with these patterns?  

While you improvise, you will hear ideas that you like; repeat them! If you hear a note that does not sound ideal to your ear, resolve it. This means to play the next note lower or higher.

Click the boxes below or go to YouTube @pianoinspireskids to play along!

sharp
Black Key Improvisation:

Binh Anh plays the accompaniment in a 4/4 time signature, slowly and lyrically. Begin with a set of 2 or 3 black keys for your first improvisation, adding a few more black keys each time until you’re using all of the black keys!

sixteenth notes
Modal Improvisation:

The next improvisation is in F Lydian, a mode that includes all the white keys from F to F. Begin and end on F in this improvisation that is dancelike, in a 3/4 time signature.

bass clef
Lament Improvisation:

A lament is slow, sorrowful music. Your improvisation can use any of the white keys, and it will sound best if you begin and end on an A.

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This content is excerpted from the Autumn 2024 issue of Piano Inspires Kids.

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