skimomma Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 This is a long shot, I know. I am looking for a very specific type of music theory curriculum/program. My almost 10-yo dd plays the violin. She is classically trained and is currently in Suzuki Book 7. She has started to dabble in bluegrass and wants to do a lot more with it. She has a very solid scale and technique background but is missing the theory required to improv with confidence. Scale/key theory specifically. I am also an amateur musician and could benefit from the same education so I would do this with her. It could be geared towards HS or even college students if that is the best we can find. I can adapt what I need to in order to make it work. But I am hoping someone might know of something more targeted toward my specific needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 Perhaps not what you are looking for exactly, but I highly recommend this book to get started and to just become familiar with tons of tunes. There is also an intro section that talks about fiddling, etc. I'm sure this would not be difficult for her at her level, but it's really a fun book. I bought this book and my violin instructor was so in love with it he went out and bought one. http://www.amazon.com/Fiddlers-Fakebook-Ultimate-Sourcebook-Traditional/dp/0825602386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374000517&sr=1-1&keywords=fiddlers+fake+book This is the description: Contains nearly 500 jigs, reels, rags, and hornpipes from all the major fiddling traditions. Special introductory materials on regional styles, bowing, and ornamentation. Includes an extensive discography. Dd has this book and has memorized at least 50 tunes out of it already. And she spices those tunes up quite a bit just by ear and listening to different versions on YouTube. But she gets frustrated when her improv goes wrong because she doesn't understand some of the finer points of key. Something can appear to be written in A major, for instance, but is actually a different key when it comes to adding your own spin to the song. When she asks real fiddlers about this, they tell her she will need to study theory to develop confidence and skill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 I'm sure she will get there. She is only 10! I'm jealous. ; ) I am sure too:) When a kid ASKS to study music theory, I figure I had better listen! She is certainly not asking for more math.....sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I am sure too:) When a kid ASKS to study music theory, I figure I had better listen! She is certainly not asking for more math.....sigh. Training in music theory IS training in math - just a little different spin to it :). Does she recognize chord symbols and charts? Improv is based on knowing the chord structure of a piece and then learning "licks" that will fit nicely into that part of the tune. It's possible she is adding to a tune but her improvising isn't changing with the chord structure. If her bluegrass tunes have chord symbols, she can practice just playing an arpeggio in that key until another chord is listed. If she doesn't have chord symbols, get some music that includes it. A really nice website with free music to print, recordings to listen to, and theory lessons is Jaybucky.com Scroll down the page and you'll also find some fiddle books to purchase with all kinds of helpful theory and technique. I haven't seen these myself, but I've played some of his arrangements and they are really fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 I came across this book that I plan to buy with my next order from RFWP. I obviously have not seen it, but it seems like it would be a fun way to learn more music theory. http://www.rfwp.com/book/how-to-compose-music-manual This looks awesome, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 Training in music theory IS training in math - just a little different spin to it :). Does she recognize chord symbols and charts? Improv is based on knowing the chord structure of a piece and then learning "licks" that will fit nicely into that part of the tune. It's possible she is adding to a tune but her improvising isn't changing with the chord structure. If her bluegrass tunes have chord symbols, she can practice just playing an arpeggio in that key until another chord is listed. If she doesn't have chord symbols, get some music that includes it. A really nice website with free music to print, recordings to listen to, and theory lessons is Jaybucky.com Scroll down the page and you'll also find some fiddle books to purchase with all kinds of helpful theory and technique. I haven't seen these myself, but I've played some of his arrangements and they are really fun. I know I am not explaining it well.... I have a classical background, nothing else, so I know I am not using the rights words. She does understand simple chord symbols and recognizes when she needs to change. I think she has started to hit chords/keys she does not understand and that is where I am hoping to find a way to help her out. We live in an area where we are quite limited in musical lesson opportunities.....especially the type she is starting to enjoy the most. I found the Jaybuckey.com site (it needed another e) and I am sure she will have fun with it:) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I knew someone in college that learned improve in a jazz class. Maybe some jazz resources can help. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I know I am not explaining it well.... I have a classical background, nothing else, so I know I am not using the rights words. She does understand simple chord symbols and recognizes when she needs to change. I think she has started to hit chords/keys she does not understand and that is where I am hoping to find a way to help her out. We live in an area where we are quite limited in musical lesson opportunities.....especially the type she is starting to enjoy the most. I found the Jaybuckey.com site (it needed another e) and I am sure she will have fun with it:) Thanks! It may help her to know that bluegrass, jazz, and fiddle players all practice their tunes a lot - over and over - with a ton of "trial and error" to find the sound they like with any particular phrase. So if something isn't quite working, don't get discouraged! Try another note or turn or scale pattern and eventually she'll hit on the one she likes. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 DH and I used the Jamey Aebersold scale/progression materials to work on improvisation in high school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I knew someone in college that learned improve in a jazz class. Maybe some jazz resources can help. Best wishes. Coursera has a Jazz Improvisation course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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