While many of us are back to business as usual, although with some adjustments, we still face the occasional need for quarantine, or even isolation. As we get into the wet winter months here in the South, the season for colds and flus may bring even more quarantine and isolation before things get better.
So what to do with all that time?
Well, if you are already studying an instrument, now is a great time to learn a new skill on your instrument. Watch some teaching videos on YouTube, or ask your teacher which skills you can improve on.
What is Improvisation?
An important aspect of musical training is called improvisation, or playing by ear. You can learn to play a melody without ever reading a note, if you have practiced your ear training. But you can also learn to play your own original harmony by following some simple steps.
A small caveat here, I never learned improvisation. I am a sight reader, and can play just about any music put in front of me. That is not meant as a boast, it is simply a fact. Improvisation on a musical instrument is one of my greatest weaknesses (and fears). The following video, however, gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and try some improvisation. Check it out and see for yourself!
Let me know if in the comments below what other skills you have explored during your quarantine.