Melissa Keeling, flute

Do you want to learn how to improvise, but don't know where to start? Try this exercise (it can be done on any instrument):

Step 1: Just pick one note. Play around with it for 30 seconds. Since you're only working with one pitch, try to vary the rhythm, texture, articulation, etc. Can you make it sound melodic?

Step 2: Pick two notes (in the video, I use A and C). See what you can come up with using only these two notes.

Step 3: Play anything from the pentatonic scale (A, C, D, E, G). Explore; don't judge yourself while you're playing! Continue to vary rhythms and articulations.

Over time, extend your improv to one minute, five minutes, or more. The next step in your improvisation journey is to get comfortable playing over harmonic changes.

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