Choose one of the improvisation activities below to learn to create spooky-sounding music that is perfect for Halloween!
Moonrise Improvisation
If you prefer a more calm haunting mystical mood for Halloween, watch the sample improvisation "Create First Moonrise."
Create your own melodies on the black keys exploring some of the options below.
Choose a Melodic Style
Alternate playing keys back and forth with your right and left hand as you cascade down the keys.
R-L-R-L-R-L-R-L-R
Alternate left and right-hand phrases in a conversation style LLLL- RRRR-LLLL-RRRR.
Choose some notes to play Tenuto or consider doing some hand crossovers where you drop into keys with more arm weight.
Add Tempo Changes
Imagine your piece tells a story. When the storyline gets intense you could gradually speed up (accelerando). Then return to the original tempo (a tempo) or slow down gradually at the end of a section or piece (ritardando) to signal a return to calm.
Experiment with the Piano Pedals
To learn more about the damper pedal, watch up to 2:15 of "What do the pedals on the piano do?"
Explore some of the following possibilities as you experiment with improv on the keys
Add the damper pedal to blend the sounds or add the sostenuto pedal (soft pedal) for a few phrases for hushed tones.
Twilight Zone Improvisation
The sample improvisation, "Create First The Twilight Zone" includes a lot of dissonance- notes that sound more harsh than calm when played together.
Watch the video and then create your own creepy-sounding piece that includes harmonic whole steps (Major 2nds) and melodic half steps (minor 2nds).
Let Lyrics Guide the Rhythm
Choose some Halloween words below or come up with your own. Then combine short phrases to match the rhythms.
On Halloween I hear...
Black Cats Meowing
Bats are Flying By
Witches in the Air
Creaky Staircase Steps
Remember repetition is a great composing tool! Notice how in the example he began by playing the same musical idea twice, then used a similar rhythm lower on the keys.
Vary the Articulation:
Use your imagination and let your music tell a story.
Staccatos could represent a black cat or monster tiptoeing down the stairs.
Legato could be a moaning ghost or trees swaying in a storm
A sudden accent could represent a crashing sound or a scary surprise.
A glissando could represent a rush of wind or a sudden fall.
Add Dynamics for Expression
Watch the Pianote Dynamics Video to hear how adding dynamics can make your piece come alive.
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