Thinking Quickly to Improvise Chord Plus the Melody
How do you add the notes of the chord UNDER the melody so that what you play is a recognizable song? Playing chord plus the melody involves some rearranging of notes.
Right Hand Chord + Melody: Thinking Process Examples
The process you choose in playing the chord plus the melody will depend on which one is easier and quicker for you to “think through” the steps. You may start off for a while using one method, but later decide the other is your preference. And actually, you may find yourself switching between them throughout the song depending on where the melody note is in relation to the chord. There is no right or wrong – just use what works best for you to visualize the chord under the melody.
After some practice, you will find that you pretty quickly go right to the chord plus the melody at the highest note – and that is quite fun!
Don’t worry about making true song melodies right at first – just get used to the process. One step at a time! Next week try this with a song melody.
If this seems difficult, remember – you do not have to read any of these notes – just take them from the chord!
What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?
What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?
View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:
View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:
View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:
View the books on Amazon:
Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students.
Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.
She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”
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