The Ostinato
Ostinato means "repeating pattern" and is used frequently in all types of music. For New Age piano players, it provides a great way to lay down the background of the piece while the right-hand improvises a melody!
For example, in the lesson "Winter Scene," we have a repeating pattern going on in the left-hand using 2 chords. And 2 chords are all that is needed to create a few minutes of music!
Interest is maintained by the right-hand melody. How long you could actually play this ostinato and maintain interest is a whole new topic but the secret to really keeping the improvisation going is to stay in the present and trust your intuition.
The music will naturally wind down when you start becoming bored or indifferent and/or no new material wants to come. Then the improvisation is over and the music has played itself out.
The good thing about using an ostinato to create with is that it's quite easy to develop a harmonic background over which you can improvise your melodies. The bad thing is that it tends to stagnate over time. That's when you either stop playing, or introduce new material - something that adds contrast.
If you wanted, you could introduce another ostinato pattern, or go for something completely different, but you'd probably want to let your intuition guide you in this. You shouldn't try to come up with material but instead, just improvise and see what comes up. A completely different, and much more effective approach!
Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!
Latest News
 Reuters | Microsoft Ups the Ante on Zune Downloads New York Times, United States - Previously the Pass–which is now priced at $14.99–gave subscribers the options to download and listen to as much music as they wanted each month, ... Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep tunes Microsoft: Zune music subscribers can keep tracks Subscription music services: Are we there yet? |
Buskers Making New York Holiday Shopping More Fun with Wii Music ... MarketWatch - This year, Nintendo will be making spirits bright by bringing Wii Music to your neighborhood. This weekend, Nov. 22-23 between 11 am and 5 pm at the Staten ... |
 CTV.ca | Julianne Hough Wants To Focus On Her Music Career. kypost.com, KY - She tells Ryan Seacrest that she really wants to focus on her music and "be taken seriously." She says it's hard to be on "Dancing With The Stars" and be ... Julianne Hough 'Dancing' no more Julianne Hough Hangs Up Her Dancing Shoes `DWTS' pro Julianne Hough won't return next season |
 San Diego Union Tribune | Dudamel's baton entices a new wave of classical music lovers San Diego Union Tribune, United States - At 27, Dudamel is arguably the greatest conductor of his generation, considered by many to represent the future of classical music and the hope for its ... Making music, making history 10 minutes with Gustavo Dudamel |
Dear Steve Jobs:Set your music free CNET News, CA - The iTunes music library is looking a little shabby these days. Look around Steve: iTunes is the last great refuge of DRM-laden downloads. ... All music going DRM-free on iTunes? Apple In Talks To Offer More DRM-free Music Apple In Talks With Music Labels for DRM-Free Music |
 Washington Post | J-pop producer Komuro charged, released on bail The Associated Press - TOKYO (AP) — Top-selling Japanese music producer Tetsuya Komuro was formally charged with fraud Friday in a scandal that has tarnished the image of a star ... J-pop legend Komuro released on bail in copyright fraud |
Hard times demand good music, conductor Gergiev says Reuters - About to embark on a two-week tour of Japan at the head of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), Gergiev said that while classical music may be expensive, ... |
Review: Sonos Multi-Room Music System 2.7 Macworld, CA - To bypass that doubt I’ll begin my review of the latest iteration of Sonos’ Multi-Room Music System with: Oh, my stars and garters, this thing is amazing! ... |
 CNET News | Week in review: Yahoo to replace Yang CNET News, CA - Tennessee has agreed to filter computer networks for unauthorized music downloads at the state's colleges and universities. Tennessee Gov. ... AP Technology NewsBrief at 7:33 pm EST |
Classical Music/Opera Listings New York Times, United States - (Allan Kozinn) ? BARGEMUSIC (Friday through Sunday) This floating concert hall has long been an ideal place to hear chamber music, and lately it has become ... |
Resources
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Movie traffic, great seller, great conversion, you get an easy $45 per sale.
-
MP3 Music Downloads
Best Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Guaranteed!
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Download Free Music Now. Search & Find MP3
-
The Bandit A&R Newsletter for ambitious acts and songwriters
Bandit publishes details of Music companies world-wide which are in the market for new acts songwriters and masters Secure on-line card clearance system
-
My Music Inc. - Unlimited Free Music and Movie Downloads.
Top Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Per Sale Guaranteed ! - Updated 01/03/2006.
-
Rated "Best iPod 'accessory' Ever" Download Movies, TV shows, Music Videos and Songs for i
Capatalize on the Popular iPod Brand! Earn 75% - $35+ per Sale! Best Converting Website of 2006! #1 Product for All iPod Fans
-
Learn To Read Piano Music With Fun Piano Software for Children, Adult Beginners And Piano Teachers
"
-
Front & Back Music Software & Royalty Free Music Clips
Royalty Free Music
-
DVDxRipper.com - Copy Any DVD to CD
Brand new site, Big money maker. Incredible 75% revshare.
-
MoviesDirectPro
Incredibly high converting Unlimited Downloads site. Unlimited Moves, Tv Shows, Documentaries, Music Albums, Software & Games.