[Wondergirl]

I know how to move around in Internet and on Web sites. I also washed a panful of dishes by hand.

[Clough]

I know how to move around in Internet and on Web sites. I also washed a panful of dishes by hand.

All at the same time? I'll bet you just meet yourself, coming and going! Sounds to me like somewhat of a split personality! Now, what about your mother and music, please?

[Wondergirl]

My mother was an Idaho farm girl. Her father owned a player piano (wish I had asked for it when he was giving things away!). She may have tinkled a few tunes on it, but baking was her forte. Her father played quite well though. And I have ancestors written up in the Grove Encyclopedia of Music--violinists.

[Clough]

Did your father have any influence on you musically? Did he play any instruments or sing?

[Wondergirl]

He was a Lutheran minister and sang lustily in church, on short trips to the grocery store, on long family trips to Idaho, in the bathroom, while gardening, etc.. He sang on key too.

[Clough]

So then, he was an influence on you musically. Correct?

[Wondergirl]

He was. His gusto, his passion is what I remember most.

[Clough]

You have spoken a little about the song, "Heart and Soul" when you were awake. Were you talking about playing it as one person at the piano, or as a duet with someone else?

[Wondergirl]

Either. Both. Doesn't matter. Whatever floats your boat.

[Clough]

Ah, "trips your trigger" to you, too!

What key did you play it in? What can you tell me about the chords in the left hand if you played it as a duet?

[Wondergirl]

Key of C, if I remember correctly. Made it easy so the player can relax without sharps and flats tripping him up.

It was basic Heart and Soul, left hand octave spreads, some chords, I think. Right hand did the melody.

[Clough]

So, what about the chords? Did you play them melodically as arpeggios or harmonically in block chord style? Also, what were the letter names of the chords, and which ones were Major or minor?

[Wondergirl]

Harmonically in block chord style
C chords, but I can't remember which letters
All major, no minor

[Clough]

I'm still exploring what you know. Hmmmm... Some of the chords would be minor. If in the key of "C" then these would normally be the chords in the order that they are played. C Major, a minor, d minor, G Major, and from then on, it would be a repeat of the same chord sequence. Does that "ring a bell?"

[Wondergirl]

No. I need a piano.

Got to go to bed. I'll ask Santa for a Yamaha acoustic piano for Christmas.

[Clough]

Yamaha is the best one to get for the price and value! :)

[Wondergirl]

I know.

Are you Santa?

[Clough]

I know.

Are you Santa?

I am one of his elves that grew up to take his place when he retired. There is a provision in the Contract that says I can use the name "Santa." Would really hate to disappoint the kids you know, by "Santa" all of a sudden sporting a new name, let alone a new look! "Wow, Santa!" "You really lost some weight!" Also, "What happened to your beard, Santa?"

At least I can use the name...

[Clough]

There is much yet to discuss on this thread. Chord and scale structures as related to the art of improvisation. The different instrument's roles in improvisation within a musical group of what ever kind. How to improvise in general. The different types of improvisation that can be done depending on what type of music is being improvised. The list can go on and on... Thanks for starting the thread, Wondergirl! I guess that you finally drew me into explaining something of my art, just as I have drawn you into something that involves your art with writing.

Heh, heh.. :cool:

[Wondergirl]

I think I'm mostly interested the group dynamics in improv, although your explaining all those other things has merit (plus it will keep you off the street).