Keyboard Variations by Cathy Ulrich
Life is like Jazz.
You make it up
as you go along.
A few rules,,
an underlying structure,
and lots of practice.
Mark taught me the blues scales,
Then intervals – thirds, fifths, sevenths, sixths.
Then how to improvise.
“Hum the tune in your head,”
he said.
And remember:
There’s no wrong note,
just the one after.
©CathyUlrich and LargeSelf, 2012
Thank you, your poem gives me confidence.
Thank you! I’m glad it inspires you!
It does because it comes from someone who knows and respect music
I have tagged you.
http://mypenandme.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/tagged-again/
Thanks, Mary Ann. Hmmm, who shall I tag?
That’s part of the fun.
Gorgeous picture, Cathy! And an inspiring poem.
Thanks, Weebs! The art is a Zentangle – a wonderful, meditative form of drawing that anyone can do. I did this one on my computer using the Corel Painter 12 software and Wacom drawing pad, but they’re usually done on watercolor paper “tiles” with fine tip art pens. It’s really fun!
Cathy, I really enjoy your blog. I really like the sentiment at the end of today’s poem: there’s no wrong note, just the one after.
Thanks, RG. I went to hear my piano teacher, Mark Sloniker play at his regular Friday gig last night. He’s an amazing jazz composer and artist and also a bit of a Zen master. He has inspired me in many ways and he taught me a lot about jazz and improvisation. I have to give him credit for that line. We always laugh about that, but it’s profound to me in so many ways.
And- it can be a new harmony, that “wrong” note.
Didn’t know you played, Cathy! Let alone took lessons from Mark. I took some improv lessons from him many (many, many) years ago.
Yes, it can. Just takes it in a different direction.
As a veteran cynic I think that there may not be wrong notes per se, but there can be plenty of downbeats.
V,
I like that. Jazz is so fun and interesting, because there really aren’t wrong notes, per se – although it’s possible to get too discordant with that “next” note if one strays too far from the key and scale. Even Jazz has a structure. And yes, there can be downbeats, too.
Cathy
Hi cathy, you are so inspiring, i code you name as my teacher.thank you !
Sydney,
Thank you! You’re so kind. I really am enjoying your poetry on your blog. It’s powerful and always interesting. Your comment means a lot to me!
Cathy
Wonderful poem and really interesting art work Cathy. You are on a roll! xoxo-Julie
Thank you, Julie! Yes, I guess I am on a roll! The blog platform is such a great place to be able to share the creativity. Just makes me want to do more! Hugs, Cathy
Cathy,
God I love this. If I had a print, I would frame it and put it in my living room.
Le Clown
Eric,
Thank you! I’m so glad you love it! Hey, if you ever wanted to make a print of it, you’re welcome to do so. Also, check out my teacher, Mark Sloniker. He’s awesome.
Cathy