Got the Blues? BACKING TRACK

Got the Blues? a 12 Bar Blues Study + Build a Solo for Multi Level Ensemble

Here’s the FREE BACKING TRACK that goes along with this fun Ensemble!

Are you looking for a fun way to teach 12 Bar Blues structure and give your students a no stress way to try “soloing” with a group? Take a look at “Got the Blues?” Here’s an ensemble with lots of options:

Teach and play the Ensemble - It’s satisfying to play all by itself!

Play & listen to the Backing Track (included for FREE) to teach the 12 Bar Blues structure. Have students say the name of the chord for each measure, while they feel the beat. Ex. m. 1 “C”, m. 4 “F”.

Have students play the Solo choices page from top to bottom - instant solo to add over ensemble. Want more choices for the Solo, let students mix & match parts. Ex. Intermediate can choose for all 4 levels, while Elementary might need to improvise - maybe try just playing the chord name as a whole note, for something more simple.

(Make extra copies of Solo choices) and have students cut up the lines to mix & match a new solo. Just be mindful of the 12 Bar Blues structure so you have the right chord at the right time.

Lastly, put it all together - let 1 student at a time try their solo while others play the ensemble OR let students try their solo while playing the Backing track (it plays for 4 times through).

Do you still have the Blues? NOT anymore! This piece will have everyone smiling!

What’s included: Teacher’s instructions: Blues definition, Lesson plan, Suggestions & options. 12 Bar Blues Chart - post in your room or give to students: shows chord progression form, and chord names with notes in the chord included in this piece. Student page: Instructions on how to use the Build a Solo activity. 4 pages of Solo choices, to used as straight through or mix & match! Plus, the score and parts for a Multi Level Piano Ensemble.

Ways to use this Lesson:

Key: C Major with “blues” notes in accidentals.

Time signature: 4/4

Skill development: Ensemble - learning chord names & notes and the 12 Bar Blues structure. Typical Left Hand patterns & Right Hand licks & accompaniment figures. Solo - experience how to organize a solo before playing it, what notes fit with which chords, go beyond? Try improvising your own solo!

What level: Multi Level: Elementary, Late Elementary, Early Intermediate, and Intermediate.

How long: Cover + 1 page Teacher notes, 1 page Student instruction, 1 page 12 Bar Blues Chart, 4 pages Solo choices, 2 pages Score, 4 pages: 1 page for each part: 14 pages total, Performance time 02:00. 

Make sure to grab the FREE Backing Track. Great to share with students to explore at home on their own or use in class for a low stress option.

This STUDIO LICENSE grants multiple copies in YOUR Studio ONLY. Thank you for honoring the composer’s work by not sharing with other teachers.