We all need to loosen up.
This afternoon I improvised songs with my niece. She saw a Taylor Swift concert over the weekend, and apparently it inspired her. So I strapped on a guitar and sat my niece behind the piano, where she punched white keys rhythmically while I played some simple progressions in the key of C. And let me tell you, the kid amazed me. We had better energy and exchange of ideas than I’ve had with some adults.
Little L. stepped easily and naturally into a bandleader role: “Play it loud!” I asked her whether I should start loud or get louder slowly. “First quiet, then loud!” So I did. “Sing after me,” she said, then sang lines that I would repeat.
We gave each song a title before we began and she banged on the piano and basically sang an on-the-spot freewriting session aloud. During one stream-of-consciousness song in particular, she stumbled upon some amazing lines. For example:
Sometimes it’s hard to let go
But not today
Wow. Not bad, kiddo.
Sometimes she used the metronome as a simple drum track to maintain momentum. Toward the end of each improvisation, she’d stand up, step away from the piano, and sing without accompanying herself. It gave each piece a bit of structure.
I had a blast. Little L’s willingness to fingerpaint with sound was incredibly inspiring—and reinforced my conviction that some of us could benefit from a little less self-consciousness, a little more banging on the piano. 
I’ve read studies that, at the same age they start babbling and experimenting with language, kids also naturally start improvising little songs and melodies. The only difference is that grown-ups encourage the language development and let the songs slide.
I’m not surprised. Song happens in every culture and seemingly always has, even in isolation.
I was really impressed. The kid used crescendo, call-and-response, instrumental intros, and gave me instructions to echo certain lines but not others. And she really preferred the piano, I think because she didn’t have the strength to effectively fret the guitar to get different pitches happening. She used all these devices spontaneously and with totally infectious enthusiasm.
The best song titles were “Maybe Tomorrow’s Gonna be Your Day” and “Tigerfart”. The latter was an avant-garde composition for nonverbal vocals, piano, and stuffed tiger.
That is fantastic that you invested that time with your niece. She will remember that for years to come. You two really ought to record what you write together if you haven’t already. It will be great to listen to again 20 years from now.
Thanks for stopping by Brain Drops too. It’s always nice to meet new creatives.
We did record it! Haven’t heard the tape yet but we will be sure to get her a copy when she gets a bit older.
Pleased ta meet’cha! Thanks for swinging in, Michelle. 🙂