Musical Improvisation

Photo of two students conducting in front of several other student instrumentalists.

In the Lecture 12 video, students demonstrate their design assignments on "Flexology," an approach to conducted improvisation. (Photo by MIT OpenCourseWare.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

21M.355

As Taught In

Spring 2013

Level

Undergraduate

Cite This Course

Course Description

Course Features

Course Description

In this course, students study concepts and practice techniques of improvisation in solo and ensemble contexts. The course examines relationships between improvisation, composition, and performance based in traditional and experimental approaches. Hands-on music making will be complemented by discussion of the aesthetics of improvisation. Weekly lab sessions support work on musical technique. Guest artist / lecturers will engage students through mini-residencies in jazz with film, Indian music, electronic music, and blending improvisation with classic music; and an accompanying concert series will feature these artists in performance. Open by audition to instrumental or vocal performers.

Related Content

Mark Harvey, and Tom Hall. 21M.355 Musical Improvisation. Spring 2013. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.


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