21M.355 | Spring 2013 | Undergraduate

Musical Improvisation

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 …
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.

Course Info

Learning Resource Types
Lecture Videos
Other Video
Projects with Examples
Design Assignments
Written Assignments
Instructor Insights
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.)