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
theaters Lecture Videos
theaters Other Video
group_work Projects with Examples
assignment Design Assignments
assignment Written Assignments
co_present 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.)