on March 16, 2009Historically, improvisation has been rule governed – not in the sense that the rules were written down but in the sense that they were shared by the community of practitioners who were engaged in a particular style of improvisation. Using the term ‘free’ improvisation suggests that it is not rule-governed in this way and that […]
Bart van Rosmalen: “During the wonderful and inspiring conference ‘The Reflective Conservatoire’ last week in London I was luckily involved in three different sessions on improvisation. This meant not only words but playing as well (quite exceptional for a conference!). At the end of the session on Sunday afternoon 1 march we ended with the […]
on March 9, 2009
by Gail Brand / photograph copyright Dennis Austin
Naturally, the short answer is: ‘Yes of course. I do it, therefore it must exist’. However, I am aware that my subjective perspective is limited and has the omnipotent qualities of a child’s eye view of the world - ‘if I think something is, it is. I […]
by Nigel Yandall
Dear Bart,
Following up on the very interesting session on improvisation on Sunday
afternoon 1 march in the Reflective Conservatoire Conference, I thought I would make a few brief comments on the question of whether free improvisation actually exists
- the email challenge you set the group!
I am far from expert in this so my […]
De musicus van de 21st eeuw moet kunnen improviseren. De musicus die improviseert verbindt theorie met praktijk, is stijlbewust, communiceert op voet van gelijkwaardigheid met zijn medemusici, speelt, luistert, reageert en is creatief.
Improvisatie in de muziek is van alle tijden en van alle stijlen. In de 20e eeuw is het onderwijs in improvisatie in de […]
on March 19, 2008The International Society for Improvised Music (ISIM) is an organisation, founded by renowned musicians and scholars, devoted to improvisation in all its forms. Founder and president of the organisation Ed Sarath stresses the importance of improvisation in music education, and how much work remains to be done in that area […]
on March 18, 2008Neuro-psychologist Gert-Jan de Haas tells an intriguing story about a jazz musician who lost his memory after an infarct. Although the man can not remember where he was just one minute ago, he mysteriously can still play and improvise. This story raises important questions about the nature of improvisation.
on March 15, 2008On Friday, December 7, 2007 the lectorate The teacher of the 21st century: Artistry organised a study-day on improvisation at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Teachers from different departments (old music, jazz, classical music) who use improvisational techniques in their lessons got together to discuss fundamental issues concerning improvisation in the curriculum.