The approach is wide-ranging and not aligned with any particular musical style. Students from a broad musical background benefit from the courses since improvisation has become an integral part of classical performance, pop music, film music, computer music, etc.
The MusicImprovArt program is based on the idea that improvisation is a paradigm of contemporary life in which spontaneity, creativity, and responsiveness are essential for success. This perspective provides the conceptual framework for the acquisition of the skills necessary for artistic and effective improvisation. Through the exercises contained in the MusicImprovArt courses, students discover how to create coherent spontaneous music based on listening, feeling, and understanding musical structure. Students acquire an artistic mode of thinking that is both disciplined and free.
MusicImprovArt also addresses the social aspect of improvisation. In an ensemble, the creative process becomes collaborative. Students learn to cooperate in the creation of an artistic statement. The skills for leading and following, for creating a musical discourse, and for making spontaneous music with other musicians are acquired in the MusicImprovArt ensemble classes. Students learn to understand that improvisation is a collective art form.
Further, MusicImprovArt addresses the needs of students interested in computer music, multimedia, intermedia, and other forms of new media. As technology evolves, the methods for musical creation and improvisation are changing. MusicImprovArt courses encourage students to experiment with new sounds, forms, and structures, and to take improvisation into new technological and artistic contexts.
In general, MusicImprovArt fosters the development of a new improvisational culture. A modern musical culture is being formed that values tradition as well as innovation, discipline as well as freedom. Students interested in this new musical culture will find the MusicImprovArt courses a good fit for their needs. Students seeking not only musical technique but an understanding of how to be creative will benefit from MusicImprovArt.