Cross-Cultural Improvisation
Countless jazz musicians have found inspiration in the many different approaches to musical improvisation practiced throughout the world. In this course, students will examine some of these approaches, and creatively explore ways to apply new systems and techniques into their own improvisation styles. Through this investigation, students will gain a broader understanding of the jazz tradition itself. Our topics will include North and South Indian classical music, Arab maqām, song dueling, dance/drum dialogues, the Persian radif, and simulated improvisation. We will also consider the history of the concept of “improvisation,” and how it relates to “composition.” Final enrollment is at the discretion of the instructor. 2 credits
