MUSC 131 Improvisation
Improvisation is an essential part of music-making, not only central to composing and arranging but also a means to understanding and collaborating with a wide range of musicians and cultures. In this course, students will analyze the improvisational practices of a diverse array of musical artists, such as Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Julius Eastman, John Zorn, Bjork, Jason Moran, among others. Through this study, students will learn how to replicate specific techniques and apply them to their own music-making. Regular in-class performance will challenge students to bring clarity and intention to their musical choices. Prerequisites are an ability to read music and proficiency in an instrument or voice. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Ability to read music and proficiency in an instrument or voice.