![Photo of two students conducting in front of several other student instrumentalists. Photo of two students conducting in front of several other student instrumentalists.](/courses/music-and-theater-arts/21m-355-musical-improvisation-spring-2013/21M-355s13.jpg)
In the Lecture 12 video, students demonstrate their design assignments on "Flexology," an approach to conducted improvisation. (Photo by MIT OpenCourseWare.)
Instructor(s)
Dr. Mark Harvey
Tom Hall
MIT Course Number
21M.355
As Taught In
Spring 2013
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
- Selected video lectures
- Captions/transcript
- Special feature - video
- Projects and examples
- Assignments: design (no examples)
- Assignments: written (no examples)
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 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.