improvising as classical musicians

Adding solo & ensemble improvisatory elements, such as Fantasies based on audience requests, improvising a 5-minute Rondo or including improvised Preludes, Interludes and Postludes to any repertoire, is within reach for every classically trained musician. The approach introduces step-by-step techniques for musicians to discover their own creative voice, dialoguing with repertoire through improvisatory elements, as well as direct applications of interacting with fellow performers, composers and live audiences. Founded in historically evidenced concert culture, the approach invites performers to pursue improvisation ability in the styles and formats of the Western classical canon - and to experience firsthand the electrifying moments improvisation can bring with live audiences.

Introduction to Classical Improvisation Workshop for Solo, Ensemble & Orchestra Musicians (PDF)

Johdatus Klassiseen Improvisaatioon - Työpaja soolo-, ensemble- ja orkesterimuusikoille (PDF)

 

examples of applications of the method:

FOR CONSERVATORIES & UNIVERSITIES

  • Discovering your personal, creative voice

  • Experiencing repertoire and composers come alive through engaging in a personal, creative dialogue with them

  • How to cultivate a natural performing personality and confident stage presence

  • Improvisation workshops intertwining study harmony, music history and theory

  • View from musicology of performance practice: How to build a concert program

ORCHESTRAl contexts

  • Exploring classical improvisation free forms and within repertoire for creative development & performance

  • Strengthening expressive freedom and creative play, and learning how to harness them in a controlled environment

  • Integrating improvised and quasi-improvised moments to performances

  • Improvising fermatas, cadenzas and repeats, as well as embellishing solo passages

  • Strengthening inter-personal relations and workplace satisfaction through emerging empathetic attitudes linked to musical improvisation

ENSEMBLES & CHAMBER MUSIC GROUPS

  • Re-discovering repertoire through the lens of improvisational performance practice

  • Sharpening ensemble skills through improvising as active listening, creative problem-solving and responding

  • How to embrace interaction with audiences and increase engagement

 

FESTIVALS & CONCERT SERIES

  • Introduction and inspiration to classical improvisation

  • Workshops and lectures

  • Solo and ensemble lessons for all instruments

  • Adding the performers’ own creative voice through improvised elements

  • How to use improvisation to increase audience engagement