Clifton Forge School of the Arts

Tuition: $20 per person per session

Ages: 10 to Adult (Minimal proficiency playing your instrument of choice is required for all ages)

In this class, we will explore together many of the basic skills of improvisation! Some of the key skills of improvisation that will be covered in this class include:

• Using focused listening to the core elements of music, rhythm, melody, and harmony to improvise
• Drawing on the essential elements of building musical patterns without the aid of a musical score
• Learning to depend on the your own hearing to create a musical line of thought, called a musical phrase or sentence

The history and importance of improvisational music is vast--we will explore these ideas and how this technique is used to communicate thoughts, ideas, and stories. We will examine the history of this method through periods of time which existed before our modern day music method books, the musical score, and the lead sheet.

Before these methods were invented there was only the oral traditions--the medium of communication was that of the human voice and the skillful instrumentalist. For many cultures, this was the sole means of passing on traditions to the next generation. Through the practice of improvisation and this deeper look at its history, we will explore how music influences humanity transcending boundaries of nations and language.

Classes are held twice a week on Fridays from 4:30-5:30pm and Saturdays from 2-3pm.

Students must bring their own instrument. Additional study materials may be recommended by the instructor, but are not required.