The Art of Improvisation in Music, Theatre, and Dance

Abstract

Incorporating modern classical music performance into higher education schools in specific Universities represents another approach to enhancing the artistic perspective of the students and, at the same time, preparing them to meet the expectations of the present musical environment. University music programs usually have students with mixed abilities of instrumental skill and other abilities, as well as familiarity with repertoire of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. There are those with strong classical skills but not having been exposed to extended techniques, and there are those with the more relaxed ambiance of experimentation but lack the technical base to meet established contemporary performances. There are other students who have technical competence but do not know long methods or aleatoric forms. In addition to this, some students may be at ease with new sound realms but have no technical background to keep them occupied in more challenging compositional activities. This paper is aimed at discussing the pedagogical programmes that must and can narrow the gaps in expert knowledge and experience. Through a variety of repertoires, modular classes, guided listening sessions, workshop facilitated by peers, and composer-collaboration, the educationists can develop a difficult and comprehensive environment of learning. The suggested methodologies encourage technical proficiency and, at the same time, creative agency and an artistic inquisitiveness and critical thinking, all of which are the keys to modern performance practice. An adaptable student-oriented model that fits every individual musician to his/her level will help change contemporary music from an intimidating field to music into a friendly and much-needed instrument for each performer.