Music 

Improvisation: Spontaneous composition in a known setting.

As our Year 7’s returned onsite and came together for their first Year 7 Concert Band rehearsal in too long, and after weeks of remote lessons, we are reminded of how flexible they have been in adapting to changeable learning conditions. They sounded great. 

Improvisation is a skill that musicians are often praised for and a skill that is highly regarded.  It is often highly regarded because for many it is considered an unknown mystic ability that somehow has been granted to a select few.  It isn’t.  Improvisation makes perfect sense and operates on a set of rules like any other part of the arts.  It does, however, require a deep knowledge of how music works.

Improvisation is not just making things up on the spot.  It is ordered, structured, and carefully thought out, and it is built on a deep understanding of concepts and processes.  The master musician that improvises demonstrates mastery of a set of specific skills for manipulating their instrument with control and dexterity with access to the most extreme dynamics, pitch range, tonal shade and expression. Simultaneously the improviser responds to harmonic progressions, thematic development and interacts with other performers, being open to new directions and challenges within a known language or context.  The improviser that doesn’t have this prior skill and understanding flounders and the product is incoherent.

The misconception that improvisation is only found in jazz is highlighted by a true study of music from Gregorian Chant to Classical Concertos and folk music and cabaret.  Beyond the performance stage these skills come in handy with the dynamic and changing education environment.  Year 7’s have embraced a new acoustic and working outside and ensembles continually adapt to recording and simulcast performance; live performance without an audience in the room.

Change and growth go together and for our music students and teachers, flexibility, creativity and improvisation are vital skills now hotly in demand.

Mr Benjamin Hiscock     BHiscock14@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au               Director of Music

Mrs Nichole Atchison     music@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au                     Music Administrator