MP18: Improvisation in Theory and Practice
About
From plainchant to free jazz and beyond, this Working Group explores how musical improvisation has been conceptualized, performed, construed, and analyzed across a broad range of periods, places, and genres.
Open to New People
Active since: 2013
- Syracuse University
- University of Rochester
- Cornell University
Collaborative Goals
- Provide opportunities for students to engage with improvisation theory and practice.
Group Organizers
Annette Richards
Given Foundation Professor in the Humanities and University Organist, Cornell University
David Higgs
Professor of Organ; Chair, Organ, Sacred Music, and Historical Keyboards Department, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Anne Laver
Assistant Professor of Applied Music and Performance; University Organist, Syracuse University
William Porter
Coordinator, Sacred Music Internships, Organ, Sacred Music, and Historical Keyboards Department, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Activities
Organ Improvisation Masterclass with Jeffrey Brillhart
Feb. 2, 2022, 2:30 p.m.
Keyboard Area Convocation with Jeffrey Brillhart
April 21, 2022, 12:30 p.m.
Organ Improvisation Masterclass with Jeffrey Brillhart
April 21, 2022, 2 p.m.
Group Outcomes
- Students from the Eastman School of Music and Syracuse University organ departments attended excellent workshops with guest presenter Jeffrey Brillhart. These events opened the door for a potential spring break trip to the Philadelphia area for students to continue workshops with Brillhart, visit the archives of the Organ Historical Society, and give performances.
