GRMUS 634P — Tonal Improvisation

This course develops the tools of improvisation needed to speak the musical languages of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, and Mendelssohn. After an initial module where fundamental tonal harmonic patterns, sequences, and improvisatory methods are practiced, we will embark on different units, one for each composer. We will study and extract the essential stylistic and harmonic characteristics found in the literature, and work towards playing and improvising in genres that the composers themselves used: fantasy and fugue (Bach), cadenza and variation (Mozart), nocturne and waltz (Chopin), and fantasy and character pieces (Schumann, Mendelssohn). For the final project, students will select another composer of choice, identify specific stylistic characteristics of that composer’s language, and develop a fully improvised solo work in a genre that the chosen composer used.