GRMUS 631P — Chamber Music Improvisation

2 credits
Fall
Curtis Stewart

With a focus on string chamber music, the class will meet as a whole seven times over the semester, with four hours of individual coaching with groups scheduled separately during class time, and a final performance project. This course delves into the performance of notated and improvised contemporary chamber music - dealing with music whose influence extends beyond the “cannon,” addressing how to compose and arrange as a group, and how to begin improvising in various sized chamber collectives. We will explore how to create based on work that already exists and make personal connections to contemporary music with varying degrees of improvisation and composition. The course explores recordings of various improvising ensembles and approaches to contemporary and improvised chamber music. Up to four ensembles can join.