The art of improvisation
What are the underlying theories? What are the stylistic considerations? Who does it? How do we learn it? How does it relate to the composer's craft?
These questions will be our guide as Berklee College of Music presents its annual improvisation workshop in Ireland. The workshop is for all musicians, from classical to Irish traditional, from pop and rock to jazz, and more.
Improvisation is fundamental to the realization of all music. Learning the techniques of improvisation strengthens the core musical aptitudes of any and all musicians. Composition in all musical styles requires the composer to consciously or unconsciously apply improvisational concepts. Performers have spontaneously composed throughout history. The giants of classical composition were known for their ability to improvise. They delighted their patrons and fellow composers in the salons of old Europe with improvised renditions over a figured bass or using a cantus firmus, a given theme, or a harmonic progression for inspiration. They melded the art of composition and the art of improvisation.
Much of the folk and indigenous music from around the world does not depend on notation. In these musical communities, the teacher or master musician passes the music "by ear" to the student in much the same way contemporary musicians learn from each other. Those who seek to build their own musical vocabulary emulate the master musicians. This has been the path to musical creativity that so many have followed.
Berklee College of Music is dedicated to teaching music using the music of today. Its 12 majors encompass the broad range of careers in music and include: composition (classical and jazz); film scoring; songwriting; contemporary writing and production; and performance, offering ensemble opportunities in many styles, including jazz, pop, rock, and bluegrass, among others.
This broad view of music has made Berklee an open and diverse place for the cultivation of ideas on improvisation and composition. Berklee establishes workshops that focus on various facets of contemporary music education. This year's program in Dublin focuses purely on improvisation. We are pleased to be working with Newpark Music Centre, Berklee's official partner in Ireland and our host for the workshop. Our special thanks to the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT); University of Limerick; National University of Ireland, Maynooth; Royal Irish Academy of Music; Trinity College Dublin; Queens University Belfast; University College Cork; Irish Music Rights Organisation; and the Irish Arts Council for their involvement and interest in this program, and our gratitude to Ireland's own Bill Whelan for his inspiration and guidance.
Faculty
Students will work with members of the Berklee faculty, with the collaboration of faculty members and administrators from the Newpark Music Centre and Dublin Institute of Technology.
Berklee:
- Greg Badolato – Assistant Vice President for International Programs and Program Director for Berklee in Dublin
- Michael Farquharson – Professor, Contemorary Writing and Production
- Matt Glaser – Chair, String Department
- Jim Kelly – Professor, Guitar Department
- John McGann – Associate Professor, String Department
- Ronan Guilfoyle – Bassist and Composer, Jazz Department Director, BAJP Programme Director
- Nigel Flegg – Percussionist and Director
- Cliona Doris – Harpist and Head of the Conservatory
Classes
The Berklee in Dublin Improvisation Workshop will present classes in lecture and master class formats, enabling students to learn about improvisational techniques and practice them in the master class.
Chord Scales and Voicings–How the improviser and composer use chord scales to create melody over chords, harmony, and chord voicings.
Style Labs–The elements of various styles of improvisation will be discussed. Insights into practicing improvisation will be presented.
Master Classes–Students will put into practice the skills and techniques discussed in the morning classes. The master class will offer vocalists and instrumentalists the chance to gain improvisation skills using their own songs or materials provided in class. Students will work in a helpful, non-critical environment with faculty who are world renowned for their knowledge, teaching skills, and empathy with students.
Evening Jams–A place where you can play your music for and with each other.
Five-Week Scholarship Awards– Presented to selected students at the workshop for study at Berklee's Five-Week Summer Performance Program.
Berklee Auditions and Interviews– Conducted on Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11, for students interested in pursuing full-time study at Berklee in Boston. Students who are enrolled in the program will be forwarded audition information in their acceptance packets.
Closing Event–On Friday night, students will gather for a closing event where they will receive certificates of participation. At this time, students selected for the Five-Week Program Scholarships will receive their awards.
The Berklee in Dublin Improvisation Workshops will hold a Symposium on Improvisation on Wednesday evening, April 15, at 19:00 at DIT. We invite all interested teachers and their students to participate.
Clothing
Dress is comfortable and casual.
Instruments and equipment
We advise that all instrumentalists except keyboardists and drummers bring their own instruments. Drummers should bring sticks and brushes. Everyone should bring a set of headphones with a standard quarter-inch adapter in order to plug into lab equipment. Guitar and bass amps, drums, and keyboards will be provided for the master classes and jams. Vocalists should bring a low-impedance microphone and a cord.
Registration
Those who are officially enrolled in the program will receive a letter of confirmation and details regarding registration.
