Directed Improvisation (Tessa Zoutendijk)

Module code
M-JP-DIRI
Curricular domain
Community, Education
Credits
2
Group size
6 to 15 students
Number of course weeks
10
Class duration
1 hour
Total contact hours
10
Study load
46

Form / content / level

Prerequisites
Admitted to year two. This subject can only be followed on-campus.
Competencies
See Competencies Matrix.
Aims
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- List, execute, and apply 20 offered hand gestures;
- Add and apply their own invented hand gestures;
- Document the hand gestures in text and/or images;
- Teach hand gestures to a group of inexperienced players;
- Stand in front of a group and ensure that their attention is focused on you;
- Organize silence;
- Non-verbally convey their own musical ideas to a group while being flexible to the input of the players in the group;
- With a group of inexperienced players, non-verbally create an improvised musical piece that lasts 2-3 minutes with a clear beginning and end.
Relation to other modules
Related to the main subject and bands.
Content
Improvised music is free from dogma. It can arise in the moment. We are collectively responsible for the sounds we create. For this, alignment is necessary. The person leading the group is not the boss but facilitates the process. Structuring and directing improvised music offers many possibilities. People with vastly different backgrounds or skill levels can still creatively play together in a challenging way. You get to express your own sound while also keeping an ear out for others. Playing in contact and connection. A challenge for both leader and follower. Everyone is seen and heard. Everyone has a role. Here and now. Creating.

This elective is partly based on the conducting methods developed by Butch Morris and John Zorn.

What will we do:
You will learn how to create new music on the spot, both as a player and as a session leader and group coach.
You will learn to convey your musical ideas directly and non-verbally to a group (possibly untrained) of players of all ages and levels using hand gestures.
You will learn to take leadership while staying in contact with the players.
You will also teach the players to make themselves heard while staying connected with others.
Your own creative ability will be increased, and you will learn to transfer this ability to others.

Content:
An introduction to the Kobranie Method.
A broadening of the various ways of 'instant composing & conducting.'
20 hand gestures and their meanings and effects.
You will learn to play on this structured improvisational approach and transmit it to a group.
You will give a workshop plus performance to an inexperienced group of players.

What skills will you train:
Communication skills.
Teaching skills.
Creative skills.
Creating skills.
Instant composing.
Leadership skills.

Background information: The Kobranie Method is a musical format that allows groups to play together in an improvisational way, guided by a processor. It is also a creative format, free from style and dogma, where there are no limits to what can be brought to sound. The method does not depend on skills and prioritizes artistic initiative, creativity, and authenticity. The Kobranie Method trains creative ability and musical leadership. The method is for (music) teachers and musicians and is useful for players of all ages, with or without skills. For more information, click here.
Mode(s) of instruction
Group classes.
Material & Tools
Signs.
Student activity
n/a

Examination and assessment

Mode(s) of assessment
Practical presentation and written assignment.
Criteria
Students have mastered the elements described under Aims.
Active participation.
Pass requirements
The student has completed this module if all assignments are completed and graded "satisfactory".
Examination procedure
The written assignments must be handed in for evaluation via e-mail/Teams/Leerpodium, while presentations are given in class. The assignments are assessed by the teacher.
Resit options
See the Education and Assessment Plan.

Module summary

This module is about developing skills in directed improvisation.