THE RICHNESS OF REASONS TO IMPROVISE : Finding balance between the technical and artistic aspects in the practice and pedagogy of vocal group improvisation

Abstract

Finding balance between the technical and artistic aspects in the practice and pedagogy of vocal group improvisation.

In this master´s project, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the techniques, tools and know-how in vocal improvising and then see if I could get past the technical emphasis often placed in the teaching of vocal improvisation. I chose improvisational aspects with different qualities, hoping to be able to use them as a "richness of reasons to improvise" both in my artistic and pedagogical work.

The central objective of this master´s project is to use research to discover new artistic and pedagogical tools to collective vocal improvisation with groups with different backgrounds. The final project is comprised of two parts:

1. A one hour improvised final concert, Waiting to hear it (Helsinki Music Centre, May 2018) showcasing the artistic outcomes of this research. The final concert is guided by these sub questions: - How can I present collective vocal improvisation in a way that satisfies me artistically? - How can the pedagogical outcomes and the values of the process be expressed artistically on the stage? - How can I use improvisation methods to facilitate collective composition processes presented in the concert?

2. This reflective text in which I present the project and summarise my pedagogical and artistic growth in the process. As such, this text is guided by the followong sub questions: - How does my understanding of teaching choral improvisation expand through the process of applying a variety of improvisation methods and tools in various choral settings? - How can applying a variety of improvisation methods and tools in different choral settings help me to find balance between technical and artistic aspects of improvisation in my teaching and artistic practise? - What additional skills can be taught through choral improvisation?

Writing this refelctive text was done in parallel with planning the concert.