Musical Improvisation
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this course on improvisation technique for instrumental and vocal performers, open by audition. Students study concepts and practice methods of improvisation in solo and ensemble settings, examining how improvisation relates to composition and performance across traditional and experimental approaches. Weekly lab sessions build technique, and hands-on music making is paired with discussion of the aesthetics of improvisation. Guest artist mini-residencies cover jazz with film, Indian music, electronic music, and improvisation blended with classical music, with an accompanying concert series featuring these performers. Materials include the syllabus, session plans, and assignments as published by MIT OCW, free to access with no certificate offered.