We all know what improvisational comedy is, but have you heard of improv music? Imagine music being played in the moment, coming directly from the heart of each musician and flowing back and forth between the players and the audience. They say that in improv comedy the truth often comes out from the player and this is also correct for improv music.
There is no plan with improv music, no set of notes or chords to follow. The music evolves as is it being played and is an end result of the musicians creating it. The instrumentation can be varied, it can be as simple as a solo pianist or as all encompassing as a full orchestra, although it is more difficult to create good improv with many players. For anyone who has ever been to a drum circle on the beach with 30 or so drummers, you know what I mean. And those guys don't even need to worry about melody.
The best improv music is usually created by a small hand full of players. The most important aspect of good improv is that all the players listen to each other. Listening and often times watching each other will give them clues as to which way the music will go next. When each participant follows the flow of the music, the best results are created.
Improv music doesn't have to be only instrumental either, some singers have the ability to invent on the spot. This is true vocal improvisation. While other singers can improvise melody, but may have a cheat sheet or two of previously written lyrics nearby to help with the process.
The style of the improv will depend on the players in the group. Improv music can range from punk rockish or experimental to ethereal or something similar to a movie soundtrack. Some of the most common instruments used in modern improv are keyboards, guitars and drums. As there is no beginning or end, well at least none planned, these decisions are made moment by moment by the players. The best improvisers know when to drop out and when to jump in, no matter what instrument they are playing.
The most important aspect in creating a good improv atmosphere is to creatively explore the music in a low-risk situation. The quality of the musicianship is not as important as having a nurturing vibe for the playing room. Relaxing into the music, rather than worrying about the missed notes, will allow the musician to listen and learn. Even the most experienced musicians hit bad notes and it is possible for the greenest player to come up with brilliance.
Improv music isn't just for the musicians though, it also has benefit for the listener. Due to the nature of improvisation the music resulting is often of a mellow and free-flowing style. The creative power that flowed through the musicians who created it, also flows to the listener. This type of music provides wonderful backdrop to creative tasks the listener might want to accomplish, especially if the music is instrumental and allows the listener to drift into the creative groove without the need to comprehend words.
The benefits of music therapy have long been known to therapists the world around. Improvisational music imbibes all the creative power that the musicians put into it and the listener enjoys this creative harvest. As modern music listeners we have all heard many styles of music and can usually figure out where something is going without much trouble. The music we enjoy most is an in-between mix, with some confirmation of expectations along with pleasant surprises, in a blend that is interesting rather than frustrating.
Good improv music can often be akin to a good mystery novel, it is difficult to predict and yet it fits together in a creatively logical way, so when we look back on what we heard we say "yes, of course." Improv can challenge our creativity and show us sides of ourselves we haven't seen before, while stimulating our inner muse.
Listening to improvised music as a background soundtrack while we perform other tasks, be they artistic or not, can often increase our creative powers. The same way improvisation for the theater builds creativity for the players and the audience, so does musical improv. Whether the person is actively involved or merely a listener, the benefit comes through. As we involve ourselves as listeners, the creative vibe originally created by the musicians now flows through us.
There is no plan in improv music and therein lies the beauty. Some things in life can be experienced much more easily than explained. This is the case for improvisational music. The truth in improvisational music is that the creative spirit needed to bring it into being is within each of its players and listeners alike.
Keith King is a fine artist, graphic designer and musician, but still manages to pay the rent on time. He has been making his way around the internet since the early 90s and only recommends the good stuff.
To hear some improvisational music for free visit RedFeltPig Improvisational Music and click on the "hear/download free music" link near the bottom of the page. Happy listening.
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