Lautaro Mantilla, Chair
The Contemporary Improvisation (CI) Department provides Preparatory School students a platform to develop their musical creativity while they immerse themselves in different improvisational traditions based in World Music and Contemporary Rock. CI faculty teach the ground work that students need in Aural skills, vocal and instrumental technique, conceptual ideas, interdisciplinary collaborations – everything required to become a leading composer/performer/improviser of the 21st century. The CI Department supports the individual voices of its students and invites them into a vibrant and supportive musical community to push the boundaries of genre and style to innovate and create.
Principles of Rhythm
In this group rhythm and movement class, students will examine and improve rhythmic skills from the foundation up. This class, open to students from different departments and backgrounds, will provide tools for students to develop and internalize rhythm in ways that are applicable to all their musical practices. Conventional and unconventional instruments, body percussion, and movement techniques will be used to explore rhythms from all over the world.
Music Without Borders in the 21st Century
This class offers an introduction to current musical movements from around the world. The class will present a framework for students to develop their musical creativity while immersing themselves in different traditions based in World Music, Rhythm and Blues, and Contemporary Rock. Students will work and collaborate with each other to embrace ideas about structure, rhythm, and texture—pushing the boundaries of geography, genre, and style, while exploring the elements that connect all of them. Repertoire studied in the class will include 21st century music from Japan, India, Brazil, United States, and Iceland.
Still have questions?
Please contact Cassandra McBride, Program Manager or call the Prep Office at (617) 585-1160.