In our Education And Community arm, we are passionate about how we can make music sound more refreshing, different, interesting, energising! – music that goes beyond the written score! Some of us who have learnt music from young might be too dependent on the written score, to the effect that it hinders our ability to create and improvise music.
Improvising music is not the privilege of the few who are ‘talented’. Improvisation can be taught systematically, step by step, so that you know how to do it, bit by bit, until you gain confidence to go to the next step.
To this end, we provide regular outreach programmes to give opportunities for all to participate and learn more about music improvisation.
What is Music Improvisation?
It is creating music beyond the prepared and printed music score. To ‘improvise’ is to spontaneously create something interesting and new in any given situation. Improvisation can occur in a classical piece, a rock song, a pop ballad or a jazz tune, as long as we are willing to have an open-mind, to learn and to explore.
Improvisation can be as simple as embellishing a melody’s tune, coming up with a totally new and spontaneous melody or as complex as reharmonising and re-arranging the sound of the music. In any case, improvisation is definitely fun, creative and never-boring.
Music improvisation helps you to breath new life into old classics, improvise pop tunes and explore jazz pieces. MIC seeks to promote this exciting area of music and we warmly welcome you to join us in this wonderful and creative journey!
Is there an opportunity for amateur musicians or learners to play with you?
As professional musicians, we often play ‘live’ for others, but at the same time, as educators, we also wish for those who want to play, be given a chance to play too. Since most platforms are for seasoned pros to play, why not create a community platform where seasoned musicians encourage, nurture and help amateurs to play too? So come check out our facebook or this website for regular updates on where you can play!
Who is suitable to attend the various MIC sessions that are opened to the community?
Anyone who loves improvised music such as pop, jazz, blues, funk, R&B, etc. and want to experience it ‘live’ in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The MIC community sessions are designed for beginners and amateur musicians in mind first! (Followed by the rest of us.)
I would like to be notified when MIC holds a community event.
All you have to do is go to our ‘sign up’ page and leave your contact with us and you will be notified. Alternatively, you can also ‘like’ us on on facebook (‘music improvisation collective’) so you can be automatically notified of our latest events.
I would like MIC to conduct an educational workshop for my learning institution, organisation.
For enquiries on how we can provide a workshop, coaching clinic, etc. for you or your organisation, email us at firstname.lastname@example.org.
We conduct exciting learning programmes for all ages!
Here are some samples:
‘Jazz for Curious Listeners!’ : A workshop that peaks the interest of all who are interested in Jazz but don’t know where to start.
‘Jazz for Kids!’ – A specialised workshop for children interested in learning more about Jazz and improvisation, done in an easy to access, fun and enjoyable way!
‘The Rhythm in Me!’ – A fun workshop that emphasises on rhythm training using a variety of pedagogical approaches. Participants get to learn basic beatboxing, scat language, percussion instruments and Dalcroze Eurhythmics to experience good rhythm.
‘Jazz Workshop for Beginners’ – a structured system of teaching participants the ropes of learning music improvisation in Jazz, done in a safe and nurturing environment so that everyone can enjoy!
For private. 1-1 lessons on Music Improvisation, do check out www.northwoodmusic.net.