MHST 258 A History of Improvisation-Western Music
This course focuses on theories of improvisation in Western classical music, specifically, early vocal music, and instrumental music (mainly keyboard) from the 17th century to the present. Students will acquire knowledge and awareness of the history of improvisation, its concepts, terminologies, techniques and different models of music making. Students will learn to think critically and historically about improvisation and have the opportunity to apply different models of improvisation to their own work through class presentation and performance. There will be written assignments, a final project, and frequent quizzes.