MHST 561B Art of Middle Eastern Taksim & Jazz Improvisation
Investigates and compares various topics concerning the nature and practice of improvisation in several Near and Middle Eastern traditions as well as Jazz. Specific emphasis will be placed on analyzing and comparing how performers change and adapt improvisational aesthetics within their traditions to a variety of situations such as the sacred space vs. the secular, and recording vs. performance. Course requirements include transcription and performance projects, written reports as well as brief written or oral responses to readings as well as listening assignments.