Improvisation Minor

The minor consists of a minimum of 20 credits (5 full courses or the equivalent) and a presentation of work.

The Improvisation Minor offers Bachelor of Music students the opportunity to explore improvisation through a broad range of idioms and practices. Students will gain an understanding of improvised music through performance, as well as creative and critical practices, in order to support and strengthen their artistic work. The minor draws on multiple departments in the Conservatory to offer a stylistically diverse program, allowing students to pursue a pathway that both complements and expands their artistic interests.

Visit the Improvisation webpage for more information.

Students wishing to complete the improvisation minor should consult with the minor chair to assure that the minor program is coherent, and complete the Oberlin Conservatory Change in Major Form. The form requires the signature of the minor chair.

Chair
Dana Jessen (Contemporary Music and Improvisation, Conservatory Professional Development)

Summary of Requirements

Eight Credits of Performative Practice Courses
Eight Credits of Critical and Creative Practice Courses
Four Additional Credits from the Performative Practice, the Critical and Creative Practice, and/or the Approved College Course Lists
Presentation of Work

Improvisation Minor Course Lists

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Notes:

Courses must be taken in at least two different areas outside of the student’s major department / division (for APST, department/division home is defined by the instructor of record).
APST 143 is applicable as either a performative practice course or a critical and creative practice course; it may not be counted for both categories.
If a student is enrolled in or has completed a course that is not listed below, they can petition the curricular committee to apply the course toward the minor.
- As a specific example, with approval from the minor chair, up to four credits of improvisation-focused coursework from the College may also count toward the minor.
Students should be aware that some of the below listed courses have prerequisites and should plan their schedules accordingly.

Performative Practice Courses

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Notes:

Private lessons and private readings may count towards this requirement if improvisation is the core focus of study.
Jazz ensemble credit may only count towards the minor if a student is not a jazz major and is accepted into a jazz ensemble through audition.

Critical and Creative Practice Courses

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Notes:

Private lessons and private readings may count towards this requirement if improvisatory practice is central to the lessons or area of research.
Jazz majors may count either JAZZ 290 or JAZZ 291 towards the minor, but not both.
100- and 200-level courses in composition and TIMARA may only count towards the minor if a student is not composition or TIMARA major, respectively.

Approved College Courses

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Presentation of Work

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The culminating presentation of work may take the form of a performance, lecture/demo, research presentation, portfolio, or other format approved by the minor chair.