Improvisation Minor

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

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the minor.

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 Minor Add or Drop form. The form requires the signature of the chair.

Note: Students must pick up the Minor Add or Drop form in the Office of the Registrar. The completed form must then be submitted, in person, to the Office of the Registrar for processing. The Office of the Registrar is located in Carnegie (direct entrance off N. Professor St.) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. There is a dropbox located in the lobby of Carnegie for after-hours submission.

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

Summary of Requirements

Two Performative Practice Courses (8 Credits)
Two Critical and Creative Practice Courses (8 Credits)
One Improvisation Elective Course (4 Credits)
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.

Improvisation Elective Courses

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Students must take one additional full course (4 credits) from the Performative Practice or Critical and Creative Practice course lists.

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.