In many university, college, and conservatory models of musical training, improvisation is rarely found in the core curriculum outside of the jazz studies department. There needs to be more inclusive approach to improvisation because in addition to the jazz culture, many art forms consider improvisation to be a necessary skill because it demonstrates the pinnacle union of technical mastery and artistic creativity. This presentation advocates for the application of John Bruner’s “Spiral Curriculum” in applied lessons, encouraging a mindful practice of musicianship skills to foster the concurrent development of technical skills and artistic growth. Examples will draw elements from jazz pedagogy and other modes of creative improvisation to empower students’ creative choices in their practice while maintaining high standards of study through modes of instruction, application, and evaluation.
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