Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
Free vocal play - an interdisciplinary approach to improvisation
Siljamäki, Eeva
University of Jyväskylä, Finland
The value of improvisation has long been recognised in music education. However, the multiple approaches and conflicting ideals connected to the teaching of improvisation, the uncertainty of improvisation, and the gap between theory and practice have challenged the actuation of improvisation, particularly free and vocal improvisation, in classrooms.
The workshop introduces practical facilitation techniques and pedagogy for free improvised vocal play, which can be applied in various music teaching and teacher education settings. The approach's pedagogical-philosophical basis ensures it can be used with communities and groups with diverse skills and voices. This approach allows us to experiment with holistic expression, movement, and all kinds of sounds, textual and lyrical materials. The musicking is interwoven with reflective discussions on the experience in a way that allows the co-construction of a safer space for encountering the ephemeral quality and uncertainty of social and musical improvisation.
The free vocal play draws on sociological and social psychology perspectives and conceptualisations of music as a social and relational process (DeNora 2000, 2013; Small 1998). This research-based (Siljamäki 2021, 2023) and interdisciplinary approach of collaborative free vocal improvisation with social awareness at heart draws on and applies principles of practice from improvisational theatre (Dudeck & McClure, 2021), playful learning, mindfulness, inclusive pedagogy (Henley 2019) and pedagogical tact (van Manen 1991).
According to the research study underlying this approach, free vocal play can inspire musical studies, the learning of musical skills, the acceptance and embracing of diversity, the learning of socio-emotional and musical skills and creative ability, and the broader well-being of the participants.
Participants are expected to participate in improvising and gain first-hand experience of the practices and facilitation techniques. Handouts will include the main conceptualisations and key points of facilitation.
