Music & Improvisation

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, improvisation is defined as follows: “1. to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously, 2. to make, invent, or arrange offhand, 3. to make or fabricate of what is conveniently on hand.”

Believe it or not, improvisation plays a larger role than one may think when it comes to daily life as a music therapist. From client cancellations and reschedules, to improvising instrumental and vocal tunes on the spot, or changing session plans as we go along to best suit client needs – improvisation is somehow always a part of a daily routines. Now don’t get me wrong, we always go in with a plan. However, we have been trained to think and react appropriately and respond as necessary in the moment… to make, invent, and arrange as necessary.

Not only is improvisation important for us as therapists, but for our clients as well, who find their voices (literally or figuratively) through music. Musical improvisation is one of the most freeing forms of communication that we are able to use during music therapy sessions in varying populations (developmental disabilities, autism spectrum, older adults, mental health, etc). Unlike practicing for a recital, or baking a cake, where you are working towards a final product and a certain result is expected, improvisation has no magic formula. While we may dive deeper into exploring thematic ideas behind rhythmic patterns, dynamics, choice of instrument, etc… there is freedom in having no right or wrong.

As a part of my music therapy training and internship experience, I worked with clients to put on their own performance of Stomp. They got to engage in both structured and improvised playing of everyday objects to make something quite extraordinary. My challenge to you, is to seek out ways to add musical improvisation into your daily life. Chances are, improvisation is a bigger part of your life than you may realize…

When you’re sitting in traffic on 270 and tap your finger rhythmically on the steering wheel? Improvisation. That song you sing to your child, niece, or cousin to get them to sleep, or use the bathroom, or eat…. or anything? Improvisation.

It’s all around us.