State Improvisation Information
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State Improvisation Info

Why Teach Improvisation?
Improvisation enables our students to become total musicians. It will enhance the musicianship and understanding they bring to the playing of the music of the masters. It is a skill that is needed by church musicians, accompanists, choirs, jazz bands, and by musicians who work with dance classes, community programs, and in almost any venue where people gather together.

Benefits For Teachers

The MTAC Improvisation Program can help you as a teacher through:

* Published resources to get you started in teaching Improvisation.

* An annual Improvisation Celebration at the State Convention to exhibit exceptional musical improvisation from students all around the state.

* The opportunity to use improvisation as an optional element in Certificate of Merit; this is an exceptional way to balance the rigorous preparation of technique, theory and repertoire with the creative process of improvisation.

* Advice from teachers who are available to assist MTAC members as they begin their journey into the world of improvisation.

Improvisation For Certificate of Merit

Improvisation is now included as an optional part of Certificate of Merit Evaluations. The opportunity for students to balance the rigorous preparation of technique, theory and repertoire with the creative process of improvisation will be a positive addition to the CM evaluation for many students.

Resources for Improvisation
Any resource may be used as the basis for improvisation in any of the State MTAC Improvisation programs. Here are some suggested resources:

Published MTAC Resources:
*Improvisation Syllabus & Guide
*Games & Activities for Improvisation

Sample Assignments:

*Click on the links above to print out assignments
*2010 Evaluation*
The deadline for this year's
Evaluation is February 15!
High-scoring students will be invited
to perform their piece at the
annual State Convention be held
in Los Angeles on July 2-6.

Standard Evaluation
This evaluation is for the novice improviser, the student who has just recently begun to create his own pieces. The student may choose to have just a written evaluation done, or he/she may request to also be considered for the Celebration Recital at the 2010 Convention July 2-6.

click here for instructions and application



Advanced Evaluation
Students who participate in the Advanced Evaluation have been improvising for a while and feel comfortable performing in a group setting, particularly in 'on the spot' improvisation activities. For this evaluation, 2 recorded improvisations are required. Students who apply for Advanced Evaluation are asking to be considered for both the Celebration and Showcase Recitals at Convention in 2010.

click here for instructions and application


**NEW*
2009-2010 Assignments
New assignments for 2009-2010 have been added to the website! The theme for this year is COLORS.

Click Here For Assignments

Improvisation Council:
Council Chair, Alexandra Hawley
Assistant Chair, Dorothy Burgess
Recital Chair, Deborah Sanfilippo
Advisor, James Ramos