The Art of Improvisation for Use in Music Therapy (6 credits)

Course Description

This online course will expand the improvisational skills, knowledge and expertise of participants within a therapeutic or musical context.

After a brief overview of the history and theoretical foundations of improvisation within international therapeutic contexts participants will be led through a vast array of diverse methods for improvisation ranging from jazz and classical techniques to rock, folk, blues and world music approaches.

We will explore:

how to successfully run improvisation groups,
how to use improvisation as a non-verbal language
how to adapt various instruments for immediate mastery
how to use music theory on the fly.

This course will also illustrate the simple process of making contact microphones which can be used to amplify any object to be used in improvisational processes (including under water!).

Through the application of multiple learning styles including experiential musical processes, lecture presentation format, aural and visual case study material, discussion and evidence-based research we will explore implications for self-care, mindfulness-based improvisational practices and working across cultures.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to define musical improvisation
Participants will be able to interpret the intended and underlying communicated meaning of a musical improvisation
Participants will be able to create 1 improvisation-based intervention
Participants will be able to apply at least 1 improvisational skill or principle to their own personal clinical work

Course Schedule and Format:

1 hour: Background, Theory and History of Improvisation in Music Therapy

We’ll discover where improvisation is situated historically and theoretically in relation to music therapy and the therapeutic models that you are most familiar with.

1 hour: Overview of Improvisational methods

Through experiential examples and a vast array of diverse methods for improvisation ranging from jazz and classical techniques to rock, folk, blues and world music approaches we will explore the most essential principles and how you can immediately incorporate these into your own work.

1 hour: Improvisational interventions that work!

We’ll discover note-by-note how to work with specific therapeutic goals and objectives through improvisation in relation to a wide range of situations including individuals, groupwork, non-verbal somatic communication and working with all ages across the entire life cycle.

1 hour Q&A and Wrap up

Evaluate by feedback form

1 hr Homework Assignment Self-Study

CBMT Domain Areas

III.A.7 Music therapy methods used to support therapeutic outcomes (e.g., improvising, recreating, composing, listening, moving); Task Statement 36 Engage the client in individualized music therapy experiences to address the client's established goals and objectives within multiple domains of health and well-being (e.g., psychosocial, physiological, spiritual, musical)

III.A.-6 Theoretical frameworks for music therapy treatment implementation (e.g., educational, developmental, neurological, psychological)

III.A.10 Clinical adaptation of musicianship to address therapeutic needs

The Art of Improvisation for Musicians and Therapists is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 6 CMTEs-Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The Spiegel Academy, CBMT Approved Provider #P-106, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.

Class Description