Music-Improv.com - The Creative Art, Science and Metaphysics of Musical Improvisation

Welcome to Music-Improv.com!

Let's face it. In order to improvise well you need to operate on two different levels - one on the intellectual/physical plane, where we learn our technique and theory, practicing it so well that it becomes second nature; and on another level where we train ourselves to be comfortable in the silences, and receptive to ideas as they flow to us.

The Metaphysics of Improvisation

In learning to improvise, we work on both sides of this equation, until we reach a point where they can co-exist comfortably. Ideas flow in, and we can execute them. It feels natural, because it is natural. It is inherently non-efforting - since we don't need to force the issue. If we're strong enough, and aware enough, then the flowingness of it can come forth unobstructed.

This site is dedicated to examining how this happens, and how we can create "practices and paradigms" that result in us being better improvisers.

No matter what kind of music we play, I would suggest that we rely on an underlying technology that governs how creative ideas manifest in real time. So it's not just about creating music. For me, its implications are profound, because it speaks to where creativity springs from.

Improvisation Defined

Improvisation is the mechanism where we hear, feel or are gifted by an inspiring thought, and pass that thought into form. It is a real-time phenomenon. It happens in the moment. I've found it a useful paradigm - that creative ideas are always going on in the moment, and that they manifest according to our awareness of them. It's like an infinite creative generator that we tap into on a moment by moment basis.

Given this, I am firmly of the belief that it is necessary to create mental and conceptual pathways in order for real improvisation to take place. Or to put it more suscinctly, we need to practice our physical instrument to prepare our minds to hear, indentify and implement ideas as they go by.

So, in many ways, we are examining how the mind works in real time; and how states of consciousness affect our ability to access these practiced pathways.

This is the outline to my thinking and the purpose of this site. I think it is pretty compelling stuff and I'm anxious to share this discussion with you. I hope you find it as valuable as I have.

I invite you to participate in the most interesting conversation I've ever had. To find out how, select "How To Participate" from the Main Menu.

Peace and Creativity,

Ben Dowling