Program Overview

Improvisation

Students will gain an understanding of improvised music through performance, as well as creative and critical practices, in order to support and strengthen their artistic work. The minor draws on multiple departments in the Conservatory to offer a stylistically diverse program, allowing students to pursue a pathway that both complements and expands their artistic interests.

A small group of student musicians perform onstage in a club-like atmosphere.
Student musicians collaborate with pianist Luis Perdomo during Improv Fest.
Photo credit: Jacob Strauss

Program Facts

Minor Chair

Dana Jessen,
Associate Professor of Contemporary Music and Improvisation

Contact

Jeanne Rosecrans, Administrative Assistant
440-775-8297
Jeanne.Rosecrans@oberlin.edu

Requirements

Students must complete 20 credit hours, or five full courses or the equivalent, divided between performative practice, critical and creative practice, and electives. Courses must be taken in at least two different areas outside of the student’s major department/division.

In addition to the curricular requirements, students are required to give a presentation of their work at the culmination of their minor.

In planning their schedules, students should be aware that some of the approved courses have department prerequisites.

Faculty-led private lessons and private readings may count toward the minor course requirements if improvisatory practice is central to the lessons or area of research.

Curriculum and Requirements

Declaring the Minor

Students wishing to complete the improvisation minor must first consult with the minor chair to ensure that their proposed minor program is coherent, and then complete the Oberlin Conservatory Change in Major form.

Sample Courses

  • Internalizing Rhythms I & II (APST 140)
  • Electro-acoustic Interpretation and Performance (TECH 170)
  • Soundpainting Ensemble (APST 813)
  • Approaches and Philosophies of Free Music (APST 143)
  • Photo of Dana Jessen

    Dana Jessen

    Associate Professor of Contemporary Music and Improvisation

Affiliated Faculty

Drew Pattison

Associate Professor of Bassoon

Edwin Huizinga ’06

Visiting Assistant Professor of Baroque Violin

Jonathan William Moyer

David S. Boe Associate Professor of Organ

Jamey Haddad

Professor of Advanced Improvisation and Percussion
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Upcoming Improvisation Events

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Improvisation News

Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 Celebrates Range of Creative Practices

March 2, 2023

This year Oberlin students have had the opportunity for the first time to declare a minor in a new formalized course of study in improvisation. And from Thursday, March 2 through Saturday, March 4, they will have an immersive experience in the Oberlin Improv Fest 2023. All events of the festival are also open to audiences and are free.
Four guest artists of the Oberlin Improv Festival
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