Most traditional methods of teaching and practicing musical improvisation are based on a particular style of music. There's historical consensus about how to improvise, with well defined stylistic roles and boundaries. Knowledge of the fundamentals of improvisation and music are learned indirectly,through the exploration of a particular style.

Free improvisations and improvisational exercises enable the direct exploration of the fundamentals of music and improvisation. The knowledge that's gained can be applied to any kind of improvisation and any style of music.

Because this type of exploration doesn't depend on established styles or structures, I find it useful to consciously begin with agreements that create openness and room for exploration.

  • It's completely natural to use improvisation to play and learn. Knowing that improvisation is a close and intimate friend makes everything much easier!
  • The basic unit in free improvisation is a sound.
Your entire personal universe of sound, made up of everything you've ever heard and experienced, is available for use in your improvising.
  • Every sound goes with every other sound.
There is no inherently wrong combination of sounds.
The idea of an inherently wrong combination of sounds is a judgment based on the conventions of a particular style.

It's not important how any particular style judges our choices, but it is important to be aware of the choices we make and how they effect the music we're creating. Freedom from stylistic conventions gives us the freedom to explore all the possibilities of the moment.
  • Tell the truth.
The single most important thing in this work is truth and authenticity of expression.