Improvisational Methods and Their Variations
Improvisation can be carried out with both musical and nonmusical references. (Bruscia 1987, 10)
- Referential improvisations are those in which the client improvises to portray a nonmusical reference (e.g., an event, feeling, image, relationship, etc.)
- Non-referential improvisations are those in which the client improvises without reference to anything other than the sounds or music.
- Frequently used variations are as follows:
| Variations | Explanations |
| Instrumental referential | creating music on a musical instrument according to a given reference |
| Instrumental non-referential | creating music on a musical instrument without reference |
| Song improvisation | creating lyrics, melody, and accompaniment to a song |
| Vocal non-referential | creating a vocal piece without words or images |
| Body improvisation | creating various kinds of body sounds |
| Mixed media | creating a piece with any combination of instrumental, vocal, or body sounds |
| Conducted improvisation | creating a piece by giving directive cues to one or more improvisers |
Read more about this topic: Improvisation In Music Therapy
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