Creative Music Making

"Creative Music Making" is designed to develop musicianship through free improvisation. Most music education programs are technique-oriented (teaching how to play an instrument) and grade-driven (how well does a student perform). "Creative Music Making" focuses on the creative development of musicians from all levels of experience and in all styles of music. The included audio CD gives specific classroom examples of improvisation exercises, and will aid in the understanding and implementation of a similar program. A complete syllabus is also included for a college course in creative music. " Creative Music Making" could serve as a text for college courses in improvisation, instrumental or vocal pedagogy, elementary and secondary music-education methods, or any performance class.
Cahn demystifies the concept of creativity so that anyone should feel capable of making music. In a clear and logical way, Cahn outlines the process of teaching creativity, giving step-by-step lesson plans that can be adopted by either the teacher in a classroom setting or the performer (for self-instruction). He addresses questions that arise during the process, and gives practical guidance for the leader of a group of beginning improvisers in implementing the program. The included audio CD gives specific classroom examples of improvisation exercises, and will aid in the understanding and implementation of a similar program.