The Art of the Solo Performance

This course studies the art of solo instrumental performances. In a solo performance, there must be a high degree of improvised materials, combined with careful preparation. While not a class focused on the needs of singer/songwriters, all genres are sourced and studied. Students develop work based on thematic and structural elements, using both song form and open form improvisation, and explore the ways these ideas can be combined. Students study how artists throughout the history of the music have engaged these ideas. This course welcomes players of single line instruments and percussion as well as players of chordal instruments, which have the longest tradition of solo performance. This course teaches students to "recompose" standards in a personal way to enhance a solo performance. The work of important solo improvisors like Cecil Taylor, Marilyn Crispell, Evan Parker, Max Roach, Sylvie Courvoisier, Mary Halvorson, Anthony Braxton, Ikue Mori, and Thelonious Monk are mined for inspiration. Students start the class focused on a single solo piece and work to expand that into a full solo program, mindful of various goals, utmost of which is intimate communication with the audience. Students perform for each other and critique each others' work in an environment of mutual respect.