Musical Improvisation

Abstract

This chapter surveys psychologically oriented research literature on music improvisation. Improvisation-to many, a mysterious process-is found in musics of many cultures across the ages. This chapter focuses on what we know about how improvisation is carried out. The primary framing concept is creativity within constraints, whether cognitive, bodily, or environmental. Improvisation in jazz-perhaps the most studied topic in improvisation-is discussed through pitch and rhythm; improvisation in Western “classical” music is considered as a complementary case. A brief review of neuroscientific aspects of improvisation is followed by discussion of the body's role in improvisation and approaches to understanding improvisation through computational modeling. The social psychology of improvisation is briefly discussed before turning to improvisation, children, and learning.