ABSTRACT
Aspects of Musical Improvisation: Between Art, Therapy, and Pedagogy
This master’s thesis examines improvisation as a multifaceted practice that extends beyond the domain of musical performance and connects with pedagogy, therapy, and broader human experience. The main aim of the thesis is to explore different ways in which improvisation is understood and applied in the fields of music, music therapy, and music education, and to highlight the common themes and differences that emerge across these contexts.
The theoretical part presents the historical development of improvisation in Western art music, focusing on the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, jazz, and contemporary experimental traditions. Although the role of improvisation has varied across different periods, it has remained an important aspect of musical thinking, creativity, and performance practice.
The thesis further examines improvisation in music therapy and music education, where particular attention is given to questions of relationship, listening, communication, creativity, and the creation of a safe space for exploration. In these contexts, the emphasis is placed less on aesthetic outcomes and more on opportunities for expression, responsiveness, learning, and the co-creation of meaning. The synthesis chapter highlights shared characteristics of different approaches to improvisation, including presence, responsiveness, openness to unpredictability, and sensitivity to the relationship between the individual, the group, and the environment.
The empirical part is based on seven semi-structured interviews with musicians, music educators, and music therapists. The study focuses on their personal experiences, understandings of improvisation, and ways of applying improvisation in practice. A thematic analysis of the interviews shows that the participants often understand improvisation in a much broader sense than merely as a musical technique or performance skill. In their responses, improvisation is associated with relationships, listening, exploration, vulnerability, playfulness, creativity, and the ability to respond to unpredictable situations.
The thesis thus contributes to a broader understanding of improvisation as an artistic, pedagogical, therapeutic, and at the same time deeply human process.
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