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Integrating theory and practice in conservatoires: formulating holistic models for teaching and learning improvisation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2007

Catherine Parsonage
Affiliation:
Leeds College of Music, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PD, UKc.parsonage@lcm.ac.uk, p.fadnes@lcm.ac.uk, j.taylor@lcm.ac.uk
Petter Frost Fadnes
Affiliation:
Leeds College of Music, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PD, UKc.parsonage@lcm.ac.uk, p.fadnes@lcm.ac.uk, j.taylor@lcm.ac.uk
James Taylor
Affiliation:
Leeds College of Music, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PD, UKc.parsonage@lcm.ac.uk, p.fadnes@lcm.ac.uk, j.taylor@lcm.ac.uk

Abstract

Academic study has become a more significant part of a conservatoire education in recent times, but it has not always informed performance as effectively as it might. There is a need for further development of an academic curriculum that is specifically relevant to performers, in which the links between theory and practice are made explicit rather than expecting students to construct these for themselves. This article reports on research into the integration of theory and practice at Leeds College of Music, UK, using jazz improvisation as a case study. Pilot teaching sessions within two modules explored ways in which students can be encouraged to engage actively with an appropriate academic curriculum that is embedded within a holistic learning experience.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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