Creative Process in Free Improvisation

Abstract

This research investigates the creative and communicational processes used by improvisers in free improvised performance and the ideologies behind those processes. Two studies were conducted: In Study 1 quantitative data was extracted from a recorded performance with Music Information Retrieval (M.I.R) software with special focus on moments consensually considered by the musicians as “best”. Study 2 analysed qualitative data extracted from interviews with improvisers and retrospective verbal protocol regarding the whole performance with special focus on “best moments”. The results of Study 1 reveal the use of alterations of musical features such as energy, note density and spectral changes in order to create points of qualitative change in improvised music. Creative strategies revealed by Study 2 include reiteration, the use of error as a motor for generation of music materials, real-time use of processes of musical composition and automatic playing. Improved conditions of separation of recorded instruments are advised in future research on this subject.