MUSP 1760 Introduction to Improvisation
Improvisation is a central feature of many Western musical styles. This course offers students the opportunity to learn how to improvise in jazz, blues and rock. In a hands-on manner, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of improvising. No prior experience is necessary, and there is no prerequisite, but you should have at least some experience playing an instrument or singing. In addition to extensive in-class performance, accompaniment recordings are provided for practice outside class.
Course overview
- Department
- Music Performance
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 0
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall, Every Spring
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.79 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.82 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 8
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Eric Kniffin | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 5 of 7 |
| Fall 2025 | Eric Kniffin | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | — | 2 of 5 |
| Spring 2025 | Eric Kniffin | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 9 of 11 |
| Fall 2024 | Eric Kniffin | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.3 | — | 4 of 4 |
| Fall 2023 | Eric Kniffin | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 of 2 |
| Spring 2023 | Eric Kniffin | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 1 of 2 |
| Fall 2022 | Eric Kniffin | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 1 of 6 |
| Spring 2022 | Eric Kniffin | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 2 of 6 |