Composing for Improvisers

Introduction to CFI

As a composer I have been fortunate enough to have many great improvisers perform music that I have written. Having written literally thousands of compositions for improvisers (and otherwise) I have decided to present my thoughts, philosophy and practices on this important art form.

COMPOSING FOR IMPROVISERS

Composing for improvisers, far from being a contradiction, operates from the premise that improvisers are artists that can create music not only from nothing, or at least solely from their imaginations, but also from other extant musical sources. Artists who compose music for improvisers simultaneously serve the improviser by providing flexible, stimulating material while staying true to their own vision.

Weekly and sometimes even more often, we will delve deeply into the process and materials of writing music for instrumentalists of all disciplines and genres who will add improvisatory material to the composition while they perform it.

I will also publish my compositions here, analyze them and discuss the why and how of what I do.

Next: Charts, Materials and Language