Teaching Improvisation in Choir: Moving from "Recreative" to "Creative" Choral Artistry.

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Title: Teaching Improvisation in Choir: Moving from "Recreative" to "Creative" Choral Artistry.
Authors: Kambs, Ben (AUTHOR) ben.kambs@okstate.edu, Menon, Saleel Adarkar (AUTHOR) sm3746@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Source: Music Educators Journal. Jun2026, Vol. 112 Issue 4, p63-68. 6p.
Subject Terms: *Music education, *Voice culture, *Psychological feedback, Music improvisation, Improvisation (Acting), Choral conducting
Abstract: This article describes a research study in which a collegiate choral ensemble learned vocal improvisation techniques as part of their regular rehearsals. While learning to improvise, singers had the opportunity to provide real-time feedback of their perceptions and experiences learning a new skill in a traditional choral setting. In this article, we share what we learned, including the rewards and challenges of teaching improvisation, our reflections as instructors, and perspectives from some of the singers. We also describe the activities we tried and offer strategies for other choir teachers who want to bring improvisation into their own classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Music Educators Journal is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Teaching Improvisation in Choir: Moving from "Recreative" to "Creative" Choral Artistry.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kambs%2C+Ben%22">Kambs, Ben</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<i> ben.kambs@okstate.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Menon%2C+Saleel+Adarkar%22">Menon, Saleel Adarkar</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<i> sm3746@mgsa.rutgers.edu</i>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Music+Educators+Journal%22">Music Educators Journal</searchLink>. Jun2026, Vol. 112 Issue 4, p63-68. 6p.
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  Data: This article describes a research study in which a collegiate choral ensemble learned vocal improvisation techniques as part of their regular rehearsals. While learning to improvise, singers had the opportunity to provide real-time feedback of their perceptions and experiences learning a new skill in a traditional choral setting. In this article, we share what we learned, including the rewards and challenges of teaching improvisation, our reflections as instructors, and perspectives from some of the singers. We also describe the activities we tried and offer strategies for other choir teachers who want to bring improvisation into their own classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Music Educators Journal is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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              Text: Jun2026
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