Influence of Recently Heard Songs on Vocal Improvisations
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Authors
Mitchell, Lauren
Issue Date
2010
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
Though research has been conducted on musical improvisations of children and
extensively trained adults, improvisations by untrained adults remain unexplored.
The current study aims to investigate the originality of improvisations by children
and adults without improvisation training by measuring the lyrics and melody they
borrow from recently-heard songs. The AIRS Test Battery was conducted with 11
children and 8 adults; improvisations created in Component 8 were compared to
songs heard in Components 4 and 7 ("Brother John" and "I Know a Dog'~). Children
ages 3 and 5 borrowed significantly more lyrics than adults, and children ages 3, 5,
and 7 borrowed more melodic material than adults. However, no differences were
found between age groups in the amount of original material produced. It appears
that children borrow more material than adults, but may use borrowed material as a
springboard for original ideas. This information could be applied to music
education programs to foster more fluid, comfortable improvisation by allowing
students to borrow material from familiar songs as a basis for improvisation.
Description
vii, 70 p.
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License
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