Conceptualizations of Improvisation with Young Instrumentalists: A Literature Review

This paper draws from the current body of research on improvisation, especially improvisation in schools and studies with younger school instrumentalists, and presents a myriad of ways to conceptualize improvisation in the instrumental music classroom. Various studies and methods of teaching improvisation are explored in an effort to provide music educators with different ways to effectively utilize improvisation activities in school settings. Ultimately, teachers are asked to investigate their own understandings of improvisation and what role it may play in their classrooms