The Jane Frazee Distinguished Scholar-Artist Series Saturday, July 11, 2026, 1:00-4:30 p.m. Schoenecker Center Performance Hall (SCC 106) ~ Reception to follow
Creativity at the Core of Music Teaching and Learning Dr. Christopher Azzara
Improvisation in music is the spontaneous expression of meaningful musical ideas – it is analogous to conversation in language. Key elements of improvisation include personalization, spontaneity, interaction, and being “in the moment.” Interestingly, we are born improvisers, as evidenced by our behavior in early childhood. Improvisation enables musicians to express themselves from an internal source and is central to developing musicianship in all aspects of music education. Using repertoire as a foundation, Azzara will provide practical, accessible ideas for learning how to improvise and will explore relationships among music listening, improvising, reading, and composing. With an understanding of how these skills are related, participants will be introduced to techniques designed to: (a) improve musicianship, (b) develop improvisation skills in a variety of musical styles, (c) include improvisation as an integral part of teaching and learning, (d) gain a deeper understanding of music literature, and (e) assess student learning. Pianist, arranger, author, and educator, Christopher Azzara has made important contributions to advancing the understanding of creativity and improvisation in the music learning process. Teaching and performing internationally, he is the author of numerous articles and books, including “Developing Musicianship Through Improvisation” and “Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series.” His musical arrangements for instrumental and vocal ensembles are available through Oxford University Press and GIA. Azzara’s research and publications are concerned with meaningful relationships among listening, creating, improvising, reading, composing, and analyzing music in vocal and instrumental settings. In 2023, Azzara was named Eisenhart Professor of Music Teaching & Learning, the oldest endowed professorship at the Eastman School of Music.
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