Musical Improv

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Experience what it's like to create a musical, using the Annoyance's method of refining improvised music and scenes into a cohesive, scripted piece. Students will also learn the fundamentals of musical improvisation and perform their own original musical at the end of the term. All shows will also be submitted for consideration as a "Triple Feature," the Annoyance's one-act series on Wednesday nights.

OVERALL GOALS:

• Introduce students to the basics of musical improv
  
• Teach basic vocal technique and vocal care
  
• Get each student comfortable and confident with their own voices and musical instincts
  
• Create a strong, supportive ensemble within the class
  
• Familiarize students with different musical styles
  
• Focus strongly on character-driven and emotionally-charged songs

SUGGESTED READING:
"Musical Improv Comedy," by Michael Pollack
"Improvise," by Mick Napier
"The Use and Training of the Human Voice," by Arthur Lessac
"Songwriting for Dummies," by Jim Peterik, Dave Austin, and Mary Allen Bickford
"The Hip Hop Rhyming Dictionary for Rappers," by Kevin M. Mitchell