Music, You, Creativity, and Community is a professional development course offered by the University of South Carolina School of Music in collaboration with Music for People, their Art of Improvisation weeklong workshop, and The NAMM Foundation.

The course includes three online synchronous classes, an on-campus event, and enrollment in the Art of Improvisation workshop taking place at USC. The course will feature a guest appearance by Dr. Charles Limb, Co-founder of Sound Health Network.

The course is available to members of NAMM and the College Music Society at a special rate. Students can take the course for three undergraduate or graduate credits. CSU graduates can choose to enroll for three Continuing Education Units (CEU).

Additionally, anyone can register for just the Art of Improvisation workshop. This option does not provide any credits and does not include access to the online classes nor the on-campus event.

Course Description

Musicians, beginners through professionals from any musical traditions, who desire musical renewal, mindfulness, and creativity in an energetic, humorous, open-minded environment will discover how to move beyond perceived musical limits while performing at the peak of personal technical and expressive abilities.

Develop transferrable skills, techniques, and activities for fostering music independence, collaboration, and leadership among students of all ages (Pre-K to adults) to lead others in improvisational music engagements. Prior experience in improvisation is not necessary.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to demonstrate practical application of methods and techniques based in music improvisation, responsive musicianship, social emotional awareness, student leadership, community building, self-reflection, and standards-based assessments.

Schedule

  • Online Synchronous USC Classes*
    • Class 1: June 20 @ 12:00 – 2:00 PM (EDT)
    • Class 2: June 27 @ 12:00 – 1:15 PM (EDT)
    • Class 3: July 11 @ 12:00 – 1:15 PM (EDT)

      *Online classes will be recorded for those unable to attend during the scheduled time.

  • On-Campus Activities
    • USC Introductory Events
      July 23 @ 12:30 – 6:30 PM (EDT)
      (Includes dinner courtesy of Spark)
    • Art of Improvisation workshop presented by Music for People
      Sunday, July 23 – Friday, July 28

Registration Options and Fees

Four registration options are available. Most options require two steps in order to complete registration.


OPTION 1: HYBRID
For NAMM and CMS Members

  1. Art of Improvisation Workshop Registration
    • Early Bird Fee: $475 (through June 23)
    • Regular Fee: $575 (starting June 24)
  2. USC Registration
    • Registration Fee: $100
    • Housing and Parking: $0 – $335

OPTION 2: NO CREDIT (Workshop Only)
For the General Public

  1. Art of Improvisation Workshop Registration
    • Early Bird Fee: $475 (through June 23)
    • Regular Fee: $575 (starting June 24)
  2. USC Registration
    • Registration Fee: $0
    • Housing and Parking: $0 – $335

OPTION 3: UNIVERSITY CREDIT
For Undergraduate/Graduate Students

  1. Register/Enroll for Credits
  2. USC Registration

OPTION 4: CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEU)
For CSU Graduates

  1. USC Registration
    • CEUs Fee: $600
    • Housing and Parking: $0 – $335

Faculty, Presenters, and Resources

USC School of Music Faculty

Music for People Guest Clinicians

Texts and Resources

  • Oshinsky, J. (2008). Return to Child. Music for People.
  • Oshinsky, J. & Knysh, M. (2023). Simple and Daring. Bundt Pan Publishing.
  • Additional readings provided.
  • Reliable internet connection.

Course Questions? Please contact:

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