Producer’s notebook
The genesis of this project lies in my interest in jazz studies, both as a listener and amateur sax player. I noticed that the tools to make anyone an improviser in the music world were out there to be digested, and I wondered how those who had mastered these techniques might be different from the rest of us. This site departs from the thinking that improvisation is reserved for artists (some say for geniuses) and explores the everyday nature of improvisation. My own efforts in creating this site also had its share of improv in action—give and take with the people I interviewed, push and pull with my readings, writings, videography. In this Notebook section I provide reflections of my journey in building the project, musings, outtakes—essentially the stuff that doesn’t fit anywhere else. |
SerendipityOne popular view sees improv as a way of solving problems. Photographers often speak of improvising a light reflector from white foamcore or a foil-covered cookie sheet when they can’t afford or locate a pro version. READ MORE That note nobody wroteMy primary challenge in this project has been using visual tools to convey abstract ideas. Reporting on people or place or event can be straight-forward: The subjects are self-evident and thus take care of the visuals. READ MORE Honing my chopsIn Spring 2009 I enrolled in a short course at UNC’s Friday Center for Continuing Education. It was called Applied Improv: Creativity and Communication, and my thought was to embed myself for the benefit of my project. READ MORE Alarmingly off-scriptThis Notebook entry is meant to show a glimpse of the early efforts that go into producing even a short video report. Many ideas take weeks and sometimes months to materialize, as research to understand the topic and old-fashioned reporting starts the process. READ MORE Major overlapsThe one scholar who stands out for me as most closely targeting my topic is Keith Sawyer. Prof. Sawyer has been writing about the role of improvising in a wide range of human behavior for years. READ MORE Theorizing improvWhen I heard that George Lewis was going to speak at nearby Duke University, I imagined he was going to address his research on experimental music. READ MORE |