8 Lessons from Improvising
Since my shows in February, I have had the chance to improvise with a lot of singers. I worked with a student group, a choir, my “band” and, of course, my students. I found myself saying things to them that I realized I applied to life, not just music or improv.
So in the process of running some errands, I jotted this list down on the back of a set list about a week ago. I envisioned expanding (or expounding upon) each item for this post. But … I’m not (see #4).
- Listen to the whole idea before you respond.
- Sometimes you can each do your own thing and it still works.
- Mistakes can be doorways. Frequently good stuff happens after “the mistake.”
- Silence is needed.
- Other people have ideas you will never, ever (EVER!) have. (That’s a good thing. *smile*)
- Your intentions (and expectations) will shape your experience.
- It’s collaborative, not competitive.
- Stop assuming you’re right; it’s rarely about right and there can be more than one right.
