From Sight to Sound: Improvisational Games for Classical Musicians

From Sight to Sound provides practical and creative techniques for classical improvisation for musicians of all levels and instruments, solo or in ensembles. These exercises build aural and communicative skills, instrumental technique, and musical understanding. When students use their instruments to execute and improvise on theoretical concepts, they make vivid connections between abstract ideas and their own playing. This then allows students to unite performance with music theory, ear-training, historical style and context, chamber music skills, and listening skills. Many of the exercises in this book are designed for players working in pairs or small groups to encourage performers to communicate with one another and build an atmosphere of trust in which creativity and spontaneity may flourish.

Nicole M. Brockmann is Assistant Professor of Music at DePauw University. She holds a DMA in viola performance from Yale University and is a past president of the Dalcroze (Eurythmics) Society of American. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.