Hi Dean,

Funny you should ask, cos I've been wondering about the same thing for about 5 years now. I've searched around and - not to sound too pessimistic - I've given up on the idea of gaining improv skills through an institution. But... the reason for that is mainly because I have very specific requirements as to what I want out of an improv qualification. You may be different though.

What is it exactly that you want to gain from study in this field? Are you wanting to study improv as a whole or jazz improv or classical improv, or non western improv? Obviously there are many facets to this improv game.

If NEC might be the closest to what you might want, why don't you talk to the coordinator of the programme? Ask about audition requirements and what the course can offer you in terms of skills and experience. And most importantly, how you as a cellist can fit in the course. Remember you can learn a lot from non cellist improvisers. Also remmber what you're looking for as a cellist is not the norm, so you will have to ask for special consideration wherever you go with tertiary institutions.

Further to that, research teachers, what they're about, whether you might like their teaching style and they have to offer. I know what it's like to find a teacher with philosophies that make sense (Rolf Gjelsten) and its so rewarding.

I've lapped up 3 improv related courses over the last two years: Hindustani classical improv, jazz improv for strings and improv for beginners The closest to what I find ideal in terms of learning how to improvise was through the Indian music course, by far. But it was only through this trial and error process that I could find out what I like, and don't like. SO what I'm trying to say is, research your butt off to get the best of what you want!

Go to Derek Bailey for good understanding on improv, its place in music and the varying approaches to learning the stuff - Improvisation: Its Nature and Practice (1992). I've decided to put private study with Bob Moses (drummer) on my To Do list. Private study with him, apparently, being long discussions over tea and extended jam sessions.

Hmm I hope that was helpful in one way or another! Good luck, let us know how it goes. :)

Hear hear on personal research! There is so much out there right at our fingertips now. I am still processing all the strands of "research" that the 2006 NDCA fest launched me on.....

Have considered looking for college programs but have also considered that for the same kind of finacial outlay a person could pretty much travel all over catching live performances and taking private lessons from whomever they wanted .....
clayman

University and travelling for gigs/private lessons are both valid routes one could take. I'd prefer the latter though! Much more exciting :D

On an unrelated topic though, you have beautiful wedding bowls and tiles, Clayman. If I weren't a poor student I would definitely impulse buy one or two of those baby's!

Check out Fred Sherry. He teaches at Mannes and Juilliard.