This course examines many different approaches to improvisation practiced by musicians throughout the world and the various genres, repertoires, and performance styles connected with these approaches. Our topics will include some of the more popular subjects—jazz, Indian classical music, and modal improvisation practices—as well as less traveled areas, such as song dueling, dance/drum dialogues, praise-song performance, the Persian radif, and simulated improvisation. Students will also critically examine the sociocultural associations of improvisatory practices, and the concept of “improvisation” in relation to “composition.” A basic knowledge of Western music notation, and the willingness to participate in ensemble music-making, are both required.