This is an ensemble course for approximately 8-10 students, (4-5 from Jazz and 4-5 from Mannes). Ideally there would be 2 pianists (1 from Jazz & 1 from Mannes). The objective of the course is to identify, unlock and expand the improvisational skills students’ already possess. The core value of the course is to develop and foster a meaningful common improvisational language and engage students from Mannes & Jazz in a supportive performance environment. The course will follow two main threads. I) Students will work in rotating pairs (or a trio if numbers require it), developing short compositional sketches which focus on one or two musical constructs (theme, rhythmic variation, form, texture/scene) II) Mannes students will be encouraged to present repertoire that can be analyzed to identify pathways for improvisation in their respective duos. Jazz students will work collaboratively in this analysis, contributing and exploring approaches to developing harmony, rhythm, form and texture. This is an elective ensemble so accordingly, final composition of class will be at the discretion of faculty instructor.