Masterclass by David Dolan on 30 Aug

I attended David Dolan's masterclass at Callaway Music auditorium last Saturday. The masterclass was about "Classical Improvisation" and it was carried out in a friendly, intimate manner, which I loved. Before this masterclass, I believed that I wouldn't and should't change a thing about classical pieces written by great composers and I saw the music as a complete, impeccable work, demannding strong fidelity to the score. David Dolan inspired me to boaden my view to see classical music and helped me realise it is often necessary to explore classical music with my own uniqueness and creativity (especially when there is a repeat sign!). Below are some of the main points Dolan explained and discussed with the audience:

- what classical improvisation is
- why people are afraid of improvising classical music
- wrong notes make musical journey worth living for
- how to perform fresh/different each time
- the repeat sign asks us to improvise
- 'active listening' as a key to improvisation in an ensemble

After a short lecture/discussion, Dolan demonstrated how to  improvise as a solo performer and also in an emsemble by inviting some of the musicians in the audience.

Dolan's masterclass turned my ordinary weekend into an extraordinary one!