Trust in the Art of Free Improvisation

Trust in Art of Free Improvisation explores how trust manifests across diverse musical genres and contexts that contribute to free improvisation.

Using an interdisciplinary approach which combines insights from sociology, psychology, and performance studies, Trust in Art of Free Improvisation provides a holistic understanding of trust in creative collaboration, audience engagement, and musical flow. The authors substantiate their analyses with commentary from highly respected practitioners and musicians who perform on world stages. Using a theoretical framework grounded in real-world practice, this book offers fresh perspectives on trust in the creative process.

Trust in Art of Free Improvisation will appeal to academics exploring improvisation and musicians in the fields of creativity and communication. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the book, it will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of musicology, artistic research, sociology, psychology and arts education.

Robert Burke (PhD Monash University) is an Associate Professor in Jazz and Improvisation at Monash University and president of the Australasian Jazz and Improvisation Research Network (AJIRN). Robert’s practice and research interests include composition, improvisation and artistic research. His contribution to scholarship lies in asking the question, ’What happens when we improvise?’ Rob has performed on over 300 CDs - 17 as leader.

Andrys Onsman (PhD University of Tasmania, PhD Monash University) has published in a diverse array of academic areas including Music, Indigenous Studies, Architecture and Higher Education where his work has been widely cited. He has played and composed music for performance, film and television, and theatre. He has written numerous plays and essays as well as two volumes of poetry. He is currently an adjunct Associate Professor at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music at Monash University.