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Creative Ability Development
Workshop and Teacher Training
July 22-26 2013 9 am – 5 pm Daily
The Kanack School of Music
2077-2079 S Clinton Avenue
Rochester NY 14618
CAD is a method which uses guided structured improvisation as a tool to develop
the creative part of the brain. Using a system of practiced free improvisation over
given harmonic structures, CAD develops skills unique to its system. The most
powerful skill development in CAD is a heightened unique musicality. In addition
students play better in tune, have more relaxed technique, greater facility,
confidence, theoretical understanding, etc.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures, observe students live,
hone their own improvisatory skills, and practice teach with Kanack School
students.
The five day course will include:
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CAD Pedagogical Principles
The theory and scientific basis behind the pedagogy
CAD philosophy
Introductory teaching for beginners of any age
Basic Level teaching for classrooms, group classes and private lessons
Advanced level teaching including string quartet/chamber Improvisation
Development of improvisatory keyboard accompanying skills
After observing CAD students for a week several teachers were asked “What is
the effect of CAD on a student’s playing?”
For once the students are not told “what” or “how” to play, but are allowed to
discover their own unique ideas and style. The freedom of expression developed by
the students spills over into their playing of repertoire. This development of
creative thinking is also bound to influence and help them in all of life’s endeavors.
Raymond Pickens
Pianist, Composer, Teacher
“From what I have seen, the CAD students seem to all share certain
characteristics:
1. A love of the music, their instrument, and what they are doing
2. Wonderful concentration
3. Freedom of movement and expression
4. Self-acceptance
5. A comfort with performing.”
Judith Fletcher
Violinist, Teacher
 “Spontaneous development of vibrato
 Understanding of rhythm, intonation and coordination spontaneously
 In repertoire study these elements are often learned deliberately through
engaging the will. In CAD improvisation, the feeling tone (I think) is
predominant and draws the will indirectly into its service the way music
is supposed to be played. Coordination at the instrument springs from a
musical spontaneous impulse in the “now,” rather than a pre-planned,
controlled execution of a piece.”
Sera Smolen
Cellist, Teacher
“A higher level of artistry and musicality. A great understanding of the
compositional process and structure of the piece. A greater self-confidence and
belief in themselves and music.”
Diane Pielet
Pianist, Teacher
“A CAD student carries much of the freedom he has learned through improvising
into the other music he is studying. I saw many students playing with beautiful
legato – students who would perhaps not be able to have such a sound if it were
strictly “taught.” It also makes a student less afraid to experiment with musical
ideas (indeed to have musical ideas!) within the given rules. Also – they probably
learn more useful theory than any traditional student – The fact that a piece of
music is in G major means very little, unless you have played, freely, in that key –
and really gotten to know its “taste.” Also – I was amazed that some pianists who
tend to have poor arm and hand position in lessons – did everything right in CAD.”
Kevin Jacobs
Pianist, Teacher
“CAD frees up inhibited playing and encourages a more natural organic response
to the instrument.”
Laurie Uguccioni
Pianist, Teacher
 “When a student is free to express, when he has shed fear, when all musical
choices are acceptable, there can be nothing left but improvement.
 Improvisation is what allows the brain to expand, to develop, to search.
Through CAD, the children learn to improvise through one exercise at a
time. The rules are few and simple, but the possibilities for improvisation
are endless.
 Because they are not criticized, their performance is strictly their own
personal statement, expressed with poise and received with applause.”
Karen Schwartz
Pianist, Teacher