Group Performance Paradigms in Free Improvisation

This article proposes four paradigms of group performance in free improvisation: 1) sound composition; 2) social communication; 3) ‘parallel play’; and 4) ‘one beast with many heads’. While these paradigms are identifiably different, they are often engaged flexibly and/or in combination; and, importantly, it is very possible for the same performance to be experienced or interpreted by different performers or listeners according to different paradigm perspectives. After providing some background and defining key terms, the four paradigms are introduced and discussed; connections with, and departures from, the existing literature are considered, followed by analysis of illustrative examples of each of the four paradigms drawn from the broader field of sonic and electroacoustic improvisation. To conclude, further larger-scale research potential for furthering this investigation is identified.