There are many things to be learned and observed in free, intuitive improvisation: from scales, rhythms, to the instant composing of the form, and before all, “the Art of Listening” to each other. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding ways of music making today, and it stimulates the creative spirit of everyone.

Markus Stockhausen will be working with musicians of all musical styles on improvisation with a special emphasis on the intuitive. In doing so, participants will explore creativity and awareness, musical knowledge and feeling, focussing on the practical element, including ear training and short exercises in meditation also. Requirement: Participants have to bring their own instruments.

“Intuitive Music for me is the most challenging and also most rewarding way of making music today, because everything is decided on the spot. It goes beyond improvisation, which mostly happens in a certain expected style, on a song, on a chosen rhythm, a harmonic pattern etc. Intuitive music for me has no stylistic boundaries, it should ideally be fresh, music of this very moment. Everything is decided right now. It demands all your musical skills, the technical and the musical qualities, your fantasy and creative spirit. As a player you need a very still and open mind, and even more open ears, to perceive something beyond your personal limitations. Sometimes you play things that are new even to yourself. Especially in a group of players new music comes that otherwise could have never been composed or imagined.”