Improvisation/Composition classes Melbourne
It is with pleasure that Melbourne Music Education is currently offering Improvisation and Composition classes conducted by Dr. Mikhail Dumnov (Misha). Misha is a composer, performer, and teacher. He was initially trained
in music performance and composition in the former USSR, where he grew up. Mikhail started
working as a composer in film, theatre, and contemporary art music in 2001 whilst living in
Melbourne, Australia. Since 2003 Dr. Dumnov has taught violin in a variety of styles and
contexts, from classical to various Eastern folk traditions as well as various pop and dance
genres. Mikhail moved to Edinburgh in 2011 and has toured Europe and Australia as a band
frontman - he has been known in the UK for songwriting and vocal/violin work with his band
BOBOK, as well as an improviser-violinist. Dr. Dumnov has recently completed a PhD in
Composition at the University of Edinburgh. A small part of his Mini-Ballet "Bird Dances",
entitled "A Flurry of Calls" was performed by Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 2018. Mikhail
frequently performs in free-improv events across Europe. and Australia and continues to teach
Composition, Violin and Improvisation in Melbourne, having returned there in September
2019. He is the author of a new improvisation pedagogy method and continues practice-based
research in this field. Current (2020) work includes film soundtracks and new composition
commissions from Southern Cross Orchestra and Orquestra Marga Marga(Chile), as well as a
commission from the City of Melbourne for LaMama Theatre. Dr. Dumnov will be appearing
(online) as guest lecturer at the University of Kansas in February 2021.
Improvisation/ Composition classes are currently open for any instrument and any music discipline/style:
Class structure generally as follows:
-- Assessment, exploratory work 10 mins
-- Lesson concept (different focus for each session) 5-10 mins
-- Introduction to exercise of the week 5-10 mins
-- Improvisation with focus on exercise given 1/2 "jams" of 5 mins each
-- Feedback/ Instructions on work/improvement required
-- Another improvisation, reacting to feedback 10 min
-- Conclusion 5 min
--Setting tasks for the week, including notes from the session and setting exercises to work on during the week 5mins
Lessons can be either individual for 60 minutes or group lessons of 2-3 students running at 80 minute sessions.
Group lessons will be subject to availability and number of students.
Improvisation classes that are held in groups will have individual feedback for participants.
Improvisation and Composition classes in various styles including Balkans, Klezmer, Jazz, Blues and Rock. Misha specialises in particular Balkans and Klezmer music but can teach improvisation and composition in any music style.
Please note: Improvisation and Composition classes are usually suitable for those 18 years and above who have some basic prior music knowledge. However, these classes are also open to younger students (as young as 13 years) provided they are proficient in their musical instrument.
For further information about Misha’s teaching methodology (To Kyma Improvisation Pedagogy) go to:
https://parrotfish-orchid-85d8.squarespace.com/to-kyma-improvisation-pedagogy
Ready to start your first lesson?
Prices for Improvisation/Composition classes at the Melbourne studio are:
One-on-one lessons (60 minutes) - $69
Group of 2 students (80 minutes) – $92
Group of 3 students (80 minutes) – $115
