Kaye Barker (United Kingdom) “Improvising With Our Favourite Things”
A VDM Masterclass
This masterclass will explore how we can find inspiration from the objects around us. We will discover how the information we gather from tactile exploration can aid us in developing a more nuanced 'touch' when improvising on the piano.
I aim to give participants a new way of approaching improvisation that does not depend on advanced knowledge of western classical harmony. We can prepare by gathering a few favourite objects which differ in texture, weight and size. After the class, participants will understand better the importance of 'touch' when improvising and how using everyday objects can be a fun way of approaching this topic.
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Kaye Barker is a holder of the Diplôme Supérieur in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and graduated in 2022 after studying in Geneva, Switzerland. Before starting her Dalcroze studies, Kaye was a professional violinist and member of the BBC Philharmonic. After this she joined the Bridge String Quartet, which performed on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. She was appointed Head of Strings for Ealing Music Service and later Head of Music at Gumley House School FCJ in West London.
Since 2018, she has focused entirely on studying and teaching Dalcroze. She currently teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics on the String & Brass Training Programme at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and for Dalcroze UK’s Teacher Training programme. She teaches on Dalcroze UK’s Spring Courses & Summer Schools, has given workshops in Singapore and has taught for Dalcroze Australia and Dalcroze Shanghai. She won the Aletheia prize (2020), which was awarded for her Diplôme Supérieur choreography.
Masterclass #45 was originally given on November 15/16, 2025.
Improvisation: improvisation, creativity, recorded music, texture, improvising with objects
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