Improvising voices: practices, techniques and experiences of free vocal improvisation in the community

Free vocal improvisation is frequently utilised by music practitioners and educators as an accessible, immediate and creative way for people to experience their voice and music-making. Yet, there is a lack of research into the process and outcomes of this practice. Although singing, more generally, has been widely researched, with much focus on its benefits, there is a need for a more nuanced account of participants’ experiences. Approaches to free vocal improvisation have been under-represented; understanding the application and effects of the improvisation techniques used is needed to inform the work of current and future practitioners.