Introduction to Improvisation | Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom

In this video series, Berklee Online instructors Krystal Prime Banfield and David Alexis talk in depth about contemporary and culturally rich teaching techniques for popular music in a classroom setting. Throughout the series, they cover topics ranging from teaching improvisation, songwriting, and composition to suggestions on how to model instructional approaches. You will learn how to guide and work with your students in multiple settings, how to play to the strengths and weaknesses of the students, and how to evaluate and refine your teaching skills.

About Krystal Prime Banfield and David Alexis:
Krystal Prime Banfield is the Vice President for Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship at Berklee College of Music, where she oversees Berklee City Music, a world-leading creative youth development program in contemporary music, dance, musical theater, entrepreneurship, and music production. Banfield has held several positions at Berklee since 2006 and has more than 30 years of experience as an executive in higher education administration, nonprofit arts management, and instruction.

David Alexis teaches Vocal Ensemble with Improvisation 1: R&B, Harmony 2, Harmony 3, and Music Application and Theory at Berklee College of Music. He is also a renowned singer, sharing stages with Jennifer Holiday, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Tremaine Hawkins, and Common, among many others. Appearing at venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ryle’s, the Wang Center, Shubert Theatre, and Madison Square Garden, he has performed with 3 Mo' Tenors and played roles in “Anything Goes,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and Boston’s famous “Black Nativity.”

About Berklee Online:
Berklee Online is the continuing education division of Berklee College of Music, delivering online access to Berklee's acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world, offering online courses, certificate programs, and degree programs. Contact an Academic Advisor today:
1-866-BERKLEE (US)
1-617-747-2146 (international callers)

Music Education | Teaching Music in the Classroom | Krystal Prime Banfield | Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship | City Music | Contemporary Music | Dance | Musical Theater | Entrepreneurship | Music production | David Alexis | Improvisation | Songwriting | Composition | Instructional Approaches | Berklee | Berklee College of Music | Berklee Online

[beverlysullivan]

Dr. Krystal Prime Banfield is an asset to Berklee and I am certain they recognize what they have in her broad spectrum of expertise and experience in upper management at the collegiate level! Her interview here was stunningly presented! Dr. Banfield has enhanced Berklee's City Music Program in countless ways. She is the consummate porsessional who can work with hi-level, intricate projects and sees them through to a seamless finality. She is a great resource, Kind-hearted, Indefatigable, open to listen and make hi-stake decisions which can be proven by reading her outstanding track record. Dr. Banfield's ability to work with persons in every walk of life makes her an extremely valuable resource! Berklee's City Music Program has taken on new development from her ideas for the future. Her tenacity is to b e admired. She's been recruited to other colleges & universities around the world but, as Dr. Banfield says, "Berklee and Boston became part of me when I moved here from Minnesota" where she completed her Doctoral work at St. Thomas University in Minnesota. She works well with persons of all ages & stations in life and her professionalism is something to be admired! She has a "gift" & reputation for working well with others across the nation and around the world! Dr. Banfield eats & sleeps Berklee! "Best of everything to you Dr. Banfield!" 💞
💞 😊 💙 💜 ❤️ 💕 🧡