Just Making It Up: Structure and Spontaneity in Music and Teaching

William Allaudin Mathieu (born in 1937) is a consummate musician, pianist, composer, author, and teacher — and, my view, one of the most influential musicians his generation. In early twenties he composed music for Kenton Ellington Big Bands, was founding musical director famed Second City Chicago (Improv Theater) pioneer 1960s application theater improvisation games into sphere. He author four books, including best selling "The Listening Book" (1991). teaching career spanning more than fifty years, has been an important influence guide to many worldwide. 
 As I demonstrate throughout this essay, W.A. reminds us that highlighting world we must be careful not romanticize spontaneity, doing so might well involve our falling trap dualistic thinking separates if excludes such activity from composition. Overall, implores reflect deeply about false dichotomies as improvisation/composition, by extension think broadly perils general. exploring themes discussion improvisation, highlight some ways which can begin draw connections between Mathieu’s ideas usefulness pedagogy education beyond.