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Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of Guelph

Andrew Sproule is an undergraduate student studying music at the University of Guelph, specializing in jazz and improvisation. His research endeavors have been varied in diverse disciplines of musicology, most recently in 20th Century Music. His recent publication with the University of Guelph’s undergraduate research journal Critical Voices analyzed Kiri Miller’s findings regarding participatory culture in various media outlets including Grand Theft Auto, Guitar Hero, and YouTube. Combined with a largely jazz-oriented musical background and his ongoing participation with The University of Guelph’s Contemporary Music Ensemble led by Joe Sorbara, his recent musical activities have shaped Andrew’s perspective on both improvisation and creativity. This has inspired him to dive deeper in an effort to shed light on the importance of improvisation in music and society.

Improvisation is, simply put, being and living this very moment. No one can hide in music, and improvising in music is to be truly in this very moment and being completely yourself, with all your qualities and faults. It is probably the most honest state for a human being to be in.

– John McLaughlin in an interview with Daniel Fischlin.