Creative Ability Development

What is Creative Ability Development?
Creative Ability Development (CAD) is a method for developing uninhibited creativity. Unlike methods which set up elaborate rules, CAD strives to give the students only the most necessary structure within which to freely improvise and express themselves. CAD philosophy keeps in mind the one most important rule: "There is no such thing as a mistake."

Alice formulated her ideas in CAD first through a scientific analysis of the writings of creative geniuses in all fields. She then developed musical improvisational games that improve the musicality and technique of students, as well as increasing their motivation through the enjoyment of creating original music.

Books:

Creative Ability Development, by Alice Kay Kanack

Musical Improvisation for Children, by Alice Kay Kanack

What is the effect of CAD on a Student's Playing?
"From what I have seen, the CAD students seem to all share certain characteristics:
1. A love of the music, their instrument, and what they are doing
2. Wonderful concentration
3. Freedom of movement and expression
4. Self-acceptance
5. A comfort with performing."

Judith Fletcher Violinist, Teacher

• Spontaneous development of vibrato
• Understanding of rhythm, intonation and coordination spontaneously
• In repertoire study these elements are often learned deliberately through engaging the will. In CAD improvisation, the feeling tone (I think) is predominant and draws the will indirectly into its service the way music is supposed to be played. Coordination at the instrument springs from a musical spontaneous impulse in the "now," rather than a pre-planned, controlled execution of a piece."

Sera Smolen Cellist, Teacher

"A higher level of artistry and musicality. A great understanding of the compositional process and structure of the piece. A greater self-confidence and belief in themselves and music."

Dana Pielet Pianist, Teacher

"A CAD student carries much of the freedom he has learned through improvising into the other music he is studying. I saw many students playing with beautiful legato - students who would perhaps not be able to have such a sound if it were strictly "taught." It also makes a student less afraid to experiment with musical ideas (indeed to have musical ideas!) within the given rules. Also - they probably learn more useful theory than any traditional student - The fact that a piece of music is in G major means very little, unless you have played, freely, in that key - and really gotten to know its "taste." Also - I was amazed that some pianists who tend to have poor arm and hand position in lessons - did everything right in CAD. "

Kevin Jacobs Pianist, Teacher

"CAD frees up inhibited playing and encourages a more natural organic response to the instrument."

Laurie Uguccioni Pianist, Teacher

• "When a student is free to express, when he has shed fear, when all musical choices are acceptable, there can be nothing left but improvement.
• Improvisation is what allows the brain to expand, to develop, to search. Through CAD, the children learn to improvise through one exercise at a time. The rules are few and simple, but the possibilities for improvisation are endless.
• Because they are not criticized, their performance is strictly their own personal statement, expressed with poise and received with applause."

Karen Schwartz Pianist, Teacher