Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.
While digitising a family film from 1968, I rediscovered something that struck me as a violist and educator: the soundtrack was not written down. It was improvised.
The music was created by Wouter Blacquière, then a young teacher and musician, who improvised freely on familiar Dutch children’s songs while watching the film. His spontaneous playing follows every movement, every smile, every little discovery of a curious child exploring the world.
Watching it reminded me that improvisation was once a natural part of being a musician. Long before we became so dependent on the printed page, musicians created, reacted, listened and invented in the moment.
Perhaps we should encourage our students to do this more often. Improvisation develops listening, imagination, confidence and musical freedom, qualities that enrich every performer, whatever instrument they play.
Sometimes looking back helps us move forward.