The acquisition of sound skills and strategies for teaching free improvisation: impact of an educational program on initial teacher training

Numerous researchers and educators have identified musical improvisation as a strategy with significant benefits for musical learning. Nevertheless, many educators are reluctant to use it due to insufficient preparation and skills. This study aims to assess the impact of a training programme designed to equip future teachers with tools and resources related to free or non-idiomatic improvisation. A single factor within-subjects design with repeated pre-post measures was employed, involving 36 students from a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Two questionnaires were administered, and three focus groups were conducted. The findings revealed: 1) a reduction in emotional discomfort and an increase inconfidence and group cohesion; 2) a greater openness and inclination towardspractices of exploration, experimentation, and deep listening; and 3) a shift from a traditionalist view of music to a stronger connection with contemporary music.These results underscore the necessity of further integrating improvisation intoinitial teacher training.