Author Identifier

Jude Iddison's ORCID record ORCID Logo

Date of Award

2026

Keywords

violin, improvisation, classical, diverse-genres, Shenzo Gregorio, Sign of Four, collaboration

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

First Supervisor

Matthew Styles

Second Supervisor

Jonathan Paget

Abstract

This autoethnographic practice-led research project documents the journey of expanding my classical violin practice with the aim of developing improvisational fluency in a range of musical styles. Building upon findings and strategies outlined in my honours thesis, which centred on the artistry of Australian cross-genre violinist Shenzo Gregorio (Shenton Gregory), this doctoral study is underpinned by an iterative cyclic process of critical observation, reflection and analysis and an examination of literature.

Knowledge gained through one-on-one, aural-based, practical violin-improvisation instruction with Gregorio was applied within collaboration with the evolving string ensemble, Sign of Four. Further, combining this tuition and collaboration with rigorous creative practice and the creation of original compositions, was fundamental in developing the performances that constituted the major creative output through which the effectiveness of the emerging improvisational fluency was evaluated.

Permeating the study was an iterative, cyclic process of critical observation and reflection that identified and addressed improvisational hesitancies experienced through the lens of a classically-trained violinist. The insights gained through the combined practical and academic components of this research provide an invaluable musicological and pedagogical resource bolstering the scant literature available for classical violinists aspiring to develop a creative multi genre improvisatory practice.

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.25958/436t-b459