Playing ad lib : improvisatory music in Australia 1836-1970

John Whiteoak
Published by Currency Press (1999)

ISBN: 086819543x

Are you a Monash author?

If you are:

a member of the Monash community; and
have published, or are about to publish a book.

Let us know about it by
emailing: authors@monash.edu

Borrow it: Monash University Library members can borrow this book. View the catalogue record for details.

Buy it: This book may be available from the Monash University Bookshop.

Book description
In this ground breaking history of music-making in Australia, Dr John Whiteoak explores the importance of improvisatory musical practices in a country famous for its ingenuity and self reliance. Starting from the 1830s, the book explores the improvised performances of musicians in concert and in the circus, theatre and dancehall, in the cinema and the Church. It charts the influences both direct and indirect of African American music from the blackface minstrel show through ragtime to new forms of jazz. This provocative study, a heroic work of original research, is enhanced by a wealth of musical examples and contemporary illustrations.

About the author
John Whiteoak is a research associate in the School of Music at Monash University.

Ask a question Phone +61 3 9905 5054 or use our enquiry services ask.monash for Monash students and staff | ask.monash for visitors and alumni.
Your opinion Feedback form for Monash staff and students | Feedback form for visitors and alumni

cover image

Playing ad lib : improvisatory music in Australia 1836-1970
John Whiteoak
Published by Currency Press (1999)

Book description

In this ground breaking history of music-making in Australia, Dr John Whiteoak explores the importance of improvisatory musical practices in a country famous for its ingenuity and self reliance. Starting from the 1830s, the book explores the improvised performances of musicians in concert and in the circus, theatre and dancehall, in the cinema and the Church. It charts the influences both direct and indirect of African American music from the blackface minstrel show through ragtime to new forms of jazz. This provocative study, a heroic work of original research, is enhanced by a wealth of musical examples and contemporary illustrations.

About the Author

John Whiteoak is a research associate in the School of Music at Monash University.

Borrow it: Monash University Library members can borrow this book. View the catalogue record for details.

Buy it: This book can be purchased online from amazon.com

Other publications by Monash staff

[an error occurred while processing this directive]