© 2003-2010 Esmée Olthuis
Esmée Olthuis
De Cobra Method is a so called ‘game piece’: a composition with rules of play. The conductor – the workshop’s organizer and the musicians themselves alternate – composes on the spot in cooperation with the improvising musicians. The Cobra method is used by amateur and professional musicians alike, but is also used by students in high- and even elementary school. The method is used by both musicians and non musicians and is a great way of improvising with a big group and composing contemporary music on the spot. This ‘game’ is dynamic and challenging and leaves ample room for each ‘player’s’ personal touch.
Each participant can embrace sound to its fullest extent and use it in his or her own way. For instance, apart from the instrument, vocals, percussive sounds and ‘body-percussion’ (for instance: the sound of footsteps or the sound of closing a zipper) can be utilized.
Through this game, the players are stimulated to use their creativity in the most effective manner possible, to cooperate and to employ a specific form of concentration. The COBRA group consists of fifteen players maximum, who require no experience with improvisation or musical skill at all.