A Sign Language for Conducted Improvisation

This opening chapter introduces the topic of this book, Soundpainting, which is often defined as a multidisciplinary live composing sign language. In this book, Soundpainting is conceptualized as a sign language for conducted improvisation that can be used to frame and organize creative, social interactions. The book aims to elucidate how and why Soundpainting “works” as a communication framework for creative interactions in and beyond music. The cognitive basis of conducted improvisation is introduced as a capacity for gestural communication, and the historical emergence of conducted improvisation and Soundpainting is covered. An overview of the research publications and other media about Soundpainting is provided, along with an explanation of the fundamental rules and conventions of Soundpainting, offering readers a basic understanding of the sign language. The chapter concludes with an overview of the chapters in this book.