A Look Into the World of Improvisation | Interview with Elias Kiefer

Elias Kiefer is a pianist and composer from Germany. With a background in jazz piano, which he studied at the University of Music in Stuttgart, Elias has developed a distinctive voice in the world of neoclassical improvisation. What sets his compositions apart is that his entire creative process is rooted in improvisation. In this blog interview, we dive into Elias's unique approach to music-making and explore the emotional depth and spontaneity that improvisation offers.

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Elias, your music feels like a conversation - spontaneous and personal. Instead of writing pieces in a traditional way, you create them through improvisation. Have you always worked like this, or was there a moment that led you to this approach?

I didn’t actually start this way. It really changed during my studies. I used to compose, but one day I just decided to stop writing and simply started playing. It felt more honest. I’ve been using the method of improvising ever since then, and it just feels right to me.

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When you sit down at the piano to improvise, do you have an idea of where you’re going, or do you just let the music lead you?

Usually, I have no plan. And that’s the beauty of it. I just play and see where it takes me. The first note tells me what the next one should be. I prefer staying in the moment. That’s also the reason why I actually rarely listen back to my own music. It often ends up making me feel unsure.

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Some people might think improvising means just pressing random keys, but there’s a difference between exploring and creating something meaningful. What do you think makes the difference?

Intention. Even if it’s simple, when it comes from a real place, it connects. Random sounds don’t do that. And to decide which ideas are worth keeping, I try to see if something moves me while I’m playing. Then, I hit record. If I still feel it a few days later, I decide to develop it.

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For people who don’t play music, how would you describe what it feels like to improvise? What’s going on in your mind and body while you play?

It’s like dreaming while awake. Your hands just know where to go. Every improvisation is a surprise. I never plan what I’m going to play.

The music always takes its own shape. I would describe improvising as feeling both free and focused at the same time.

‍If someone wanted to try improvising but felt nervous about it, what’s the best way to start?

I would say start small. Just play one note and listen. Don’t judge it. Let the next note come naturally. It can happen that you feel stuck at some point. When that happens, what I like to do is breathe, stop thinking, and just play one honest note. That usually helps to overcome writer’s block.

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Watch Elias Kiefer's improvisation with live audience in the Andante Piano Studios

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