ALP/Playground
Approach &
Methodology
The ALP/Playground Approach is a communication / play methodology developed from a personal authentic research by composer Keren Rosenbaum (Reflexive Music - a synesthetic music & music notation experience (synesthesia: a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway). It is grounded on 3 commitments the player in an Active listening Playground adopts and intimates in every moment.
The ALP Tools (Reflexive Visual Music Scores) are using an original technique, very much like a code , that can be practiced like a by professionals and non-professionals alike. The set of exercises practices a reflexive (two-direction) interpersonal communication mind-set that comes in handy to increase creativity, peak performance, positivity and a strong sense of engagement and meaning in the moment that can sustain by shifting our focus and implementing playfulness (internal play) approach to life and the sense of flow (pulsation) that connects with every element of the well-being all around. (Salutogenesis approach - positive psychology).
With the ALP/Playground tools we start to establish an Inner awareness in real-time and apply that awareness towards establishing healthy relationships with other people and the environment. Exposing participants to a series of simple, hands-on, exercises (we refer to them as scales and etudes, same like in music practice) We can produce an environment where each participant finds space to discover and express an authentic voice while constructing personal and collective meaning.
The ALP Approach is internationally practiced and integrated into schools, academies, social organizations, communities and refugee camps around the world.We compose an ever-increasing global community of active listeners using Reflexive Music and by creating distinctive Active Listening Playgrounds. Rosenbaum has been commissioned to compose communities for art institutions, universities, and Not-for-Profit and commercial organizations. Each playground represents a unique event, specifically tailored to the needs of the community seeking composition.We focus on finding instead of searching.
We loop actions with reactions in a circular mode. Within the ALP Approach we refer to this process as Reflexive Music. The “music” is everything that happens in the action, reaction, and the in-between. Here, the term “music” extends beyond what we know from the world of instruments, orchestras, or choirs. It refers to each movement, sound, and intention in the action-reaction event.
The ALP/Playground approach allows us to explore the possibilities within this space of action and reaction from multiple perspectives. We call this extended layering of perspectives the “I-YOU-WE-WORLD” within each individual in an ALP situation has four choices: they can listen, they can lead, they can compose, they can perform or produce. With the ALP Tools we claim the freedom of choosing our own time and place to create, in a supportive and safe environment.This safety operates on three principles.We begin to experience a healthy balance between these fluid roles. We practice imitating, observing, initiating - the stances which allow individuals and communities to form meaning and engage in heartfelt interaction.
The Playground is a literal metaphor for an environment in which each individual in a group can find a way to express, connect and play. With the ALP Tools we transform into leaders, develop creativity, work in a team, learn to let go, and become strong followers.
Reflexive Music
Visual Score
An original and innovative notation technique used to create Reflexive Music. The Reflex Invisible Score, developed by composer, interdisciplinary artist and performer Keren Rosenbaum since 1992. The original arranging and scoring of events creates a surprising integration of sound, visual play and physicality. The method also incorporates lighting, video, and interactive mediums in new technology. The unfolding of the score allows for a simultaneity in multiple events that becomes a completely unique experience and opens up the boundaries of musical expression.
Using outside triggers such as earphone triggers visual triggers, movement triggers and others. The invisible score notation requires of performers an improvisatory freedom in a very strict structural environment. The performers follow internal inspirations to respond and engage in conversations and at the same time are interrupted by earphone triggers that force them into an invisible structure.
The triggered events are notated and allows a much advance manipulation of the composition and at the same time affects and influences the improvised outcome. This ongoing project has been successfully performed and practiced by Reflex Ensemble members as well as many performers and students around the world. As a practice, it fascinates with its complexity and immediacy, and as a performance it is constantly surprising as it reveals the human-ness within structure.
The REFLEX INVISIBLE SCORE Technique was published in the book Notations 21 book by Theresa Sauer in 2009. The original notation and music scores became the foundation ALP Approach and the ALP Tools are all based on Reflexive Music Scores originally performed by the Reflex Ensemble. ALP (Active Listening Playground) Approach can be learned and practiced in the Reflexive Music Academy founded under Composing Community Global Organization.
