The extended drum kit: A study of techniques and approaches in free improvisational contexts and their influence on contemporary compositions

I had my first experiences of free improvisation early in my undergraduate studies at the
University of Huddersfield. Improvisation classes led by Philip Thomas and Simon H Fell in
my first year introduced me to the concept of improvisation without any kind of stylistic
conventions, sparking my interest in and enthusiasm for free improvisation. Following this, I
then attended the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival for the first time in 2014,
experiencing free improvisation for the first time in a live setting at a performance by
vocalist Phil Minton and double bassist Simon H Fell.