What is
Creative Ability Development?
Creative Ability Development (CAD) is exactly what it sounds like! On the surface, it looks like a musical improvisation class. But at the Kanack School, CAD informs everything we do.
Creative Ability Development is a pedagogical system which uses disciplined musical improvisation to develop the creative part of the brain, to heighten each student’s innate musicality, and to enhance creative ability across multiple intellectual pursuits.
Photo by Azalea Dietz
How does
CAD work?
The pedagogical purpose of CAD is to teach unique self-expression or musicality. Its philosophical purpose is to develop the ethical character of artistry in every student, which is the search for, and expression of, truth and beauty. CAD teaches students how to create together and share ideas, and inspires in each student a non-competitive internal drive for excellence.
The CAD Method is based on the simple idea that by repeatedly presenting the brain with a creative problem, we can strengthen the neural pathways which are responsible for creative solutions. Recent research into the brain seems to help explain how the process of creativity works in the brain to solve problems. Using music as a language and improvisation as a tool, we can replicate the creative process repeatedly through group games and solo exercises. Through this kind of disciplined practice of the CAD Method, all students can develop their innate creativity to a very high level.
Photo by Norah Gebel
