Episode 18: Douglas Finch

Professor Douglas Finch

Photo by David Yeo

Douglas Finch is a pianist, composer and most impressively a genius improviser, possessing the ability to weave multiple melodies together in real-time, colouring them with distinctive harmonies. He's a Professor of Piano & Composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London.

Timestamps:

(0:31) Early Psychologist aspirations

(9:19) The Lost Art of Improvisation

(15:11) 'Successful' improvisation

(16:56) Judging Improvisation competitions

(25:32) 'Stacking ammo': Eminem's brainstorming style

(31:57) Improvisation and music problem-solving

(40:05) Being Head of Keyboard at Trinity Laban (1999-2007)

(43:39) Tough leadership decisions

(45:28) Solitude

(52:18) "Friendship to you is...."