Father of Invention

Don Preston shares memories of Frank Zappa, as well as tips on improvising with electronic music.

By Jeff Friedman
Berklee.edu Correspondent
October 31, 2007

Composer, pianist, and pioneering Minimoog master Don Preston visited David Friend Recital Hall September 26 for a clinic sponsored by Berklee's Professional Writing and Music Technology divisions. Among many other noteworthy career highlights, Preston is probably best known for his mid-1960s synthesizer work with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, making him one of the first, if not the first, to use a synthesizer in a rock context. During the clinic, Preston discussed Zappa's methods of composing and performing, as well as his experiences with composer Carla Bley. He spoke about their influence on his own approach to composing, improvising, and bandleading. He also graced the attendees with demonstrations of his concepts at the piano and the synthesiser.

Preston preparing to play an improvised electronic piece. Preston spoke of the need to control ensemble improvisation by finding ways to have the players not play.   Preston played Frank Zappa's composition "The Little House I Used to Live In" to demonstrate polyrhythms. His Minimoog is in the background. Preston emphasized the need to master technique in order to not have to "think" while creating. To ensure that he's prepared for all eventualities, he travels with an extra hand, just in case!

Jeff Friedman is a professor in Berklee's Jazz Composition Department.