"I've always been interested in shaping music in odd ways, with odd riffs and that's been probably something that I've continued on with my studies with improvisation as I'm working with people"

Roscoe Mitchell, a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz and improvised music, provides a glimpse into his artistic viewpoint with this quote. His declaration underscores a long-lasting devotion to checking out the non-traditional within music composition and performance. "Shaping music in odd methods" recommends a non-traditional approach, highlighting development over adherence to developed norms. Mitchell's interest in "odd riffs" shows a desire to press the borders of melody, harmony, and rhythm, introducing elements that might appear non-traditional or unanticipated to the listener.

The reference to his "studies with improvisation" shows a deep dedication to the practice of spontaneously creating music. Improvisation is a foundation of jazz, enabling artists to express individuality and engage dynamically with fellow musicians. For Mitchell, this practice is not static however an ongoing part of his creative journey-- a constant knowing experience that progresses with each partnership. His option of the word "research studies" suggests a disciplined technique, seeing improvisation as a field abundant with possibilities to check out instead of a set of discovered strategies.

In addition, Mitchell's mention of "dealing with individuals" highlights the collaborative nature of jazz and improvisational music. In this context, shaping music in "odd ways" can be seen as a collective exploration, where each musician contributes unique ideas to the innovative process. This interaction not just challenges each individual to believe beyond standard limitations but likewise cultivates a shared experience of discovery and development.

In essence, Mitchell's quote encapsulates a viewpoint of continuous exploration and boundary-pushing within music. His dedication to odd, innovative musical expressions and the collective nature of jazz improvisation speaks with a broader creative mission: to expand the horizons of what music can be and motivate others to do the same within interconnected innovative spaces.