How Velvet Wells approaches Musical Improv workshops

(Updated June 5 to replace “Studio I/II” with “Musical Improv Primer”)

I love music. While there are songs and artists I enjoy more than others, none make me disdain music across genres or generations. I love performing musically — one song or a whole hour, solo, duo, or ensemble — sign me up!

I want that experience for others

My workshops are grounded in patience — performing to your capacity; being playful with the unexpected; feeling supported by your musical partners

The sessions are one-off to help performers bypass fear enough to perform musically the same day — whether its a musical game, a musical, or even karaoke

I want people to enjoy the discovery of their musicality, without having to worry about The Rules, comparison to others, or their future choral assignment*

Musical Improv Primer

Performers learn the musical fundamentals that also apply to life (Active Listening, Brainstorming, and Collaborating), while embracing the music as their partner and the joy of playing within musical patterns. (Read more)

Musical Directors

It’s a treat to play with musicians — to vibe together is magical

AND

Musical directors are precious commodities in many locations, so with that supply-demand quotient comes additional fees

Backing tracks allow for a variety of musical styles, for performers to go and skill practice at any time, anywhere in the world, and reduce the pressure on musical directors to be encyclopedias

AND

For both vocalists and musicians to get the most from the experience, I believe that both performers need to be skill confident enough to collaborate and share focus

Together we can build a thriving need for more musician inclusion, and more reasons to become one too!

I hope to be part of your musical journey, from the stage or from the audience

* Postscript

I fully support individual desire to explore their professional singing journey, to fulfill your need to know regarding the exacting science, etc. 

If I ever build the slower multi-week curriculum (in the Somedays at this point) or coach individuals or teams, then we can address these goals together