I Accidentally Took a Musical Improv Class
Recently, I received an email from Second City about their series of free drop-in improv classes that they were offering. I figured it would be fun to sign up for one on a day that I am available. After a couple years of not taking a class, I really missed it, and wanted to revamp those improv skills again.
I arrived at the training center and upon searching for the classroom, I realized my error…I had inadvertently signed up for Musical Improv!
As the horror set in, I wanted to get out of there and go home. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t paid attention to that little detail while signing up for the class. Before I made the moves to bolt, I peeked into the classroom and saw one person sitting in there looking like they are ready to start the class and I chose to stick around.
Why did I stay? I wanted to have the creative outlet that day regardless of the medium outside my realm of skills. I had already mentally prepared myself for improv, just not to the musical scale. It also felt rude to leave when I realized my mistake mere seconds before the instructor walked in. The instructor also naturally built a welcoming and safe environment, which was the purpose of the class.
What was the class like?
The class took in the collective experiences of everyone and started with a warm up exercise of spacial awareness. All we had to do was move along to the music playing on the piano and really use up the space we are in. We then moved onto taking improvised phrases and singing them. We built up on that skill through variations until the finally building on a (verse + chorus)x2 with a partner.
Overall Thoughts from the class:
- I still have to think on my feet as I am speaking…or singing
- Great, now we have to rhyme
- Just like regular improv, active listening is crucial, now with paying attention to music patterns coming from the pianist
- So glad that I can carry a tune. 30+ years as a musician helped.
- The camaraderie among students with different skill levels is the best part of class
- I had more fun when I let go of the fear.
- My audible memory was definitely tested when I had to repeat the chorus that my scene partner created
- Refined my skills in thinking on my feet, confidence, and proper projection of my voice
I wouldn’t mind taking another musical improv class in the future. Although, I do want to get back into regular improv classes first.
