Music Improv Workshop
with Seth Ford-Young
Music Improv Workshop
With Seth Ford-Young (Phi-Psonics, Tom Waits, Rocco DeLuca & more)
Tuesdays · Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 · 6:30–8:00 PM
Healing Force of the Universe, Pasadena
Break out of your routine. Unlock your creativity. Step into the circle. Find your voice.
Whether you’re picking up your instrument for the first time or have been performing for decades, improvisation opens new doors. In this 4-week workshop, you’ll explore rhythm, melody, and texture through hands-on group exercises and creative prompts - designed to inspire fresh sounds, deeper listening, and real-time collaboration.
Los Angeles has one of the richest improvisational music scenes in the world - full of fearless players creating in the moment. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could jump in… but I’m not ready yet” - this workshop is for you. Over four weeks, you’ll gain the skills, ears, and confidence to not only join the conversation but shape it.
From Seth: “This is for composers, singer-songwriters, and instrumentalists who want to open up their ears to new sounds and find ideas, or arrange their pieces. Even in written-out music, there’s room for interpretation - micro-improvs that bring the music to life in a new way.”
Who This Is For
Composers & songwriters seeking new ideas
Performers looking to add nuance and spontaneity
Beginners curious about making music
Experienced players wanting fresh approaches
All instruments and all levels welcome.
What You’ll Do
Play with new people and discover new musical voices
Explore rhythm: from simple to complex
Use improvisation to spark songwriting & arranging ideas
Learn to listen deeply and know when not to play
From Seth: “Students will explore new aspects of their voice and instruments as musicians and the different sounds and approaches one can get out of them. If you’re writing your own music, I hope this will open up different colors and approaches to writing.”
The Format
Small group — 10 students max
4 Tuesdays: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30–8:00 PM (90 min each session), with enough energy left over to catch a show.
$120 for all 4 classes (6 hours total)
Each session:
Q&A and quick setup
Verbal intro to the week’s idea
Group exercises built from custom prompts
Play, explore, and discuss
About Your Teacher – Seth Ford-Young
From his early days as a punk vocalist in DC to performing and recording with Tom Waits, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Dave Harrington, Rocco DeLuca, and The Hot Club of San Francisco, Seth has built a career spanning genres and continents. He currently leads Phi-Psonics (Gondwana Records), crafting music that balances structure and freedom—perfect for guiding musicians into the art of improvisation.
Limited spots available – only 10 participants!
👉 Sign up now