Music Improv Workshop

With Seth Ford-Young (Phi-Psonics, Tom Waits, Rocco DeLuca & more)
Tuesdays · September 8, 15, 22, 29 · 6:30–8:00 PM
Healing Force of the Universe, Pasadena

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. All instruments and all levels welcome.

Los Angeles has one of the richest improvisational music scenes in the world - full of talented 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

What You’ll Do

Play with new people and discover new musical expressions Follow group prompts designed to inspire new ways to approach your instrument 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 Mondays: September 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30–8:00 PM (90 min each session) $140 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!