No Wrong Notes: Music Improvisation for Everyone
Ever wonder what it feels like to play freely with other people, without rules or wrong notes? This workshop invites people of all backgrounds and skill levels to experience collective music improvisation as a vibrant social activity and a tool for community building.
Led by Brooklyn-based vocalist, composer, and educator Kyoko Kitamura, this fun and welcoming session uses music as a way to connect people. You’ll start with simple exercises including breathing, long tones, and rhythmic games that help you tune in to the musicians around you and discover how much you can express without saying a word.
From there, you’ll explore visual and graphic scores inspired by the Scratch Orchestra’s philosophy of inclusivity — think drawings and symbols instead of traditional sheet music — that invite everyone to become both player and composer at the same time. As a group, we will listen, respond, and create together.
No instrument? No problem! Bring whatever you play, or just bring yourself. No musical background is required, and players of all levels are welcome. If you’re a more advanced musician, this is a great opportunity to explore ensemble leading, conducting, and non-verbal communication with other players.
About Kyoko Kitamura
Brooklyn‑based vocal improviser, composer, and educator Kyoko Kitamura is known for her work with Anthony Braxton, William Parker, Siren Xypher Collective, and the Brooklyn Free Spirit Festival.
Why Take This Workshop?
Learn to listen and communicate musically in a whole new way
Build confidence playing with other people in a no-pressure environment
Discover that making music can be spontaneous, social, and fun
Walk away with creative tools you can use in any musical setting
Experience the joy of creating something together, in the moment
Which Composers and What Kind of Music will be Explored?
Avant-garde jazz, free jazz, free improvisation, experimental, contemporary classical, electronic, ambient music. Anthony Braxton, Jay Clayton, Garrett List, Cornelius Cardew, Malcolm Goldstein, Pauline Oliveros, John Cage, and more.
All levels welcome
When: Sundays 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Date: Ongoing
Fee: 165$ per 4 sessions
Trimester pay option: click here for to learn more about trimester and yearly enrollment for additional savings!
Faculty: Kyoko Kitamura
Where: New York Jazz Workshop, 265 W 37th St, 10th Floor, New York, NY
Discounts and Special Scholarship Opportunities
For students regularly enrolled in multiple workshops, we offer a 25% discount on each workshop after the first. If you are a student between 17 and 26 years old, you qualify for a 25% discount on any of our workshops. If you are a student 70 and over, you qualify for a 10% discount on all weekly workshops. Please contact us for more information.