Course - Minneapolis - Spring 2026
Improvisation Ensemble – SPRING Semester
Step into the world of creative music-making with MacPhail’s new Improvisation Ensemble, an offering designed for adult and advanced teen musicians who want to deepen their ability to create music in the moment.
This ensemble offers a hands-on, collaborative environment where participants will explore improvisation through playing diverse jazz and contemporary repertoire, develop essential listening and interaction skills, and shape unique musical interpretations together. Over a 12-week session, the ensemble will build confidence in soloing and group improvisation, culminating in a final performance that highlights each musician’s growth as an improviser.
Participants will expand their improvisational vocabulary, learn to respond intuitively within an ensemble, and cultivate the flexibility and risk-taking mindset that defines great improvisers. The program emphasizes spontaneous musical dialogue, creative exploration, and fostering an environment where participants can take musical chances in a supportive community.
Mondays 7:00-8:30pm, February 9-April 27
| Mon, Feb 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Feb 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Mar 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Mar 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Mar 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Mar 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Mar 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Apr 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Apr 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Apr 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Mon, Apr 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
Course Details
| Semester: | Spring 2026 |
|---|---|
| Register by: | 2026-02-16 |
| Starts: | 2026-02-09 |
| Ends: | 2026-04-27 |
| Location: | Minneapolis |
| Age Range: | 13 years - 55+ years |
| Course Type: | Ensemble |
| Department: | Contemporary Music Program |
| Program Method: | Ensembles |
| Category: | Ensembles |
| Topics: | Jazz, Contemporary Music |
| Instruments: | Piano, Flute, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Bass (Double Bass/String Bass), Clarinet, Saxophone, Percussion/Drum Set, Trumpet/Cornet, Trombone |