M u s i c I m p r o v I n s t r u c t i o n
Matthew Loren Cohen has been teaching musical improv privately since he co-created The Next Big Broadway Musical! in 1999. In 2011, he began teaching in the Second City Music Improv Conservatory program where he provided instruction in every level, from musical games to formal songwriting. He has also taught for Baby Wants Candy and for various festivals around the country. Matthew is available to travel to your school or festival to give hour-long or weekend-long classes or workshops on the unique art of musical improv. Email [email protected] or call 917-216-2894 to discuss any of the below options or a customized workshop just for you!
SUCCESSFUL SONGS (WITH STRUCTURE)!
Successful musical improvisation can be daunting. Many improvisers know that they like to create songs on the spot, but don't necessarily know HOW. This musical improv workshop will focus on the basics of smart musical improvising. It will focus on the creation of quality melodies, the foundation of any successful improvised song, and will also cover two integral song structures vital to creating a song on the spot. You will learn how easy it is to improvise a good song when you have the right foundation and tools.
WHY THE HELL ARE WE SINGING?
The addition of music has become a staple of both short- and long-form improv. But improvisers often aren't quite sure why they are singing. This workshop will cover the tricky yet doable task of getting from scene to song. We will use emotion to fuel the heightening to song, and once the singing happens, we will figure out how to lyricize outside the box. Improvised singing shouldn't just be sung dialogue, and this workshop will provide the insight to creating a meaningful song on the spot.
STYLE IT UP!
Musical improvisers should know how to create songs on the spot in a range of musical styles, from blues to hip-hop. This workshop will touch upon the most popular musical improv styles and provide some historical musical context to logically link them. Whether performing a solo doo-wop number or a full-cast opera, you will understand the quirks and characteristics of each style and feel equally comfortable performing them all. And it's extremely fun!
SUCCESSFUL SONGS (WITH STRUCTURE)!
Successful musical improvisation can be daunting. Many improvisers know that they like to create songs on the spot, but don't necessarily know HOW. This musical improv workshop will focus on the basics of smart musical improvising. It will focus on the creation of quality melodies, the foundation of any successful improvised song, and will also cover two integral song structures vital to creating a song on the spot. You will learn how easy it is to improvise a good song when you have the right foundation and tools.
WHY THE HELL ARE WE SINGING?
The addition of music has become a staple of both short- and long-form improv. But improvisers often aren't quite sure why they are singing. This workshop will cover the tricky yet doable task of getting from scene to song. We will use emotion to fuel the heightening to song, and once the singing happens, we will figure out how to lyricize outside the box. Improvised singing shouldn't just be sung dialogue, and this workshop will provide the insight to creating a meaningful song on the spot.
STYLE IT UP!
Musical improvisers should know how to create songs on the spot in a range of musical styles, from blues to hip-hop. This workshop will touch upon the most popular musical improv styles and provide some historical musical context to logically link them. Whether performing a solo doo-wop number or a full-cast opera, you will understand the quirks and characteristics of each style and feel equally comfortable performing them all. And it's extremely fun!
TESTIMONIALS:
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"Matthew Loren Cohen is as passionate about teaching as he is for music. Thoughtful and structured as he is artful and inspired. He raised the bar for both me and our students."
–Rachael Mason, Head of Advanced Improvisation, Second City Training Center "I have learned so many valuable things studying with Matthew Loren Cohen. He's frank without being mean, fun without being careless, and will share his encyclopedic knowledge of the art form in a way that is meaningful and transformative. I count myself very lucky to have had the chance to study with him."
–Liz Joynt Sandberg, Second City Music Improv Conservatory graduate |
"Matt sincerely cares about his students’ successes and always has insightful tips to enhance their musical performance. And he made singing improvised numbers so easy—and FUN!"
– Rachel Page, Second City musical director and Music Improv Conservatory student "Matt taught me the fundamentals of improvised song structure, which I still use every week creating improvised musicals. He is an amazing musician who can help you unleash your inner Broadway star."
Robert Z. Grant, Cast member of Broadway's Next Hit Musical! |
