Carving Out a Line – Improv Theory for All Instruments

Day & Time: Sunday, 3:15-4:15 pm
Start Date: February 16, 2025
Instructor(s): Draa Hobbs
Location: Vermont Jazz Center
Tuition: $165

“Carving Out a Line” is a ten-week class focusing on creating satisfying melodies using two simple concepts as building blocks for improvisation:

a. Vertical structures: basic major and minor triads and their inversions
b. Hortizontal structures: major and dominant 7 bebop scales

While developing our ability to use these structures we will also explore various phrasing techniques, such as rhythmic displacement, to realize the full potential of these simple concepts. This is a hands-on workshop with repeated exercises and ample opportunity to develop lines and play them over common chord progressions during class time. This course is open to students of all ages and instruments. The method has been designed to offer simple techniques to individuals who are in pursuit of their dream of self-expression.

“Carving Out a Line workshop with Draa Hobbs was a great experience in learning how to improvise, and more importantly tell a story with a solo and not just throw out a bunch of notes. I still refer to Draa’s worksheets when I’m learning a new tune” BT, Chicago, IL