Question 1

Should I bring an instrument?

Accepted Answer

If you can, please bring your instrument. PARLOUR AMSTERDAM will be equipped with a bass and two guitar amplifiers, a drum set and a PA system with as many vocal microphones as we’d like to use.

Question 2

I’m a beginner, can I join?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The workshop is for everyone: we’ll be able to use whatever sounds you can produce plus all your knowledge of music (both from listening and playing) to explore how they can be used creatively in an improvisational setting. The workshop is also a safe space, so don’t be shy!

Question 3

How often should I participate?

Accepted Answer

As often as you want! The workshops are weekly (or fortnightly during summer time) and their syllabus is circular. All workshops are different and it’s recommended that you come to at least three before you make up your mind about them. Otherwise, show up as often as you want.

Question 4

Will I be invited to join The Jam With Humans Orchestra?

Accepted Answer

Those who come often will be invited eventually to join The Jam With Humans Orchestra in a separate rehearsal and join our Jam With Humans live shows. Also, those who come really often (over a year), will be invited to teach workshops themselves,  as that’s a part of our pedagogical ethos.

Question 5

Does everyone have to participate, or can I just watch?

Accepted Answer

Everyone has to participate! If you’re in the room, you’ll have to participate. No observers! Again: we get your back, no worries. Hold our hand and be ready to dive into the world of improvised music, we’ll be there to help you through the journey.

Question 6

What style do we play?

Accepted Answer

Whatever you’d like to play. Musical styles, musical genres, those are words which tend to not be imposed to the workshop participants. The goal of the workshop is to harness whatever is your musical language and sensibility to better cooperate with others in an improvisational context.

Question 7

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Accepted Answer

Actively listen to a lot of music. Think of what went through the musicians/composers heads that lead to what you are listening to. If you’re looking for inspiration, start with one of the three big influences on the Jam With Humans musical improvisation style: John Zorn, Sun Ra, Frank Zappa.

Music Improvisation Workshop

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