Go beyond what you thought was possible — find safety, collaboration, and authenticity with your newest musical compatriots.
No matter your instrument, level, or musical background, come for practical lessons in spontaneous play and refinement of our musical voices — stay for the wonderful community connection and inspiring music.
This Month’s sessions are:
DEEP LISTENING: Tuesday May 13th @ 6:30-9:15PM :: Click to Sign Up!
GROOVE: Wednesday May 28th @ 6:30-9:15PM :: Click to Sign Up!
Classes are priced on a sliding scale, $80-20 payments available on venmo, cash, or check.
WHAT IS IT
Exploring Improvisation is for musicians of ALL levels, ALL instruments, and ALL genres. In this dynamic teaching space, we learn from each other — through play. We learn about improvisation itself, via improvising music — and we learn about music via improvising it. In this special container, we improvise incredible music totally made up with total strangers.
Whatever angst, challenge, or “lack of knowledge” we have around music, we receive support meaningful support from of fellow classmates, by loving each others choices. The most direct path to improving our musical skill is to find joy in the present moment.
The art of music connects to the art of relational presence: to one’s self, the creative medium, and the field around you. All performing arts — all creative acts — are moments of improvisation. Everyone improvises all the time. Much of this is about giving yourself permission to make up stuff, and celebrate how good it can feel. Having supportive fellow travelers helps us realign your nervous system with creative spontaneity. Trust your ability to self-express with others, without a script!
This is a great opportunity to learn about the pedagogy, feel what it’s like to be in a creatively activated space, and see if you may be interested in retreats or 8-week workshops.
Fall in love with making music with others, fall in love with the process itself. Be amazed at the next thing that happens!
Burn through karma, reveal and release personal patterns, and be nurtured as an artist.
About Nate:
Nate is a world-class poly-stylistic and interdisciplinary improviser, who has shared his inspired approach with hundreds of improvisers — from ImprovBoston, Tufts University, and workshops up and down the east coast. A classical and jazz pianist, his music explores the boundaries of genre and musical methodology. He routinely improvises music publicly, for theatre, dance — and privately, for his own satisfaction and spiritual growth. He writes songs, records bands, and leads communal music gatherings — like the SongBuilder Soiree.
Read what others are Saying about Nate’s Facilitation:
”This is like five years of therapy in five minutes”
— Laura, during first session September 2024
"Nate creates beautiful spaces with freedom to explore where magic happens… the experience exceeded expectations.”
— Erika N.
"Nate Shaffer is a swiss-army-knife of improvisers, adept at both improvising and teaching improvisation in a wide variety of artistic genres and modalities. Lessons from Nate get straight to the core of the improvisational process while simultaneously giving you real world skills that translate into real world progress. And you will have fun at the same time!”
— Tom Hall, Saxophonist ; Improvisation Instructor at Brandeis University ; Author, Free Improvisation: A Practical Guide
"We learned a great deal about the technique of play, and I'd recommend working with Nate to any musician feeling stiff or stuck in their practice, or in their relationship to their instrument or other musicians.”
— Amanda L. AKA Lonesome Joan — https://lonesomejoan.bandcamp.com/
"Nate makes sure to give each person what they need in each moment, even if that means adjusting plans on the fly to stay attuned to the shared present moment. This is not only very nice to experience as a student, but it creates an atmosphere or caring and listening, which creates psychological safety and presence.
— Maya Bialik, Author of “Artificial Intelligence in Education”, founder of QuestionWell AI, Harvard M.Ed. ‘12
"I felt guided in a strong, assertive, grounded way when needed, and free to lead myself and find my own way when needed. Nate empowers each of us to care for ourselves and discover our own unique needs and forms of expression.
— Vanessa Hale, Board-Certified Music Therapist, Berklee College of Music ‘21
"Nate can see beyond his years how to integrate a group to bring joy to its creative fulfillment.”
— Libby Kirkpatrick — Folk Singer, Four albums, once opened for Elliott Smith!
"Nate was a wonderful, sensitive, and enthusiastic teacher. He has a real gift for helping people free themselves up as musicians and break through creative blocks.’
— Jonathan Waukonen — AKA Kirk Winsor https://kirkwindsor.bandcamp.com/
"Nate is an amazing performer with an infectious energy and joy that spreads to the audience. He is a skilled instructor and brings out the best in his students. Nate has shown me what I'm capable of by allowing me to take risks with music and learn from each experience. As a bonus, Nate is a pleasure to work with."
— Kelly MacFarland, Former Director of ImprovBoston National Touring Company, comedian, improviser, actor, writer. Seen on Last Comic Standing & Jimmy Fallon