I taught an improv workshop to music teachers in Guelph on Saturday. It was cool because the school paid for it, and it was more or less a requirement for them to attend. Therefore, not a lot of them were excited about it. They’re busy people and some felt it was a bit of an infringement on their already limited free time. Not only that, but they didn’t see what use it would be. I guess they thought that improv was just what they might see on Whose Line is it Anyway?

For this workshop, I focused on non-verbal communication, listening, and teamwork. It didn’t take long to overcome their objections to being in an improv class once they got their brains in gear and started tackling some of the exercises.

It was really gratifying to me that by the end of the two hours, they were all laughing and smiling, and having a great time. They all found benefit to the improv techniques and were brainstorming how to work the exercises into their own music lessons. I could really see the wheels turning in their heads, and that lasted for long after the class was over. Improv really has the power to change lives, like it did mine, and I love being a part of that. Improv wins again!