Skip to Content

A Music Improv Workshop & Jam SessionSalonIn-Person

Ron Blake with saxophone

Wednesday, Feb 24, 2027

5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Musical improvisation is a democratic act requiring a willingness to listen, learn, and communicate. Ron Blake—baritone saxophonist and flutist in the Saturday Night Live Band and a member of the Jazz Studies faculty at the Juilliard School—was introduced to improvisation through Black American music and has a deep knowledge of the many cultures that embrace musical improvisation as a living tradition, from community-based expressions to the refined artistry of master musicians. In this workshop, he will focus on the key elements that make improvised music sound good:

-Listening, communicating, and creating a sound through an understanding of a piece's musical language.

-Learning the grammar of musical improvisation through rhythms, chords, patterns, and specific songs.

-And most importantly, developing an empathetic ear and an intention to create magical musical experiences.

Whether you're new to improvisation or already have experience, you'll leave with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how improvisation can make you a better, more creative musician and collaborator.

Bring your instrument. We'll be making music.

2 credits for member schools

Dinner & refreshments included

Limited to 20 teachers

Ron Blake

Born and raised in the Virgin Islands, saxophonist and composer Ron Blake serves as a faculty member at The Juilliard School and recently completed his 20th season with NBC's Saturday Night Live Band. Over the course of his career, he has earned four Emmy Awards with the SNL Band and three Grammy Awards for his work with the Christian McBride Big Band. Blake has released seven albums as a leader—including UpFront and Personal, five recordings on Mack Avenue, Mistaken Identity (2023), and Ron Blake Scratch Band (2025)—and has appeared on over 60 recordings as a guest or sideman alongside artists such as Roy Hargrove, Art Farmer, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joey DeFrancesco, and Yerba Buena. Beyond performance, he has composed soundtracks and sound design for the podcast A Bedtime Project.