Check out Laura's newest workshop "Improv Soup!" Dates for upcoming workshops will be posted on this site so check back soon!

This intensive improvisation workshop will focus on learning the fundamentals on comedy/theatrical improvisation as applied to jazz improvisation. We will learn many different theatre games that facilitate group communication, how to mirror energy and emotion, how to pay attention and listen on a deeper level, how to cooperate and support your fellow players, and much more. We will be improvising verbally and musically so be prepared to act as well as play your instrument. This workshop will focus on deeper ways to generate musical information form your own solos as well as from those with whom you are playing, how to become more conscious of exactly what information you are transmitting musically to your fellow players, and to create your own process that will give you access to deeper parts of your creative mind and expand your self expression. When you are able to draw in your fellow players with your improvisation you will become a more magnetic performer and the audience will be drawn into your music as well. Everybody wins! All instruments are welcome. Laura has presented "Improv Soup" at The Berklee College of Music BTOT, The 2007 Jazz Improv Convention in NYC, and for the faculty of The NY POPS Salute to Music Program.

"The Improv Soup clinic was a blast! The games were so fun, and they helped us focus on communicating with each other. It was exciting to hear how those skills translated, quite immediately, to a playing (musical) context."

--Rebecca Cline, Professor/Berklee College of Music

What Jazz Improvisers can learn from Improv Soup

• Create better relaxation and focus while performing
• Foster better communication skills with band members
• Facilitate a more satisfying experience of improvisation
• Unlock the doors to your inner creativity
• Learn to do more with less
• Achieve Group Mind with your fellow players
• Learn how to be a more supportive side-person
• Experience improvisation in the present moment
• Build stronger solos by learning how to remember what you played
as well as what others played

This clinic can be geared toward

• Teachers who desire more techniques to engage students musically
• Young students who are just learning music in a group setting
• Beginning to advanced jazz students
• Ensembles of all levels
• Individual musicians of all levels

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Laura Dreyer is available as a soloist and clinician for high school and college jazz departments as well as for private instruction. In addition to being a clinician and adjuticator, Laura currently teaches jazz improv, saxophone & clarinet at Hoff Barthelson Music School, saxohone, flute, piano & recorder at The Church Street Music School, woodwinds at The New York Pops Salute to Music Program, and coaches many private students ranging from beginner to professional. She has served on the adjunct faculty of Long Island University, The Berkeley Carroll School, Greenwich House Music School, The Allen Stevenson School, Cazedero Music and Arts Camp, Jamey Aebersold Jazz Clinics, and most recent.y, The Berklee College of Music. Here's what people are saying!

"Laura Dreyer possesses all of the qualities a great teacher should have; talent, mastery of the instrument, good communication skills, and a caring compassion for those who want to learn. I've done clinics with Laura and I give her my highest recommendation."

Jody Espina -President
JodyJazz Saxophone & Clarinet Mouthpieces
Jazz Dept. Coordinator - Hoff Barthleson Music School

"As an adult student who returned to playing the saxophone after many years,
I have found Laura to be an excellent teacher. She has a limitless supply
of musical knowledge and skill, and the patience and encouragement to impart
it to others. Laura's musical wisdom has guided me through my rediscovery
of my instrument, and brought me to new levels of technical expertise and
creative jazz improvisation. My 9-year-old son is now also taking clarinet
lessons with Laura, and making great strides in his musical learning. I
would recommend her to anyone I know as a woodwind/jazz teacher."

Eric Buonamassa - Student

"Laura's deep and varied musical education and wide experience informs her teaching. She is extremely generous and conscientious: the exercises she uses to address tone, articulation and rhythm are well thought out and effective."

Isis & Elijah Shiffer - students