See vocal improv in action with Carla and Klaus!
Hello!
I am bringing these amazing folks to Missoula from the SF Bay Area Downbeat Collective to do this because we don’t have this here yet and vocal improvisation is one of the most fun, empowering, satisfying ways of being in community I have ever experienced!
While I love song circles, this is not one! This is a visionary way of getting into a flow state of collaboration on every level of creation. And these teachers model this beautifully.
I really hope you can join us!
Love, JoJo Phoenix
Explore the joy and freedom of vocal improvisation.
We welcome professional musicians and shower singers. No matter your experience, the teaching will support you in growing your comfort and confidence in being a part of collective spontaneous creation!
Together, we create beauty that fundamentally cannot be experienced alone.
Through guided exercises and playful collaborative activities, we'll build a foundation in listening, responding, and expressing ourselves without the need for written music or predetermined plans. Everything we create is completely original! Sound scary? Our facilitators will provide structure and tools to help you feel grounded and supported as you explore and play.
No improvisation experience necessary—just bring your voice, your curiosity, and an interest and belief in being part of something bigger than than we can ever create on our own.
This practice is wild, cathartic, silly and beautiful.
In short, this weekend will invite you to:
Playfully engage your creative expression
Connect with a group of likeminded folks
Learn skills that help make satisfying music - melodic loops, vocal percussion patterns, basslines, and solos with sounds & language
Explore how these parts connect with each other to create a groove
Develop more sensitivity to listen & attune to yourself, the music, and the group
Find opportunities to become more comfortable improvising using your voice when singing with and for others in a supportive environment
Watch this video to dive in and really feel what this is all about!
Workshop Information
Dates and Time:
Friday Mar 27, 2026 | 6pm-9pm
Saturday Mar 28, 2026 | 10am-12:30pm & 2pm-5pm
Sunday Mar 29, 2026 | 10am-12pm & 1:30-3:30pm
Location
Private Studio in the Lower Rattlesnake area of Missoula
(address will be given upon registering)
Cost:
Sliding Scale $160-$260* until Feb 20, 2026 then prices increase by $30
There are limited spots available at the bottom of the scale. We ask that people who are able to pay more pay at the higher end in order to leave those spots for those who need them most.
*We offer payment plans and have several work/trade options. Please contact us in advance if you are interested in a work exchange spot.
Accessibility:
Please note that there are several stairs to access our location, which may present challenges for some visitors with mobility concerns. We're committed to doing our best to accommodate the needs of those interested in participating—please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund minus $10 admin fee until Feb 28th. 50% refund March 1st to March 14th, or transfer to another person. Sorry, no refunds starting March 15th.
Meet your Facilitators
Klaus Neuhold (he.him)
Klaus is a founding member of the San Francisco Bay Area based vocal improvisation collective The Downbeat. His teaching & facilitation is influenced by his time with Bobby McFerrin, Vocal River by Rhiannon, Musica do Circulo, and many more…
He is also training in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy & Polarity Therapy and likes to dance Contact Improvisation. His newest passion is playing Pickleball.
Carla Bagdonas (she.her)
Carla is a founding member of the Bay Are Downbeat Collective and has been making up songs in the back seat of the car since she was two. Since 2017, she has studied with teachers including Briony Greenhill, Rhiannon, David Worm, and the founders of the Musica do Circulo Institute in Brazil. She believes that music is our birthright and is passionate about creating access to joyful musical expression for shy shower singers and traumatized conservatory kids alike.