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 improv is one of the most fun, empowering, satisfying ways of being in community I have ever experienced!
I have learned so much from them and their co-founders and am so inspired by the way they model collaborative leadership and collaborative music creation. They are going to support us in learning this form so that we can continue playing on our own without them!
I really hope you can join us!
Love, JoJo Phoenix
Explore the joy and freedom of vocal improvisation.
Discover how to trust your voice and connect with others through creating original music in real time.
Together, we'll explore how individual voices weave into collective sound, creating moments of musical discovery that are unique to each session.
This workshop emphasizes the playful, creative side of vocal expression while providing the structure and tools you need to feel grounded and supported as you explore.
Through guided exercises and playful collaborative activities, we'll build a foundation in listening, responding, and expressing ourselves vocally without the need for written music or predetermined plans.
No improvisation experience necessary—just bring your voice, your curiosity, and a willingness to play.
All voices are welcome!
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 for inspiration!!!
Videos of our facilitators coming soon!
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.