Bobby Previte

Virtual Improvisation Workshop

January 10-13, 2023


“Bobby Previte is in a category of one in his ability to communicate the mysterious and transformational power of improvised music… This workshop offers musicians a remarkable opportunity to… reinvent themselves in each and every moment.”

– Workshop participant

Virtual Workshop Dates:
Tuesday, January 10 – Friday, January 13

Free. By Application Only. Applications close December 20, 2022.

Acclaimed composer, drummer and bandleader Bobby Previte leads an immersive, four-day ZOOM workshop for student, amateur, and professional musicians.

The workshop will be primarily focused on individual (solo) improvisation skills. The class will break down all parts of solo playing and what make a compelling solo. Participants will play and record short solos, also play in “round robin” improvisations, learning the myriad ways of responding and interacting with another solo musician.

Bobby Previte is a composer and performer whose work explores the nexus between notated and improvised music. One of the seminal figures of the 1980s New York ‘Downtown’ scene, Previte has received multiple awards for music composition including the 2015 Greenfield Prize for Music and a 2012 Guggenheim. His original compositions have been recorded and released by Sony, Elektra, Rykodisc, New World, Cantaloupe and Rarenoise. He leads a plethora of ensembles around the world from his instrument, the drums. Work: BLUEPRINTS, projected/conducted historical fragments (current), RHAPSODY, acoustic song cycle on migration (2018), MASS, metal + medieval + Messiaen (2017), TERMINALS, concertos for improvising soloists, with So Percussion, (2014).  

More praise for Bobby Previte’s workshops, from workshop participants:

“He has a unique perspective on music and improv that you can’t find anywhere else.”

“Inspirational, powered by decades of working musician experience, uncompromising, transcending genre.”

“One of the best educators I have ever met.”

“Great, wild, compassionate. Committed.”

“One of the best teachers I’ve ever worked with.”

“He excels at teaching and opens our minds to learning.”

“I never lost interest for a moment, and Bobby never lost focus.”

  • Hudson Hall’s programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Governor and the New York Legislature.