Online Program

Have you always wanted to improvise with ease but you don't know where to start?

Maybe you are afraid of being bogged down in a lot of theoretical concepts that prevent you from letting yourself improvise?

You teach and you have no clue how to implement improvisation in your own studio?

Imagine if you could create your OWN MUSIC in the moment, simply and spontaneously while letting yourself loose...

This program offers a unique and intuitive opportunity to unleash your own creativity while fusing many styles altogether. The simplicity of the techniques proposed will also give you the opportunity to easily share your music with others, which is always an enriching and liberating experience.

Hi! I'm Josée!

I am a pianist, improvisor, composer and piano teacher.

From a young age, I naturally composed my piano pieces.

I then persued my classical training and obtained my Bachelor's degree from the Université de Montréal in 1993. I distinguished myself in various national competitions, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition, where I won the first prize in 1987. I then gave several concerts, among others at the Montreal International Piano Festival, the Lachine International Festival and the Piano Nobile at Place des Arts. In 1988, I had the honor of performing Mozart's concerto for 3 pianos with the MSO alongside Alain Lefèvre and Charles Dutoit.

In parallel to my piano teaching for the past 30 years, I discovered the world of improvisation with a group of improvisers led by world-renowned cellist David Darling and this experience blew me away. It completely transformed my relationship to music and my instrument. Since then, I have released two improvisation recordings and published songs. In addition, three of my piano compositions are featured in the Vincent- d' Indy School of Music piano program. My creativity as a child returned.

I have given improvisation workshops in many institutions in Québec, Canada, sharing my love of creativity with music teachers and students . Seeing the benefits or this work, I decided to create this online program to help pianists transform their relationship to music and their instrument as well.

I am an affiliated teacher at the Vincent d'Indy School of Music and a member of the APMQ.

What the program includes? The 3 Cs: a Curriculum, a Coach and a Community

 

3 group coaching classes per month for 6 months

 

Access to a private support group on Facebook 

 

PDF Handouts

 

Access to zoom recordings

for the duration of 6 months

 

Supervision of your videos outside group lessons

 

VIP invitations to masterclasses

What you will learn?

♪ An art gallery of different approaches to improvisation

♪ Basic techniques, leads and cues that support improvisation

♪ Different musical forms and dances 

♪ Different styles of music (classical, world, popular, contemporary, jazz)

♪ An improvisation method

♪ How to learn by ear and improvise on a given melody

 

 

The program is for you if...

You are a pianist over age 14,  playing the piano basics,  intermediate level or more advanced, an adult learner, a music therapist or a piano teacher. 

I have 3 levels of programs: beginner, intermediate and more advanced level. No experience in improvisation required.  If you have some, I will send you directly to the most advanced level.

Why now?

If you have been longing to improvise freely on the piano or if you're frustrated by the fact that you can't do it, it's time to act! You might be loosing students along the way, you might not have all the fun you could have with your music and your life, you might feel blocked in your creativity or you want to quit the music career altogether...there is a cost to that.

Saying "Yes" to this program could open doors to new possibilities for you!

Testimonials

I attended an improvisation workshop for private teachers with Josée. This workshop met and exceeded my expectations. Very formative, relaxed and conducive to creation. I learned a lot and my students will benefit from it.
- Alexandra Delgado, piano teacher and singer-songwriter

The improvisation training came at just the right time and gave me the boost I needed. It flows like a little stream. I come up with lots of ideas naturally and easily. The students are even happier, it's perfect happiness.
- Christiane Boucher, director of "Les ateliers musicaux Christiane Boucher"

Mrs. Allard gave me back my love for piano! Thanks to her dynamic lessons and her judicious advice, I took up the piano with vigor and pleasure. Friendly advice: ask her to do improvisation, a unique experience!
- Florence Svoboda, student

The creative improvisation program with Josée allows me to have fun with all my students. It has now become a weekly appointment and a magical moment every time. There is no performance, but it's all fun.
- Manon Allard, directrice de "Les ateliers Dorémi"

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need?

A computer or tablet and the latest Zoom application. You need to place them so that you and your keyboard can be seen and heard.

How much time should I practice per week?

I recommend that you make it a daily ritual, even if it's only 15 minutes! However, the more time you put into it, the more results you will get and the more comfortable you will be improvising.

The fact of being in a group with experienced musicians intimidates me...

There is no obligation to play in front of the others, although we can all learn from each other. I invite volunteers to play whenever they like it. I make the space as welcoming and comfortable as possible.

How will I be able to measure my progress at the end of this program?

You should have several creative tools at your disposal that will give you a great starting point and ease in improvising alone, in small groups and in your teaching. If you already improvise, it should help you unleash your self expression in a new and fresh way.

What happens if I miss a class?

No problem. The Zoom courses will be recorded and you will have access to them.

What is the difference between this program and other programs?

Many programs focus on jazz improvisation and related styles. This program offers a unique and intuitive opportunity to unleash your own creativity while fusing many styles altogether and finding YOUR OWN STYLE.

What is the cost of the program?

This  Premium program is meant to help you turn your musical life into one that is more expansive and creative.

This program is for those who are ready to commit and dive into a 6-month immersion program that will shortcut your progress in the world of improvisation and creativity. You will save time and get a wise investment that will yield returns for the rest of your life!

Ultimately, we can figure out what's the best option to support you through an application and a conversation.

Your best bet is to book a call here: http://calendly.com/joseeallard

Patrick Whitehead and I in a free improvisation in Fredonia, New York.