Workshop: Sonic Synergy - An improv workshop for musicians!

Using targeted games, Laura Nerenberg will guide participants to express untapped creativity through music.

Musical improvisation deepens non-verbal communication, the ability to take turns soloing, rhythmic acuity and accompanying skills. These are vital musicianship skills that are accessed through creative play in a safe and encouraging environment. Learn to “Yes and” through music!

This workshop is open to musicians of all levels and experience. Participants will bring their own instrument, though a piano keyboard will be provided for pianists.

Please note, this is NOT like a jazz workshop—participants do not need previous improvisation experience or knowledge of chords. Participants will not learn riffs to repeat back. Instead, participants will create their own group pieces together in acts of sonic synergy.

As one former participant put it: “I loved getting to make music with other musicians! That was so fun and therapeutic. And Laura's manner and attitude. She's very empathetic and open-minded as a teacher. She made us all feel very comfortable.”

If you have any questions about this workshop, please feel free to reach out to Laura directly: laura@lauranerenberg.com

*Workshops are for ages 18 years and up.

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Level: This workshop is open to musicians of all levels and experience.

Room: the Theatre

The venue has several accessible entrances: Click here for venue accessibility information

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About your facilitator

Laura Nerenberg is a violin and improvisation teacher and an improvisation pedagogy coach for music teachers. She believes that all musicians should learn to improvise regardless of their previous experience.

Laura has taught improvisation to students and teachers from 6 continents. She has also worked with students at uOttawa, Queen's University and Carleton University. Laura has been director of Ottawa's Rideau Falls Violins since 2000 and is the parent of a published composer, multi-instrumentalist, interdisciplinary teenaged artist.

Since graduate and undergraduate studies in violin performance at uOttawa and the Hartt School, Laura has studied complementary modalities like body-mapping and improvisation, which she integrates into her teaching.

An active performer, Laura is a founding member of Gatineau's Ensemble Prisme. She plays modern and Baroque violins, and founded the Triptych Piano Trio. She plays with several jazz ensembles like the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra and Courage 4.

In 2024 and 2025, Laura performed her inaugural autobiographical solo play over a dozen times from St. John's to Victoria to Whitehorse.

Laura is thrilled to be a featured performer, accompanying Ottawa's own silent improv duo SHHH! at the 2025 Ottawa Improv Festival.

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Your participation

Please bring your instrument (though a piano keyboard will be provided) and anything else you may need such as comfy indoor shoes, water, a snack, or a notebook.

Our workshops take place in a welcoming, easygoing space—we’re here to have fun, support each other, and foster a sense of encouragement and community. Please see the Improv Embassy's Code of Conduct for details on this shared responsibility between learners and facilitators.

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This workshop is a part of the Ottawa Improv Festival. Check out all of our shows and workshops!