Mentor. Speaker. Actor.

What happens

Through practical exercises, live musical demonstrations, guided improvisation and open exchange, participants explore how to develop musical ideas, trust their instincts, listen actively and respond to others in the moment. They learn to express themselves freely while remaining open and attentive to the people they play with.

At the heart of it

Improvisation is not simply about knowing what to play, but about developing the confidence to express oneself freely. Jowee encourages participants to let go of expectations, overcome the fear of making mistakes and embrace the unexpected. By learning to trust themselves and their musical intuition, they can discover a greater sense of freedom and confidence in their playing.

Drawing on his experience across jazz and Afro-Haitian musical traditions, Jowee demonstrates how spontaneity, active listening, sharing and interaction can open up new creative possibilities. The masterclass combines individual exploration with collective music-making, creating an environment in which participants are encouraged to experiment, take risks, share ideas and learn from one another.

Trust the Note offers practical approaches to developing improvisational skills, listening and collaborative music-making, while exploring how trust, openness and freedom in music can extend beyond music into everyday life.

Who should attend

Musicians, music students, instrumentalists, composers and anyone interested in developing their improvisational skills, strengthening their musical confidence and exploring new possibilities for creative expression and collaboration.

Format & details

• Format: Practical masterclass combining musical demonstrations, improvisation exercises, active listening, individual and collective exploration, sharing, discussion and Q&A
• Participation: Open to all ages and levels of musical experience

Also part of the BasH! AkademY – most recently in Benin.