Discover the
Improvisation excellence program
You're an experienced instrumentalist who wants to take their playing to the next level
You've been playing for a while and you want to finally get more out of all the time and energy you've put in to your instrument
You want to feel confident performing publicly, not necessarily for the money (although that would be nice...) but for the satisfaction of getting to play the music you're so passionate about.
You've tried YouTube, online courses, books and PDFs full of jazz licks
Maybe you've even gotten a private lesson here or there...
But it seems like courses and written material alone don't meet you where you're at
You quickly lose direction and motivation... and you stop practicing
There's so much information out there, so you don't know what to practice in the first place
As an improviser, you overthink every note you play
You're getting lost in song forms and repeating the same licks and phrases over and over again
You want the confidence to jam with your friends, sit in at sessions, join or start a band, get better gigs, and feel comfortable over more complex music.
The Improvisation Excellence Program has helped over 50 instrumentalists just like you hit their playing goals!
Become a Confident Improviser ➡️ Get Playing Opportunities
Pillar 1: Simplify
While most instrumentalists are searching for complex harmony and technically challenging vocabulary, the Improvisation Excellence Program emphasizes the power of simplicity. This "less-is-more" approach makes the concept of soloing more approachable, while eliminating overthinking and fear of playing "wrong" notes.
Pillar 2: Music Theory and Ear Training
Many players come from either an ear training OR a music theory approach, which avoids a full understanding of the music you're playing. This program aims to give a complete understanding of the art of improvisation by approaching music from both angles. It is normal to have gaps in your playing, and the Improvisation Excellence Program excells at filling them in
Pillar 3: 1 on 1 Coaching
There is nothing more valuable then a tailored approach to help you reach your specific musical goals. This program gives you access to your coach in several different ways including 1 on 1, group calls, and chat support so you never have to stay stuck wondering what to practice or how to hit your goals.
What You'll Learn
Form and harmony
How music really works
How to memorize and internalize music
How to actually use what you've practiced to improvise
How to play well with other musicians
How to practice effectively
How to learn vocabulary
How to integrate new things into your playing
and MUCH more...
Meet Your Coach
Michael Hudson-Casanova is a saxophonist and improvisation coach with over 15 years of experience performing and teaching music in a great variety of settings. He has performed at jazz clubs around the U.S. such as Cliff Bell's (Detroit), Chris' Jazz Cafe (Philadelphia) and the Green Mill (Chicago).
Michael currently has four albums of original music out under his name, and has been awarded grants to record and produce his music by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Illinois Arts Council Association. He holds degrees in music education and jazz studies from Western Michigan University and Temple University, and has studied with jazz greats such as Dick Oatts, David Binny, and Edward Simon.
Michael created the Improvisation Excellence Program in 2024 to help saxophonists gain confidence in improvised music. The program emphasizes going toward the music the student is most passionate about, and approaching the saxophone with creativity.
Hear What People Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different than getting a weekly private lesson teacher?
In my experience, the traditional private lesson teacher is just someone you see once a week to pile on the homework. As your personal music coach, you have full access to me and my resources for 12 weeks while we work toward your specific musical goals. In addition to lessons, you'll send me practice and performance recordings for feedback and gain access to my library of practice materials.
Do we only work on improv, or can we talk about saxophone technique too?
It is impossible to talk about improvisation without also discussing tone and technique. A balanced practice session involves tone, technique, music study, and creative expression. I have also worked with non-saxophonists in the past, so please contact me to discuss your situation!
How much time do I need to have to make this work?
One of my goals is to help you make music a part of your life with the time that you have. The most important thing will be developing consistency, and you don't necessarily need multiple hours every day to do that.
