Tim Snider

The Art  of Improvisation & Live Looping with Tim Snider

September 20
6:00pm-8:30pm

In this immersive masterclass, Tim Snider — violinist, guitarist, vocalist, and live-looping artist — will explore the creative and technical process of spontaneous composition using improvisation and live looping.

Students will gain insight into both the musical and mindset components that fuel expressive improvisation and tight, intentional loop-based performance.

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Schedule

Part 1: The Improvisational Mindset (45 min) 
Opening Performance/Demonstration: Short improvisational looping piece.

Discussion:
•What is improvisation? Breaking the myth of “you have to be born with it”
•How travel, culture, and global music traditions have shaped Tim’s approach.
•The importance of vulnerability, listening, and presence
•Interactive Exercise: Call-and-response improvisation with audience (body percussion, instruments, voice)

Concepts Introduced:
•“Yes, and...” mindset•Tension and release
•Dynamics and space
•Emotional intention in improvisation

Part 2: Live Looping 101 —Tools and Techniques (45 min)
 •Gear Walkthrough:
•Live looping setup (Loop station / DAW / Pedals / Routing / etc)
•Mics, pickups, signal chain
•Managing multiple instruments and vocals in a loop-based workflow

Demonstration:
•Building a loop from scratch: rhythm, harmony, melody, lead
•Tips on timing, quantization, and avoiding “loop fatigue”

Discussion:
•Using loops as an arrangement tool
•Using looping in solo vs. full-band settings
•Pitfalls to avoid when looping live (timing issues, over-layering, losing dynamics)

Part 3: Creating in the Moment — From Practice to Performance (45 min) 
•Improvisation in Performance:
•How to set intention before a show or a song•Navigating “mistakes” and turning them into magic
•Storytelling and emotional arcs in instrumental improvisation•Group Exercise:
•Volunteers create loops with Tim (instruments and or voice,)
•Group jam with improvisational solos•Discussion/Q&A:
•How to practice improvisation daily
•Looping practice ideas and routines
•How to develop your own “voice” through loopsIf time allows:
•How Tim uses looping for songwriting and arranging
•Integrating loops in live band shows vs. solo performances
•Recording vs. performing: the different mindset of improvising live vs. in the studio

Questions about the workshop or payment? Contact Marty Bowie at 316-992-1996 or marty@midtopia.com.