August — October 2026 · Capped at 10
Do you want to connect more directly with your instrument — and find new ways of expressing yourself? A six-session ensemble exploring improvisation through sound, led by bassist and composer Chris Bates.
Format
6 sessions
over 3 months
Where
Jazz Central
Studios, MPLS
Tuition
$450 total
3 × $150
North Star was exactly the program I was looking for to get back into playing jazz in a friendly and welcoming environment. The instructors are all fantastic.North Star Member
Repertoire and workshops are challenging but doable, which is the perfect sweet spot. Instructors hear everything and give you great, practical advice on how to level up.North Star Member
Where the in needs to be more out — and the out needs to be more in.
In Open Spaces, the emphasis is on exploring improvisation using sound and musical information in all kinds of ways — both conventional and unconventional. We’ll play together and create spontaneous soundscapes and songs that happen in real time, once. By exploring your instrument and the sounds you can make without being constrained by a prescribed piece of music, you begin to hear your own voice more clearly.
Why this course
Each session explores music-making through a different device — from drones and long tones to single notes, dense clusters, and several other approaches. Along the way, we’ll spend time listening to artists who opened these doors.
Over six sessions, you'll work on:
Time
7:45 – 9:45pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the monthLocation
Jazz Central Studios
407 Central Ave SE, MinneapolisFormat
Small-group ensemble
Six 2-hour sessions over three monthsTuition
$450 total
Three monthly payments of $150 — first confirms enrollmentSession Dates
Your Teacher
Bass · Ensemble Coach · Co-Founder
Chris is a vital figure in the Minnesota music scene and a Co-Founder of North Star Jazz Workshops. Raised in a musical household and trained by MN Orchestra bassist James Clute, Chris developed his improvisational skills at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, performing with acclaimed artists such as Red Rodney and Donald Harrison. After honing his craft and earning a McKnight Composer's Fellowship with Motion Poets, Chris shifted focus to family life before reemerging fully in 2006 as a composer and performer.
His debut album, New Hope (2012), garnered critical acclaim, followed by notable projects with The Good Vibes Trio and Atlantis Quartet. His compositions have been performed by big bands and new music ensembles like Zeitgeist, and his recent collaborations include soundtracks, live radio dramas, and teaching engagements at the University of Minnesota Morris. Chris continues to push creative boundaries with numerous recordings and performances, maintaining a dynamic presence across various musical genres.
Is this class for you?
This is an ensemble course for instrumentalists. You're a good fit if:
You don't need prior experience with this kind of playing — just openness, curiosity, and basic comfort on your instrument. If you're not sure whether this is the right fit, email us or book a quick call.
Enrollment
This cohort has filled and registration is closed. If you’d like to join the next round, email hello@northstarjazzworkshops.com and we’ll let you know as soon as dates are set.
Still thinking it through? Book a quick call and we'll help you figure out if it's the right fit.
Questions? Email us anytime at hello@northstarjazzworkshops.com.