This article reports the findings of a pilot project undertaken by a professional freelance chamber orchestra in collaboration with conservatoire-based researchers exploring the potential value of professional development activities for musicians and their employers. Key members of the orchestra took part in two improvisation workshops, practice-based and animateur-led, each lasting two days. The project was evaluated using questionnaires, interviews, participant feedback, video recordings and musicians' assessment of their own performances of Schubert's "Octet" in F before and after the workshops. The workshops were found to have heightened participants' self-awareness, increasing their understanding of leadership dynamics within the musical ensemble. Their existing perception of the orchestra as a hierarchical organisation was challenged by the involvement of one member of management in both workshops. While the participants enjoyed the workshops it was not clear how the skills learned could most effectively be incorporated into everyday rehearsing and performing. Suggestions are made in relation to two broad issues arising from the findings: commitment and communication between players and management.