Spring Workshop Week is almost here!
Tuesday, March 21 – Saturday, March 25, 2023
Want to spread the word or share what you’ve learned? Use the hashtag #workshopweekatpowers and tag @powersmusicschool on Facebook and Instagram!
What are people saying about Workshop Week?
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for opening up the workshops to the public. I appreciate the numerous workshops that were made available to adult learners.”
“The teachers are so sweet, professional, and touching. You can feel their love in music.”
“It was a great chance to break out from the routine and try something different.”
“I liked the community and the level of professionalism.”
“It was fun and appropriate for both of my children (ages 5 and 7). It got them excited about new instruments and kinds of music.”
What is Workshop Week?
Twice each year, we’ll throw open the doors to Powers so YOU can experience the joy of music for yourself!
Powers is thrilled to offer “Workshop Weeks” for our community and our students – two weeks of fun and interactive classes taught by local and regional teaching artists. These weeks encourage creativity within our faculty, bring accessible music and arts programs right to you, and provide a fun way to learn about music together.
Who can attend a workshop during Workshop Weeks?
Anyone! We’ll have a variety of hand-chosen workshop topics for all age groups, including adults, seniors, young children, K-8 and high school students, and parents. Everyone from novices to aspiring professionals will find something they like. Don’t see anything interesting in the schedule? Let us know what suggestions you have!
What does it cost?
This year, all workshops are 100% free for the general public and currently registered Powers students! We hope that the free/low cost will allow you to sign up for as many workshops as you like!
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage your friends and family to also sign up for one or more workshops so you can share your experience together AND learn about things that interest you.
Younger Kids
Hand drumming
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM and Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Gavin Farrell
Best for: Ages 4 to 7
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Explore the music and rhythms of West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Try West African drums, congas, and small percussion instruments in this popular, fun workshop!
Music Pups® Class Demonstration
Saturday, March 25th, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jennifer Choe
Best for: Early Childhood: 0 – 4 Years Old
Please have ready: Just yourself!
This workshop is a sample class of our Music Pups® program. We’ll give your little one an introduction to a wide variety of music styles, songs, and instruments that are fun and educational. We sing, dance, jump, play percussion instruments, roll balls, and wiggle around to get a good musical foundation. You’ll get to participate too and learn how to encourage your child to keep singing and making music outside of class!
Music Friends Class Demonstration
Saturday, March 25, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Linda Emmanuel
Best for: Early Childhood: 3 Years Old
Please have ready: Just yourself!
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
This workshop is about teaching your little one basic musical skills – breathing, silence, attention, and waiting for your turn – through playing, singing, and body movement. They will get to play rhythmic and melodic instruments, play active listening games, and together you and your child will participate in playful social activities such as partner games, taking turns around a circle, and call-and-response games.
Sing & Move & Play Demo
Saturday, March 25, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Linda Emmanuel
Best for: Early Childhood: 4-5 Years Old
Please have ready: Just yourself!
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
This program focuses on developing a child’s musical ability to follow and interpret graphic symbols that represent sounds and musical concepts. In this workshop, your little one will explore improvisation and composition using Dalcroze’s unique notation that helps them in being imaginative in creating sounds. Children’s voices, bodily responses, and instrumental activities will keep them stimulated as they gain musical knowledge.
Listen, Move, Sing!
Saturday, March 25, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Elizabeth Chladil
Best for: Ages 6-8
Please have ready: Just yourself!
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Meet new animal friends and learn a new song through listening and movement games! In this 45-minute workshop, participants ages 6-8 will use their bodies and voices to explore notes values of different lengths. Come ready to move barefoot and have fun!
Piano
Learn to Accompany Yourself on the Piano
Tuesday, March 21, 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Yas Ishibashi
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Do you find yourself wanting to hear the accompaniment while playing your favorite songs? We’ll teach you how to do it yourself! We will guide you on what chords to use and how to play on your left hand when you have the written melody. We will also show you how to harmonize lead sheets by following the chord symbols.
How to buy a Piano with M. Steinert & Sons
Tuesday, March 21, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: M. Steinert & Sons
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Join the expert staff from M. Steinert & Sons to learn about the piano buying process, try out some instruments to find the best fit and feel, learn about the differences between the different types of instruments, and get inspired for your piano journey!
Solving the Mysteries of Piano Technique
Wednesday, March 22, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jei-Yern Ryu
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: A piece you’re working on
When you play the piano, do you have technical difficulties such as the finger technique, pedal technique, dynamic changes, posture, etc.? Bring a piece you’re working on and work with one of our expert piano faculty to figure out what the technical issues are and how to best practice the passage to get over that hump. This workshop is designed for early intermediate-level pianists and above.
Introduction to Creative Ability Development
Thursday, March 23, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School (ages 6+), Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – string instrument, piano, flutes
Come play some fun improv games and exercises to explore various aspects of improvisation and creative playing. Take all those scales you’ve been practicing so hard, and let’s see what they can do when you set them free!
Creative Ability Development II
Thursday, March 23, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – Any string instrument, piano, xylophone, or flute
This workshop is intended for those who have already attended a Creative Ability Development workshop with Ellery Klein. You may have taken one at Suzuki on the Hill 2022, String Traditions 2021 or 2022, at previous Workshop Weeks, or as a student of a teacher (e.g. Ellery Klein) who runs these workshops with their students. Have you done “Rhythm Machine” and “Soccer” before? Then come join us!
Performance Practice for Pianists
Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Kyra Zhao
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Participation spots in this workshop are full. You can RSVP to observe the workshop and possibly participate based on attendees and available time.
Want to build better confidence in your skills and perform better in your concerts? In this piano workshop, you’ll perform a piece you’re working on, and then receive suggestions on how to conquer stage fright, and how to present the best musical abilities you can from one of our expert piano faculty, Kyra Zhao. She will give some perspective and suggestions on musical styles and techniques as well, focusing on helping you open yourself up more, and to enjoy your time on stage.
Sight-Reading for Pianists
Saturday, March 25, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM and 2:30 – 3:30
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Natacha Rist
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
1:30 session
2:30 session
Try your hand at sight-playing solo and four-hand piano pieces in this workshop! You’ll learn how to become a better reader, a better musician, and develop skills to play chamber music. The repertoire used will be tailored to the levels of participants. For intermediate to advanced pianists.
Strings
Discover the Viola da Gamba
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jane Hershey
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
The viola da gamba is a stringed instrument that originated during the Renaissance. The bulk of its repertoire is from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but it can be played in any style. It has 6 strings tuned similarly to the guitar and frets but is played with a bow. Powers Music School has a unique collection of these instruments that are available for curious string players to try. We are one of the leading schools in New England to learn how to play! This introduction to the “viol” welcomes players of all sizes and levels of ability. The instruments come in three sizes: treble (smallest), tenor (middle), and bass (the size of a small cello). Come and join us to step out of the norm and explore the viola da gamba!
Music Theory for Suzuki Violinists
Wednesday, March 22, 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Cassandra Lyons
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School
Please have ready: violin, bow
This workshop will facilitate music theory fundamental learning and discovery within the study of scales and intervals on the violin. This workshop is targeted towards Suzuki violin students with a working understanding of, at minimum, the one-octave scale. Using solfege, you will be introduced to the concepts of intervals and aural skills training in an intuitive way using the voice and instrument.
Meet and Play the Appalachian Fretted Dulcimer
Thursday, March 23, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Lucy Joan Sollogub
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Hear about the interesting history of the mountain dulcimer and learn the basics of playing the instrument. We will experiment with the instruments, play some scales, simple RH brushing technique, LH fretting technique, and play some simple folk tunes.
Introduction to Creative Ability Development
Thursday, March 23, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School (ages 6+), Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – string instrument, piano, flutes
Come play some fun improv games and exercises to explore various aspects of improvisation and creative playing. Take all those scales you’ve been practicing so hard, and let’s see what they can do when you set them free!
Creative Ability Development II
Thursday, March 23, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – Any string instrument, piano, xylophone, or flute
This workshop is intended for those who have already attended a Creative Ability Development workshop with Ellery Klein. You may have taken one at Suzuki on the Hill 2022, String Traditions 2021 or 2022, at previous Workshop Weeks, or as a student of a teacher (e.g. Ellery Klein) who runs these workshops with their students. Have you done “Rhythm Machine” and “Soccer” before? Then come join us!
The String Player as Athlete
Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Cameron Sawzin
Best for: intermediate-level players and up
Please have ready: Your Instrument
Guest teacher Cameron Sawzin, “The Kickboxing Cellist” will guide you through a class that combines sports modalities with proven techniques to promote healthy, relaxed, and expressive string playing.
Learn a Ragtime Fiddle Tune
Friday, March 24, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your violin
Ragtime fiddle tunes, which originated with Black American musicians, including composers Scott Joplin, George Botsford, and James Scott in the late 1800s, were a precursor to jazz but made their way into string band and Old Time and Texas contest fiddle repertoire. They are super fun to play and just the ticket to feeling joyful with your instrument. We’ll learn a ragtime tune by ear so you can go home feeling some swing.
Multicelli
Friday, March 24, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Sarah Freiberg and Hyun Min Lee
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Cellos and bows
If you’re trying to decide if a group learning and playing setting is the best for you, come try it out at the Multicelli! A cello play-in workshop. You will learn how to synchronize with your fellow cello players from how to breathe together, play together, and stay together throughout a performance. You will also learn how to read and play music for pairs to small groups so you can get a feel for a variety of group settings and find the right fit for you!
Renaissance Band
Saturday, March 25, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: James Perretta
Best for: High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your instrument tuned to A=440
In this workshop, you will explore court and folk music from the European Renaissance, including songs and dances from England, Italy, France, and more. We’ll spend most of the time playing tunes and will also discuss what we hear and what makes this music tick.
World/Folk Music & Percussion
Meet and Play the Appalachian Fretted Dulcimer
Thursday, March 23, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Lucy Joan Sollogub
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Hear about the interesting history of the mountain dulcimer and learn the basics of playing the instrument. We will experiment with the instruments, play some scales, simple RH brushing technique, LH fretting technique, and play some simple folk tunes.
Creative Ability Development II
Thursday, March 23, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – Any string instrument, piano, xylophone, or flute
This workshop is intended for those who have already attended a Creative Ability Development workshop with Ellery Klein. You may have taken one at Suzuki on the Hill 2022, String Traditions 2021 or 2022, at previous Workshop Weeks, or as a student of a teacher (e.g. Ellery Klein) who runs these workshops with their students. Have you done “Rhythm Machine” and “Soccer” before? Then come join us!
Hand drumming
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (ages 4-7), Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (ages 4-7), 4:45 – 5:15 (ages 8-11), and 5:30 to 6:30 (ages 12 to adult)
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Gavin Farrell
Best for: Specific age sections, please sign up for the time slot correlating with the participant’s age as the curriculum is designed for those groups
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Ages 4 – 7
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Ages 4 – 7
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Ages 8 – 11
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Ages 12+
Explore the music and rhythms of West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Try West African drums, congas, and small percussion instruments in this popular, fun workshop!
Learn a Ragtime Fiddle Tune
Friday, March 24, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your violin
Ragtime fiddle tunes, which originated with Black American musicians, including composers Scott Joplin, George Botsford, and James Scott in the late 1800s, were a precursor to jazz but made their way into string band and Old Time and Texas contest fiddle repertoire. They are super fun to play and just the ticket to feeling joyful with your instrument. We’ll learn a ragtime tune by ear so you can go home feeling some swing.
Woodwinds
Ways to Improve Your Clarinet Reeds
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Colleen Hartung
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your clarinet, reed, and a pencil.
In this workshop, we will cover ways to adjust your clarinet reeds and improve your sound and playing. You’ll be shown a variety of ways (both simple and more complex) to adjust your reeds with non-tool and tool methods. You’ll then be asked to find a “bad” reed and be given time to adjust it with the techniques you just learned.
Learn How to Circular Breathe
Wednesday, March 22, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: David Stevens
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your instrument
Ever wanted to play longer phrases or just learn a new party trick? Designed for wind players, this workshop will present an overview of circular breathing and how to learn to do it yourself. Circular breathing is the act of inhaling air through your nose while simultaneously breathing out air stored in your cheeks.
Introduction to Creative Ability Development
Thursday, March 23, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School (ages 6+), Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – string instrument, piano, flutes
Come play some fun improv games and exercises to explore various aspects of improvisation and creative playing. Take all those scales you’ve been practicing so hard, and let’s see what they can do when you set them free!
Creative Ability Development II
Thursday, March 23, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ellery Klein
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your Instrument – Any string instrument, piano, xylophone, or flute
This workshop is intended for those who have already attended a Creative Ability Development workshop with Ellery Klein. You may have taken one at Suzuki on the Hill 2022, String Traditions 2021 or 2022, at previous Workshop Weeks, or as a student of a teacher (e.g. Ellery Klein) who runs these workshops with their students. Have you done “Rhythm Machine” and “Soccer” before? Then come join us!
Renaissance Band
Saturday, March 25, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: James Perretta
Best for: High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your instrument tuned to A=440
In this workshop, you will explore court and folk music from the European Renaissance, including songs and dances from England, Italy, France, and more. We’ll spend most of the time playing tunes and will also discuss what we hear and what makes this music tick.
Any Instrument
What is Music Therapy?
Tuesday, March 21, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This is an online workshop, you will be sent a zoom link to the email you register with.
Instructor: Krystal Bloom
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Have a “kitchen instrument” ready, or small percussion instruments; hands work too!
What is music therapy? Is it singing at someone’s bedside, or putting on a pair of headphones and listening to a good playlist when you’re upset? If you’ve ever asked this question or had these ideas about music therapy, this is a great workshop for you! We’ll define music therapy, who does it, how it’s done, and explore the science behind it. You’ll also get a taste of music therapy through intervention examples that showcase just how and why music therapy works. You will have opportunities to participate in music-making experiences and active music discussion with opportunities to ask questions after. You will gain an understanding of what music therapy is, what it can do, and how to access music therapy services.
Rhythm Puzzle
Wednesday, March 22, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jei-Yern Ru
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Pencil
Do you want to improve your rhythmic reading skill? This workshop will cover the basic concept of rhythm to more challenging rhythmic patterns to help you develop your sense of rhythm and beat.
Intro to Digital Music
Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Lucas Levine
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Laptop and headphones
Would you like to compose your own tunes, explore electronic music design, and record your own track? Then, this class is for you! We will cover the basics of loop-based composition and mixing in a digital audio workstation (DAW). Whether you play an instrument or have always wanted to experiment with digital sounds, the Digital Music Production class will lead you through bringing these ideas to life with all of the simple tips and tricks you need to know.
Yoga for Musicians
Thursday, March 23, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Cassandra Moore Lyons
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Comfortable clothes, a yoga mat or towel
This workshop is meant to provide your young musician with the skills needed to prevent injury by means of building a stretching and meditation practice as it connects to your playing. You will actively participate in the class in a traditional yoga class setting (observing and practicing the stretches modeled by the teacher, including listening to cues given by the teacher). Students will then have an opportunity to ask questions about specialized regions of tension in their own practice.
Preparing to Perform
Saturday, March 25, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Kathryn Rosenbach
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Your instrument, music you’re working on, notebook to write ideas down
Preparing to perform can be a difficult task. In this workshop, we will discuss and demonstrate all sorts of ways to build confidence and ease with your pieces to help make you a stronger performer in any setting.
Intro to Music Theory
Saturday, March 25, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Rebecca Sacks
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: A pencil
This workshop is an introduction to Creative Music Theory to answer the question “What is Music Theory?” You will be introduced to the basic concepts of melodic and rhythmic sight-singing (called “solfège”), as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. Theory teacher Rebecca Sacks will also answer individual questions and walk you through the Music Theory program at Powers!
Learning to Use the Metronome
Saturday, March 25, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Ben Fox
Best for: Elementary school, Middle school, High school, Adults
Please have ready: Metronome (can be an app on your phone), pencil, paper, instrument
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Your teacher asks you to practice with a metronome, but do you know how? In this session, we will cover when to use a metronome (and when not to), how to use the metronome most effectively, and (most importantly) why we sometimes practice with a metronome.
No Instrument? No Problem!
Discover the Viola da Gamba
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jane Hershey
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
The viola da gamba is a stringed instrument that originated during the Renaissance. The bulk of its repertoire is from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but it can be played in any style. It has 6 strings tuned similarly to the guitar and frets but is played with a bow. Powers Music School has a unique collection of these instruments that are available for curious string players to try. We are one of the leading schools in New England to learn how to play! This introduction to the “viol” welcomes players of all sizes and levels of ability. The instruments come in three sizes: treble (smallest), tenor (middle), and bass (the size of a small cello). Come and join us to step out of the norm and explore the viola da gamba!
What is Music Therapy?
Tuesday, March 21, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This is an online workshop, you will be sent a zoom link to the email you register with.
Instructor: Krystal Bloom
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Have a “kitchen instrument” ready, or small percussion instruments; hands work too!
What is music therapy? Is it singing at someone’s bedside, or putting on a pair of headphones and listening to a good playlist when you’re upset? If you’ve ever asked this question or had these ideas about music therapy, this is a great workshop for you! We’ll define music therapy, who does it, how it’s done, and explore the science behind it. You’ll also get a taste of music therapy through intervention examples that showcase just how and why music therapy works. You will have opportunities to participate in music-making experiences and active music discussion with opportunities to ask questions after. You will gain an understanding of what music therapy is, what it can do, and how to access music therapy services.
Rhythm Puzzle
Wednesday, March 22, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Jei-Yern Ru
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Pencil
Do you want to improve your rhythmic reading skill? This workshop will cover the basic concept of rhythm to more challenging rhythmic patterns to help you develop your sense of rhythm and beat.
Intro to Digital Music
Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Lucas Levine
Best for: Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: Laptop and headphones
Would you like to compose your own tunes, explore electronic music design, and record your own track? Then, this class is for you! We will cover the basics of loop-based composition and mixing in a digital audio workstation (DAW). Whether you play an instrument or have always wanted to experiment with digital sounds, the Digital Music Production class will lead you through bringing these ideas to life with all of the simple tips and tricks you need to know.
Hand drumming
Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (ages 4-7), Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (ages 4-7), 4:45 – 5:15 (ages 8-11), and 5:30 to 6:30 (ages 12 to adult)
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Gavin Farrell
Best for: Specific age sections, please sign up for the time slot correlating with the participant’s age as the curriculum is designed for those groups
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Ages 4 – 7 – Tuesday, March 21, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Ages 4 – 7 – Friday, March 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Ages 8 – 11
This workshop is full, please email rbeuseekauffman@powersmusic.org to be added to the waitlist.
Ages 12+
Explore the music and rhythms of West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Try West African drums, congas, and small percussion instruments in this popular, fun workshop!
Intro to Music Theory
Saturday, March 25, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Rebecca Sacks
Best for: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adult
Please have ready: A pencil
This workshop is an introduction to Creative Music Theory to answer the question “What is Music Theory?” You will be introduced to the basic concepts of melodic and rhythmic sight-singing (called “solfège”), as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. Theory teacher Rebecca Sacks will also answer individual questions and walk you through the Music Theory program at Powers!
How to Listen to Classical Music
Saturday, March 25, 3:00 PM – 4:00
This is an in-person workshop.
Instructor: Sachin Shukla
Best for: High School, Adult
Please have ready: Just yourself!
Does classical music ever sound opaque, inaccessible, or abstract to you? What if we told you that underneath the surface of many of the pieces you play in your lessons or orchestra rehearsals, there are often deep meanings and compelling narratives waiting to be discovered? What if we told you that there are symphonies that told stories of heroes that defied death, or concertos that argued powerfully against archaic class systems?
In this workshop, you will learn about one of the keys to uncovering these secret meanings, called musical “topoi.” Topoi are musical references to real-world situations, places, people, or things, understood by listeners familiar with the music’s cultural context. These meanings can turn music that at first hearing sounds abstract into a rich narrative – and since many of them were developed hundreds of years ago, to the untrained ear, these powerful stories in music hiding right under our nose, are easy to miss.
