New Institutes and Workshops

Have you ever wondered about the history, style and experience of gospel music? Have you ever wondered if this is something you can do? Well, yes you can! This course will look at the historical context, performance practices, and musical aspects of gospel singing. Through individual coaching and class lectures, you will learn about how to sing music in the gospel style to share with your friends, family, and community.

Returning after several years away! Six days of intensive exploration into fundamental instrumental techniques and musical interpretation skills. Participants will explore strategies that promote a healthy approach to building facility and work to solidify their musical voice in performance. Designed as an “advanced basics” course featuring master classes, group lessons, private lessons, and voice and movement classes, this workshop is suitable for advanced high school students, conservatory musicians and the seasoned professional.

Back after COVID hiatus! Come experience the thriving pipe organ culture at Eastman in this intensive workshop for young organists. Each day will include private and group instruction from world-renowned performers and pedagogues, as well as daily access to a wide variety of instruments. Participants will have the opportunity to perform in master classes focusing on repertoire, sacred music skills, improvisation, and technique. The program includes social activities and excursions and two culminating student performances open to the public. The course is open to both pre-college and undergraduate organists.

New expanded format for 2023: The Alexander Technique and Moblignment™ are both methods of self-awareness that enliven deep, ongoing postural support with fluidity and ease! The complete system of Moblignment™ points activates each sequential segment of the central nervous system starting from head to toe, assuring a whole-body activation and awareness. Enrollment limited to 6 students.

This six-session online workshop explores:

• The core principles of the Alexander Technique and Moblignment™
• How to pay attention with more ease and self-kindness and less judgement.
• The Moblignment™ points and how to use them while playing and teaching to enliven awareness, ease, confidence and further possibility and discovery.

New format for 2023! Are you interested in learning how to access more ease, creativity, expression, clarity, and JOY in your playing, singing, or teaching? How to stay calm, cool, and connected while practicing, performing, auditioning, conducting an ensemble, or even just in your music lesson? How to make mistakes and recover with resilience? How to prevent or recover from an injury? The Alexander Technique is for you!

Taught by AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique instructor Katie Fittipaldi (Eastman School of Music), this weekend intensive is an introduction to the basic principles of the Alexander Technique, an educational method used by musicians worldwide to enhance practice and performance, prevent injuries and pain, and overcome performance anxiety. Learn how to identify and repurpose unhelpful habits and patterns in order to unlock your fullest potential while in a positive, kind, and supportive atmosphere.