Workshop

Adult Learner Piano Workshop with Linda Jiorle-Nagy
In this 90-minute workshop, renowned pianist and educator Linda Jiorle-Nagy will work with WCMS adult learners to help them expand their performance skills and musical artistry. This is a great opportunity to refine your repertoire for upcoming performance or just deepen your own musical artistry.
Performers must be enrolled in private piano lessons at WCMS, but all are invited to observe and learn. Please speak with your teacher to be considered for one of the limited performer spots.
Hosted by Dr. Miriam Conti Vanoni, Piano Department

New event for 2024-2025! Our performance classes give WCMS students and adult learners an opportunity to practice what it will be like to perform in a recital. There will be no audience, just the other participants in the class.
Each class is hosted by a WCMS faculty member who will offer encouragement and helpful tips. This class will help students develop a performance routine, checklists, and a narrative to encourage successful performances in their future.
Sign Up Online

Whether you are an experienced Dalcroze clinician or a music educator interested in learning about the Dalcroze approach, we invite you to bring your ideas and try out activities guided by an expert Dalcroze clinician. Participants should bring a teaching activity to share with the group, if possible. Workshop fee: $15. You can also join on Zoom.
Facilitated by Dalcroze faculty member Adriana Ausch-Simmel.
Register Online

Whether you are an experienced Dalcroze clinician or a music educator interested in learning about the Dalcroze approach, we invite you to bring your ideas and try out activities guided by an expert Dalcroze clinician. Participants should bring a teaching activity to share with the group, if possible. A Zoom option is available for those who cannot attend in person.
Facilitated by guest artist Arthur Simoes, Diplôme Supérieur.
$15 per participant
Register Online

This remote info session is perfect for parents and caregivers of children currently enrolled in a Dalcroze Eurhythmics or early childhood music class at WCMS.
Department chair Eiko Ishizuka and faculty member Adriana Ausch-Simmel will cover:

An overview of early childhood class offerings at WCMS
Guidance for supporting your children's musical development, both in class and at home
Suggestions for fostering healthy practice habits
Guidance about the decision to begin private lessons
Time for Q&A

This session is free, but advance sign-up is required. A Zoom link will be provided to all

Right Hand Mechanics: Guitar Clinic with Hayes Griffin
This 90-minute workshop is for any guitarist who wants to gain better control and fluency in flat-pick playing. Guest clinician Hayes Griffin will help participants to:
• Better control your picking hand
• Gain control when playing awkward string skips
• Gain fluidity at a variety of tempos
• Build techniques for better tone
• Learn how to practice to affirm good picking technique
Open to intermediate and advanced guitar players ages 13+. Please bring your guitar and a flat pick!
Free for WCMS students; $15 for the general public

Location: Nichols Hall

This 90-minute workshop is for any musician who wants to explore songwriting for the first time or expand on their existing songwriting skills. Award-winning singer-songwriter Rachel Sumner will offer participants a look into her own creative process: where she finds inspiration, how she transforms a creative spark into a song, and more. Participants will also learn specific strategies for editing, deep listening, and using familiar songs as jumping-off points for their own original compositions.
Learn more about Rachel Sumner!
Open to ages 14 and up. Free for WCMS students; $15 for the

Registration Deadline: January 11, 2026
This workshop is for students in grades 6-9 trying out for the MMEA Junior District Festival. The workshop will provide a wealth of information about the audition process including how to prepare, manage nerves, and develop presentation skills. Students will divide into vocal and instrument groups to perform for adjudicators and receive constructive feedback on their solos and scales.
Open to all singers and instrumentalists; you do not have to be a WCMS student to participate.
Participants should confirm the MMEA grade level requirements for their

Discover the innovative world of the Steinway Spirio!
Join Patrick Elisha-Sanmiguel for an engaging presentation on piano mechanics and technology, highlighting the advanced features of the new Spirio player piano. Following an overview of the Spirio's mechanics, participants will have the option to try it out for themselves.
Please note that this workshop takes place off-site at the Newton showroom of M. Steinert & Sons.

Children ages 11+ are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the workshop location (1069