Stages Music Arts

Join Professional Engineer Dave Nachodsky to learn the basics of using different microphones to mic up drums and instruments. Learn about different types of microphones, microphone patterns, drum mic-ing, vocal, guitar and bass cabinet mic-ing, what a room microphone is, stereo mic-ing techniques and more. Ages 14-adult.

Join multi-talented arranger and vocalist Gracie Jay for an immersive workshop on songwriting. In this workshop, Gracie will guide participants through essential songwriting techniques, covering song form, storytelling, creating a hook, stream-of-consciousness writing, and arranging for songwriters. She’ll share insights from her experiences as lead singer of J-Calvin, Public Opinion, and her own solo projects, as well as lessons from her years in music education, including her role as a former adjunct professor at Loyola University of New Orleans. Whether you're new to songwriting or an experienced writer, Gracie’s expertise and passion will elevate your approach to creating music. Known for her powerful voice and skillful arrangements, Gracie has recorded and performed with acclaimed artists like Cyrille Aimee, Nicholas Payton, Camille Thurman, and Jamison Ross. Her compositions have been performed by groups such as the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Next Generation Big Band. A rare talent in the jazz world, Gracie is a commanding force on stage, bringing depth to the large ensembles she both arranges and sings for.

Join us as we dive into some of Billie Eilish’s most iconic tracks, breaking down her songwriting and production techniques. We'll break down the techniques behind her signature sound and discuss how you can implement these methods in your own music while maintaining your unique artistic voice. Free for members!

Join Walsh Kunkel to unlock the art of improvisation and self-expression in this engaging workshop designed to help musicians of all levels master the fundamentals of soloing. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the basics or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, "How to Solo" provides a supportive space to develop your voice as an instrumentalist. Participants will learn essential scales, phrasing techniques, and creative approaches to building solos that captivate an audience. Through hands-on exercises, group activities, and personalized feedback, this workshop will empower you to break out of your comfort zone and confidently craft solos across a variety of musical genres. Join us and discover how to let your instrument speak in ways you never imagined!

Is your guitar in need of new strings? Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to properly restring and care for your instrument. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this session will guide you through the entire restringing process step-by-step, from removing old strings to tuning up your newly strung guitar. You'll also discover tips for selecting the right strings for your playing style, maintaining your guitar's longevity, and troubleshooting common stringing issues. Bring your own guitar and leave with fresh strings and the confidence to do it yourself next time. Perfect for acoustic, electric, and bass guitar enthusiasts of all levels! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite set of strings.