Throughout the year, we host interactive one-off musical workshops, covering topics such as music history and theory, training for actors, professional development for educators, and much more, all led by experienced professionals dedicated to helping individuals grow through mentorship.
We encourage you to challenge yourself, engage in discussion, and keep curiosity alive in everyday life.
Dive into a niche interest and explore new perspectives in our one-time, 90-minute morning and afternoon workshop sessions!
Dive into a niche interest and explore new perspectives in our one-time, 90-minute, morning and afternoon workshop sessions!
We’ll take an in-depth look from the last days of the second great Miles Davis quintet, starting in 1967, as he became heavily influenced by the music of Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone and James Brown, giving birth to what is now known as “Fusion”. Davis would incorporate electric instruments in rock rhythms into his own music through the groundbreaking albums “In A Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew” while setting the stage for the early jazz fusion super groups Tony Williams Lifetime, Weather Report, Return To Forever, The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters.
No previous musical experience is required to enjoy this workshop!
A chronological history of Chicago style blues beginning with T-bone Walker! Together, we’ll explore some of the genre’s most important players, discussing their history and technique, and, most importantly, listening to their most influential breaks. We’ll discuss what made these players so amazing and what we can learn from them to improve our own playing and listening. Topics will include chord voicings, turnarounds, improvisation, and performers including Freddie King, Magic Sam, and Buddy Guy.
No previous musical experience is necessary to enjoy this workshop!
Join us for an intensive jazz theory workshop focused on Jazz harmony, melody/line development to facilitate improvisation, and chord voicing. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies that can be immediately applied on stage or in your own home practice.
Students should already have a solid foundation in theory, basic scales, chords and rhythm, and be excited to explore jazz concepts while deepening their skills.
The perfect workshop for beginners looking to add hand drumming to their life or to join a drum circle!
Together, we’ll explore basic techniques for getting a good sound from the West African djembe, and learn to read and write rhythms using “grid notation,” a widely used system that does not require any knowledge of classical staff. This lively, hands-on workshop will bring students closer together as people, increase your confidence as a musician, and prepare you to play with others in a variety of settings.
No previous musical experience is necessary to enjoy this workshop!
Explore John Coltrane’s recorded and live works and discuss his journey through sobriety and spirituality as well as civil rights consciousness throughout the 60s. We’ll look through 1957 to 1967, beginning with Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis through his Quartet of the 60s and into his Avant garde period.
No previous musical experience is necessary to enjoy this workshop!
Explore a mindful approach to new practice strategies, developing less stressful, more effective habits that will allow you to achieve a higher level of playing and satisfaction while applying easily to any instrument. Together, we’ll outline a detailed and practical approach to practice that prevents both burnout and stagnation, keeping your routine feeling fresh no matter what you’re currently working on.
Intended for students with some previous experience, currently taking lessons, or actively practicing an instrument looking to revitalize their practice routine.
A deep dive into the global cultural elements and musical pioneers responsible for the birth, development and growth of American Big Band Jazz music!
We’ll explore the early days of its rise and the height of its popularity during the 1930s Swing era as well as the factors leading to its struggle and fall only a decade later, eventually culminating to its rebirth and rise to the diversely creative, resilient and masterful artform that it is today!
No previous experience is necessary to enjoy this workshop.
Building a meaningful presence as an artist takes more than chasing algorithms and hoping to go viral. This workshop explores how to use social media strategically while staying authentic, consistent, and sustainable without burning yourself out.
We’ll cover practical tips and tricks across different platforms, from engaging your community through likes, comments, and replies to planning and scheduling content, as well as what you should (and shouldn’t) rely on social media to achieve. We’ll also look at how to realistically build an EPK with strong, useful assets that reflect your personal and artistic vision.
Most importantly, we’ll step back and ask what success actually looks like for you—is it touring and gigging, meeting new people, writing and collaborating, or simply jamming out with friends?
Following the workshop, we’ll grab a drink at the bar and get the chance to network!
Lead with empathy. Perform with confidence. Make powerful choices feel natural.
In two Saturday sessions, we’ll practice embracing our emotional instincts by getting to the core of the scene and learning how to stay grounded as performers and scene partners.
One-on-one coaching sessions help aspiring actors like you further develop performance skills, prepare for auditions, analyze scenes, build confidence, and set realistic goals. Come to the session with an upcoming project, scene or role in mind. This unique opportunity is for everyone from young beginners to experienced professionals.
PDPs for Music Educators
Each year, we invite music educators from across the region to our stunning facility for a one-day professional development event, where participants earn PD hours through hands-on workshops and reading sessions.
Sessions are highly participatory, led by educators who are passionate about promoting connection through the arts.
Dr. Fred Harris (Conductor, Groton Hill Wind Ensemble)
Cami Tedoldi (Arts Education Consultant)
2026/27 Event Presenters – coming soon
We offer a wide range of musical experiences, focused on mentorship, development, and creativity. Over 2,000 students enjoy private lessons, classes, rehearsals, and performances in our inspirational setting, with unique opportunities that bring education and performance together in ways that are uniquely possible at Groton Hill.
Our dynamic learning spaces encourage you to enjoy the process, with 35 state-of-the-art teaching studios, and 2 world-class performance halls, acoustically tuned for a warm, vibrant sound.