The Center is thrilled to host a variety of opportunities for musicians to build their knowledge, artistry, and career this May. All workshops are free with registration, and open to anyone!
- Project Development Workshop
Thursday, May 4, 12:30 – 2 PM
How can you take your musical idea and bring it to fruition? Independent musicians and ensembles must balance the scope of their ambitions with ambiguities around gig income, marketing costs, recording costs, ever-shifting timelines, and fundraising possibilities. Not to mention finding the right collaborators and venues!This workshop will begin with experienced project leaders Terrence Brewer and Sandy Cressman sharing how they have navigated these challenges with their own work. The group will then split up, with each panelist leading one small group, so that participants can raise specific questions and gather advice on their own projects. Attendees will walk away with concrete suggestions, and a deeper knowledge of best practices for how to build and execute successful musical projects.
- Lighting Design for Musicians
Friday, May 12, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
You’ve spent hours in rehearsals refining your music… how can you make sure your performance complements what you’re doing? Take a long lunch with award-winning lighting designer Clyde Sheets to explore lighting design for music.Sheets, who is himself a musician, and has designed for operas, musical theater, and top new music ensembles like Bang On a Can All-Stars and Eighth Blackbird, shares his perspective and expertise. Get grounded in the essentials of lighting design, and build your understanding of how and where creative lighting and scenic design can play an integral role into the presentation of your music.
Participants will build a foundation of technical knowledge and hands-on experience with the C4NM lighting setup. This base of information will help artists bring an advanced sensibility to lighting their performances in venues small and large.
- Composer Reading Session with The Living Earth Show
Tuesday, May 16, 6 – 10 PM
This year’s C4NM Ensemble in Residence, The Living Earth Show, will read and workshop up to six works for guitar and percussion. Composers may submit up to five minutes of music for this opportunity, and will receive 20-30 minutes of time with the ensemble, and a recording of the entire session.
- Composer Meetup
Monday, May 22, 7-9 PM
The composer meetup is open to anyone! We will have three presenters offer their work for discussion from 7 to 9 PM.
- Public Speaking Workshop
Tuesday, May 23, 12:30 – 2 PM
From stage banter to gig pursuits, public speaking skills are an important tool for musicians to better engage their listeners. Today’s performers and composers are expected to address audiences, students, booking reps, potential supporters, and a host of others.Work with expert artistic and nonprofit leader Kevin Causey to hone your public speaking skills. With decades of experience compelling audiences, Kevin Causey brings a wealth of knowledge in this free workshop. Participants will practice and refine their ability to send a spoken message that complements and enhances their musical message.
All workshops take place at the Center’s facility at 55 Taylor Street in San Francisco.