Guest Workshops
Art Beyond the Ink offers several guest workshop programs led by our trained teaching artists. Workshops can be given in-person, online, or in hybrid models, and they can be structured as one-time or recurring sessions. Typically, these workshops have been utilized by private studios, public programs, after-school and assembly programs, and Suzuki schools.
What We Offer
We currently offer two types of musical workshops: Stories From Our Sheet Music and Sound-Libs: Choose Your Own Musical Adventure. Click on each or scroll below to learn more.
Workshop #1:
Students ages 5-8 learning about high and low notes at a “Sketches of Love” workshop at the New York Public Library.
Stories From Our Sheet Music
First commissioned by the New York Public Library, these workshops encourage young audiences to listen for stories in music and teach about various musical concepts to discover why we hear what we hear.
Each workshop features:
A lesson on one music theory concept (such as volume, pitch, etc.), featuring educational games and exercises
An interactive activity* on creative listening, where we break down a piece of music and encourage kids to share what they imagine based on the music’s emotional arc and structure
A screening of an original musical short film, to synthesize and further demonstrate storytelling concepts
*all participants are given art supplies to use for the workshop
Anchor Standards Covered (from the National Core Arts Standards): #1, 2, 7, 8 and 10
Current Stories From Our Sheet Music Workshops
Sketches of Love (K-5)
Each day, a shy artist visits her favorite park to sketch her beautiful surroundings. When she notices a girl on a bench across from her, she lets her mind wander. Will she gather the courage to talk to her, or will they only dance in her daydreams? Listen along as the violin and piano bring to life a charming, art-inspired romance.
Musical Concepts: Pitch
Art Styles: Dance/Film
Themes Within the Story: LGBTQ+
Music: "Sonata" for Violin and Piano (first movement), by Cesar Franck
Preview the accompanying film here.
The Treasure Hunters (K-5)
Follow a group of young friends as they search for hidden treasure! Our friends travel the neighborhood, battling storms, monsters, and other surprises along the way in search of an ultimate prize. X marks the spot in this pirate-themed adventure - join the hunt!
Musical Concepts: Tonality
Art Styles: Stop-Motion Animation
Themes Within the Story: Imagination
Music: "Quintet No. 3" for Woodwind Quintet (first movement), by David Maslanka
Preview the accompanying film here.
Unbreakable (K-5)
Empress is an outcast. Even though she keeps to herself, her clunky, metal form sticks out in the glass world she lives in. Will she ever see that her unbreakable power is just as valuable as delicate beauty? Listen along as the bass clarinet and piano premiere Jens Ibsen's contemporary classical work, narrating a journey of self-love and empowerment.
Musical Concepts: Volume, Composition (by a living composer)
Art Styles: Illustration
Themes Within the Film: Self-Acceptance
Music: "Empress" for Bass Clarinet and Piano, by Jens Ibsen
Preview the accompanying film here.
Musical concepts and stories can also be mixed and matched for a custom experience. Furthermore, opportunities are available to book a longer series of workshops for continuous learning and expansion of concepts. Please inquire by contacting us.
Workshop #2:
Sound-Libs: Choose Your Own Musical Adventure
In these workshops, our newest offering, kids create their own musical soundtrack to an Art Beyond the Ink short story by assigning sounds and movements to various characters and words throughout. Then, they can listen to it come to life as the story is read and performed live!
After the story is complete, musicians play a full piece of music involving the same musical sounds, and the kids are invited to create a “part II” to the story, listening to the music and motives to decide what happens next!
*all participants are given art supplies and opportunities to draw during the workshop
Anchor Standards Covered (from the National Core Arts Standards): #1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8
Current Sound-Libs Workshops
Umoja: A Quest for Deep-Sea Friendship (ideal for grades K-3)
Based on Umoja by Valerie Coleman, this workshop encourages environmental appreciation and friendship in young audiences, while also engaging them in the sounds of a wind quintet! Children are introduced to each instrument, and then assign sounds to each character in the following story, paired with projected illustrations:
Umoja is the nicest shark at the reef — so nice, in fact, that the bigger, meaner sharks do not want to be around her. But as she searches for new friends, will she unite with other creatures of the sea, or will her big, toothy smile scare them away before she gets the chance?
Additional themes/concepts: Environmental appreciation, wind quintet, composition (by living composers), friendship
Interested in bringing our workshops to your students?
Words From Our Community
Having Art Beyond the Ink come into our classes at Buffalo String Works gave our students an opportunity to celebrate all of the types of creating they enjoy! It was such a thrill to see the energy and curiosity brought out in these young musicians thanks to ABI. Their workshops supported our learning for the entire semester and were a huge highlight for everyone involved.
-Teagan Faran, teaching artist at Buffalo String Works