Master Class Program

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra musicians lead Master Classes with the students at Project Music in Stamford and KEYS Music in Bridgeport. The Master Class program originally began in 2019 as a pilot to determine how the Norwalk Symphony and its musicians could best support local students from underserved communities in their musical education journeys.  The development into one of small group and one-to-one instructional support between the students and their specific instruments partnering with Symphony musicians was a need that quickly made itself evident and has been the basis for this structure since 2021.  Symphony musicians work with our partner organizations to both adapt to their methodology and framework. The musicians and our Music Director have worked with the students on technique, musical skills, and repertoire. We have hosted discussions on topics such as Audition Prep, Active Listening Skills, and Music Theory, allocating time for Q&A to discuss all matters of music with the whole group before breaking into sectionals.

The Master Classes are supported through grants from The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts and The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund. In addition to the music instruction, access for the students to attend live performances and rehearsals at the Concert Hall is a key component of the program. Ensembles from our partner organizations will also present ‘pre-concert” performances before Symphony concerts at various times throughout the season.

It is inspiring for both the students and the Symphony musicians to work together in these joint programs! To learn more about this program and how your organization can support music education please contact info@norwalksymphony.org.