Masterclasses

Through our Education Program, with support from the Lois and Julian Brodsky Music Education Fund, Andrea Baldeck, and the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, PCMS offers free in-school masterclasses to music students from the Curtis Institute, Temple University, Settlement Music School, Temple Music Prep, Play on Philly, and public and charter schools around the city, providing technical, expressive, and historical insight into the music they perform. Masterclasses provide students with opportunities for growth and musical exploration, as well as personal connections to the world-class artists on our series.

The events listed below are open to the public and we welcome you to attend to connect with our artists and support our city's emerging talent. Changes to any classes that allow audiences will be posted here - check back for updates. We look forward to seeing you this season.

To attend masterclasses at the Curtis Institute of Music, RSVP is required in advance. Please email Chelsea Steinberg, PCMS Education Director, at csteinberg@pcmsconcerts.org.

Masterclass Schedule

Artist
Date
Location
Barbara Hannigan, soprano
Wednesday, December 11
Curtis Institute of Music
Vertavo Quartet
Wednesday, December 11
Temple Music Prep
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello
Saturday, December 14
Settlement Music School
Takács Quartet
Friday, January 24
Curtis Institute of Music
Peter Stumpf, cello
Saturday, January 25
Temple University
Marina Piccinini, flute
Monday, February 3
American Philosophical Society
Awadagin Pratt, piano
Tuesday, February 4
Temple Music Prep
Anneleen Lenaerts, harp
Wednesday, February 5
Curtis Institute of Music
Simone Dinnerstein, piano
Thursday, February 6
Temple University
Roderick Williams, baritone
Thursday, February 13
Temple University
Lydia Artymiw, piano
Thursday, February 20
Settlement Music School
Dover Quartet
Monday, February 24
Settlement Music School
Marcy Rosen, cello
Thursday, February 27
Curtis Institute of Music
Richard Goode, piano
Friday, February 28
Curtis Institute of Music
Kim Kashkashian, viola
Saturday, March 1
University of Pennsylvania
Emi Ferguson, flute
Tuesday, March 4
Rowan University
Calidore Quartet
Saturday, April 5
Temple Music Prep
Demarre McGill, flute & Titus Underwood, oboe
Tuesday, April 15
Temple University
Erinys Quartet
Wednesday, May 7
Settlement Music School
Josh Jones at PMAY Artists' Initiative

What Students Say

“Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to learn from the one and only Josh Jones! He is truly a master of percussion arts. He led me to focus on the physical aspects of my playing. Mr. Jones asked me to guide my strokes and movements with my shoulder. This motion released excess tension and allowed me to play softly without sounding agitated. Instructing me to relax certain fingers and remain loose, I am now able to perform with more fluidity. Hearing and applying insights and critiques from different professional percussionists greatly impacts how I approach and perform repertoire.”

Sydney Vance, grade 10
Randall Goosby at Settlement Music School

What Students Say

I gained so much knowledge and so many creative ideas thanks to the engaging, collaborative, and super fun way in which I was instructed. I was touched and inspired - I'm so excited to take this new valuable knowledge with me and run with it.

Gabriela Salvador Riera, grade 11
Imani Winds at St. Francis de Sales School

What Parents Say

We really appreciate you investing so much into Sophia’s musical endeavors. Arranging this masterclass wasn’t easy or cheap, I’m sure. Students don’t just get masterclasses every day, and especially, not for free. I recognize the lessons, exposure, opportunities, support, and encouragement you are offering my daughters are invaluable. So, I want you to know that I’m truly appreciative of all that you and POP do for them.

Play on Philly parent
Mitsuko Uchida leads a piano/voice masterclass

What Teachers Say

Students at Temple Music Prep are very fortunate to be in a city like Philadelphia. PCMS propels these young musicians forward by connecting them to the outstanding chamber music ensembles presented in its concert series. By creating these interactions through workshops and masterclasses, PCMS allows our youth to learn directly from and emulate the masters they aspire to become. PCMS goes one step further in providing tickets so the students may then hear the artists in concert. The value is immeasurable.

Mark Huxsoll, Temple Music Preparatory Division