Residencies & Workshops
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WCL Education (formerly LiveConnections) in-depth school residencies and community programs provide opportunities for music-making, writing and collaboration, through programs that connect with real-world issues.
Our programs are designed to complement schools’ existing curriculum, deepen learning and provide new opportunities for students and teachers. We prioritize 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication.
We engage highly skilled teaching artists representing diverse traditions, who work collaboratively with WCL Education staff and school faculty and administrators to tailor programs for the needs and interests of each school.
In addition, WCL Education periodically presents accessibility-focused workshops at human service organizations, designed to carry themes from Bridge Sessions to day programs or residential facilities.
We have also offered professional development workshops for teachers, designed to refresh and inspire teachers by incorporating collaboration and hands-on music-making in their own classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do residencies take place?
Our school-based programs run anywhere from 6 weeks to an entire school year and may include in-school and/or after-school sessions. Schedule is determined based on school and artist availability.
How do I get a residency at my school?
We develop residencies with schools with which we have built ongoing relationships. We approach each residency organically, understanding that each school has unique needs and challenges. We have a generative, student-led approach to music-making, so programs frequently evolve as we go. This process is relationship-intensive, and works best when the school and LiveConnections are already well-acquainted.
We recommend that interested schools begin the relationship-building process by attending Bridge Sessions. Contact our program coordinator to learn more or begin discussing next steps.
Does my school need to have a music program?
We collaborate both with schools that have music programs and those that don’t. When a music program exists, we seek to join forces and complement what is already happening, not replace school-based music. When there isn’t a music program, we collaborate with teachers and administrators to create something distinct for that school.
We want all schools to have their own music programs, and our programs are most successful when they happen collaboratively with classroom teachers seeking to provide in-depth arts enrichment opportunities for their students.
How are school residencies funded?
WCL Education raises funds from foundations, corporations and individuals to cover teaching artist fees, production costs, supplies and other residency expenses. Some schools we partner with have also able to secure funding through their own sources to help offset costs.
Can you provide a workshop or professional development session for my school/organization?
We’d love to work with you to create an enrichment or training session tailored for your needs. Fees for one-time workshops and professional development sessions vary based on the number of artists involved and the type of program. Please contact us to talk more.
LiveConnections
is now WCL Education
In 2019, we combined with our long-time partner World Cafe Live to become a single nonprofit organization.
We're proud to continue all of our programs under our new name and logo.
