Muso Workshops
Our Muso Workshops are monthly group classes designed to bring students out of their lesson rooms and into a collaborative, creative space. Across the year, students work in bands to build real-world music skills (from ensemble playing and song arrangement to performance, recording, and stagecraft).
Each workshop is hands-on, project-based, and intentionally crafted to develop musicianship in a fun, social setting. The year culminates in a friendly competition, where students present their band pieces for the chance to perform live at our Graduation Gala.
January: Jamming Labs
Running Dates: 6 to 12 January 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Explore improvisation and creative risk-taking
Develop ensemble listening and group timing
Build confidence and connection within the group
Key Information:
This playful workshop kicks off the year by helping students explore sound, groove, and musical interaction through jamming. It sets the tone for a collaborative and creativity-rich year ahead.
February: Concert Week
No workshops run in February due to Concert Week (24 Feb - 2 March 2025)
March: Song Builders
Running Dates: 24 to 30 March 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Learn how songs are structured and arranged
Begin developing a band piece collaboratively
Understand roles within a band (rhythm, melody, harmony, etc.)
Key Information:
Students begin creating the foundations of their band piece for the year, selecting a song (or writing one), assigning parts, and exploring arrangement ideas. This workshop kicks off the journey toward the Grad Gala competition.
April: Stage Stars
Running Dates: 21 to 27 January 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Build confidence in live performance settings
Explore stagecraft, movement, and expression
Develop musical presence and communication
Key Information:
This workshop puts performance at the forefront, helping students practice playing with confidence, communicating on stage, and connecting with their audience - all in a supportive, workshop-style setting.
May: Concert Week
No workshops run in May due to Concert Week (26 May - 1 June 2025)
June: Band Builders
Running Dates: 23 to 29 June 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Strengthen ensemble cohesion and teamwork
Refine band communication and group rehearsal skills
Begin locking in tempo, transitions, and dynamics
Key Information:
With the song structure in place, this workshop focuses on refining the piece as a band. Students will rehearse, troubleshoot, and polish their parts while developing strong musical unity and peer support.
July: Music Video Vision
Running Dates: 21 to 27 July 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Storyboard and plan a music video for a song chorus
Experiment with visual storytelling and expression
Record a creative, performance-focused video take
Key Information:
Students will film a creative video clip for a chorus or section of their band piece. The goal is to bring their music to life visually while developing confidence and flair on camera.
Recording Notice: This workshop will be video recorded by your mentor. These ‘first draft’ videos will be edited and made available to students to reflect upon and work on for their final version in recording week (October). If you do not wish for your child/yourself to be recorded, please let us know. We fully respect your preferences and will make all reasonable accommodations if informed.
August: Concert Week
No workshops run in August due to Concert Week (25 - 31 August 2025)
September: Dress Rehearsal
Running Dates: 22 to 28 September 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Run full band piece with confidence and polish
Receive targeted feedback from mentors
Finalise visual and performance details
Key Information:
This high-focus workshop simulates a live performance environment. Students will run through their full pieces in performance order, receiving mentor feedback and fine-tuning their delivery ahead of competition recording.
October: Recording Week
Running Dates: 20 to 26 October 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Deliver a polished, complete performance
Demonstrate stage presence and musical growth
Participate in the friendly studio competition
Key Information:
Students will record a live studio video of their band piece for our Grad Gala Competition. The best performances will be chosen to perform live at the Gala in November!
Recording & Media Notice:
This workshop will be recorded and edited into a music video, which will be shared on West Coast Music School’s social media channels as part of our Grad Gala Competition.
If you or your child do not wish to be recorded or appear on social media, please notify us before the workshop so mentors can ensure they are not captured in the footage.
We fully respect your preferences and will make all reasonable accommodations if informed in advance.
November: Concert Week
No workshops run in November due to Concert Week (24 - 30 November 2025)
December- Encore Jam
Running Dates: 15 to 21 December 2025 (confirm workshop time in your portal)
Learning Objectives:
Celebrate musical growth and community
Reflect on the year’s progress
Engage in low-pressure creative play
Key Information:
To end the year, students return to their roots with relaxed jamming, creative activities, and celebration. It’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come and reconnect musically after the excitement of the Gala.