Workshops and Clinics
The OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance offers multiple workshops and honor ensemble opportunities for K-12 students and community members throughout the year. Our workshops are taught by OU's renowned faculty, and by highly regarded guest performers and teachers. These outstanding arts performance workshops combine an open and collaborative atmosphere with rigorous standards and excellent teaching.
Many of our workshops are free. For workshops with a fee, the amount charged is always carefully considered so as to be as inexpensive as possible for attendees, while still covering some of the cost of running the event.
Youth Protection: OU works to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about our initiatives at the Youth Protection website.
Refunds: For workshops with a fee, refunds will be given up to two weeks prior to the event start date. Cancellations within two weeks of the event start date will not be refunded.
Exceptions: Refunds are not available for Honor Bands registration.
For more information, please contact smtdadmissions@oakland.edu
Woodwind Day - Sunday, October 4, 2026
4th Annual Woodwind Day
Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance
When: Sunday, October 4th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Varner Hall, Oakland University — 371 Varner Dr., Rochester, MI 48309
Middle and high school woodwind players are invited to spend a Sunday making music at Oakland University. Participants will attend masterclasses and workshops with SMTD's world-class faculty, choose from a selection of "Choose Your Own Adventure" workshop topics, and come together with everyone else for a massive woodwind ensemble to close out the day. There's also time built in to visit with representatives from Meridian Winds and chat with OU students from Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha, and NAfME.
All skill levels welcome, no audition required. Students may attend individually or with their section. Registration is $35 per student and includes a pizza lunch.
Choose Your Own Adventure Workshops
Demystifying the College Audition Process (Alex Sellers)
Jobs in the Arts after College (Ben MacDonald & Christopher DeLouis)
Ensemble Etiquette (Cornelia Sommer)
"Play Fast Notes" (Ralph Skiano)
Oakland University Woodwind Faculty
Flute
- Hannah Hammel Maser (DSO Affiliate)
- Lily Josefsberg (DSO Affiliate)
- Bryan Guarnuccio
Oboe
- Timothy Michling
Clarinet
- Erin Dowler
- Ralph Skiano (DSO Affiliate)
Bassoon
- Cornelia Sommer (DSO Affiliate)
Saxophone
- Jeffrey Heisler
- Christopher DeLouis
- Ben MacDonald
- Alex Sellers
Attending Vendors & Organizations
Meridian Winds, Phi Mu Alpha, Oakland University NAfME Collegiate, Sigma Alpha Iota
Registration & Contact
Email: fasellers@oakland.edu
Phone: 248.370.2030
Youth Saxophone Ensemble
Information about the 2027 Youth Saxophone Ensemble will be released by January 1, 2027. Please check back or reach out to Alex Sellers (fasellers@oakland.edu) for questions.Youth Brass Ensemble
Details TBA soon.Youth Percussion Ensemble
Details TBA soon.OU Piano Ensemble - Little Stars Program
This is a program designed for beginner piano students ages 5-6 with no prior experience. The program is a combination of group classes and private lessons with a formal recital at the end of the semester. Students will perform solo works and as a class so they will experience various types of performance formats. Each class will have 4-6 students so students can receive individual attention even in group settings. Once registered, we will email a detailed curriculum outlining topics and pieces taught each week. There will also be video instructions for daily practices at home.Registration Deadline: August 24, 2026 11:59PM
Registration Fee: $25 - a payment link will be sent after registration
Tuition Deadline: September 1, 2026 11:59PM
Tuition Fee: $375 - a payment link will be sent after registration
Class Dates: September 7th - December 13th, 2026
Location: Varner Hall, 371 Varner Drive, Rochester, MI 48309
Sessions:
Session I: Tuesdays 5PM - private lesson times may vary
Session II: Saturdays 10AM - private lesson times may vary
Final Recital: December 13th, 2026 at 1PM
Class Format:Weeks 1-5: 45-minute group classes
Weeks 6-11: 30-minute private lessons
Week 12: Lessons and recital preparation
Week 13: Recital
For questions, please email Dr. Tian Tian (ttian@oakland.edu)
OU Piano Ensemble - Young Artist Program
OU’s Young Artist Program serves as an educational platform, supporting and aspiring young pianists (ages 12-18) to build knowledge, experience, and confidence through masterclasses, lectures, and performances.Registration Deadline: August 21, 2026 11:59PM
Registration Fee: $30 - a payment link will be sent after registration
Repertoire: TWO contrasting works recorded within three months of registration deadline.
Announcement of fall 2026 OU Young Artists: August 24, 2026 Please note we can only accept 6 young artists each semester to ensure adequate masterclass and performance opportunities.
Tuition Deadline: September 1, 2026 11:59PM
Tuition Fee: $220 - a payment link will be sent after registration
Announcement of fall 2026 OU Young Artists:
We will meet once a month, each session is 2 hours: specific dates will be announced asap
September: group meeting and lecture on technique
October: masterclass with Tian Tian
November: masterclass with Qing Jiang (piano faculty at Florida State University)
December: rehearsal and concerts
Concert Dates:
12/12/2026 7PM: Schoolcraft College Vistach Center Kehrl Auditorium
12/13/2026 3PM: Oakland University Varner Recital Hall
For questions, please email Dr. Tian Tian (ttian@oakland.edu)
Are you auditioning for the 2025/2026 MSBOA All-State bands? Our instrumental faculty have put together a series of videos featuring performances of this year's etudes for each instrument, along with expert tips on how to approach and interpret them. These videos are designed to help you feel confident and prepared as you tackle your audition music. Check out the links below to access valuable guidance directly from our faculty!
| Instrument | Faculty Member | Information from Faculty Member | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassoon | Dr. Cornelia Sommer |
Hello! My name is Cornelia Sommer, and I go by Nellie. I am a bassoonist with the Detroit Symphony. I teach bassoon privately to students of all ages and levels, and I am also the bassoon instructor at Oakland University. This video includes complete performances and tips for the middle and high school All-State etudes for Michigan in 2024/25.
If you have questions, or are interested in a bassoon clinic for your band in the Detroit area, or want to inquire about private lessons, please contact me at sommer@oakland.edu or through the contact form on my website www.corneliasommer.com.
|
|
| Clarinet | Dr. Erin Dowler |
|
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
smtd@oakland.edu
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
smtd@oakland.edu
For all event or ticketing questions:
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Email: smtdboxoffice@oakland.edu
