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 [email protected]
2026 OU Piano Competition - Sunday, May 10, 2026
The 2026 Oakland University Piano Competition will take place on May 10, 2026 at Varner Hall in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with a registration deadline of May 1 at 11:59 PM. The competition is open to three age divisions: ages 10 and under, ages 11 to 14 and ages 15 to 18. Participants in each division will perform two contrasting works from different eras of classical repertoire from memory within a designated time limit. Winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with Oakland University faculty. A $45 registration fee is required and can be paid through the Kawai Piano Gallery of Michigan. In addition to the competition, faculty members Dr. Tian Tian and Dr. I-Chen Yeh will each present a masterclass featuring selected participants from each division. The masterclasses are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Tian Tian at [email protected].
Required Form:
All participants at any event on OU's campus under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian fill out a liability release form. Please use the link below to access this form. For this event, please select "OU Piano Compeititon" as the event.
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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected])
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 ([email protected])
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 [email protected] or through the contact form on my website www.corneliasommer.com.
|
|
| Clarinet | Dr. Erin Dowler |
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School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]
For all event or ticketing questions:
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Email: [email protected]
