2025 Workshops
Blues Improvisation
Playing the blues doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few simple tools, anyone can enjoy the creative freedom this style of music offers us. In this workshop, we will explore the musical elements that define this genre and learn how to utilize them right away. The best way to learn and understand these concepts is with your instrument, so participation is encouraged!
Maria DeFreitas is a distinguished local musician and educator, renowned for her expertise in jazz flute and saxophone. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston where she received a Bachelor of Music with a focus in jazz performance. Maria performs with a number of groups in the CT area, spanning genres such as jazz, blues, pop, and funk. She is a woodwinds instructor here in Middletown at the Middlesex Music Academy and is also earning her certification as a woodwind and brass repair technician.
Playing the blues doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few simple tools, anyone can enjoy the creative freedom this style of music offers us. In this workshop, we will explore the musical elements that define this genre and learn how to utilize them right away. The best way to learn and understand these concepts is with your instrument, so participation is encouraged!
Maria DeFreitas is a distinguished local musician and educator, renowned for her expertise in jazz flute and saxophone. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston where she received a Bachelor of Music with a focus in jazz performance. Maria performs with a number of groups in the CT area, spanning genres such as jazz, blues, pop, and funk. She is a woodwinds instructor here in Middletown at the Middlesex Music Academy and is also earning her certification as a woodwind and brass repair technician.
Discovering the Chinese Flute: Tradition, Technique, and Expression
Step into the rich musical heritage of China with an exploration of the dizi (笛子), the traditional Chinese bamboo flute. This workshop delves into its history, cultural significance, and unique role in Chinese classical and folk music. Participants will uncover the diverse regional styles, distinctive playing techniques, and the intricate artistry behind the dizi’s construction. Through guided demonstrations, experience the dizi’s distinct sound and remarkable versatility. Perfect for both musicians and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Tong Kong is an eclectic multi-instrumentalist who plays the French horn, dizi (Chinese flute), pipa (Chinese lute), and over 15 instruments. She is a current member of the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York (dizi, hulusi) and the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra of USA (horn). As a musician trained in both Chinese and Western traditions, Tong blends influences from these diverse worlds, forging a distinctive musical identity. She has appeared on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Hudson Opera House, etc. Her accolades include winning the first prize at the Beijing International Music and Art Festival, gold prize at the Spain Juvenile Art Festival, and first prize at the New Star of China Television Show, among others. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in music and computer science and a master's degree from University of Pennsylvania in computer science.
Step into the rich musical heritage of China with an exploration of the dizi (笛子), the traditional Chinese bamboo flute. This workshop delves into its history, cultural significance, and unique role in Chinese classical and folk music. Participants will uncover the diverse regional styles, distinctive playing techniques, and the intricate artistry behind the dizi’s construction. Through guided demonstrations, experience the dizi’s distinct sound and remarkable versatility. Perfect for both musicians and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Tong Kong is an eclectic multi-instrumentalist who plays the French horn, dizi (Chinese flute), pipa (Chinese lute), and over 15 instruments. She is a current member of the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York (dizi, hulusi) and the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra of USA (horn). As a musician trained in both Chinese and Western traditions, Tong blends influences from these diverse worlds, forging a distinctive musical identity. She has appeared on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Hudson Opera House, etc. Her accolades include winning the first prize at the Beijing International Music and Art Festival, gold prize at the Spain Juvenile Art Festival, and first prize at the New Star of China Television Show, among others. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in music and computer science and a master's degree from University of Pennsylvania in computer science.
Six Ways to Radically Improve Your Playing (Using One Simple Concept)
This workshop will guide us through using the miraculous power of the subdivision as:
Kim Collins is a freelance flutist who regularly performs with orchestras throughout New England. She also has collaborated with rock and pop acts, sharing the stage with Josh Groban, Clay Aiken, Deep Purple, Kansas, LeAnn Rimes, Marie Osmond, The Irish Tenors, Peter Frampton, Yes, and Brian Wilson. She's also appeared in the pit orchestra for the Wicked, the Musical, on Broadway, as well as with the national tours of countless shows at Connecticut venues such as the Bushnell Theater, The Oakdale, The Palace Theaters in Waterbury and Stamford, and the Shubert Theater. She has been teaching in Connecticut since 1990 and has held flute instructor positions at several institutions including: The Hartt School Community Division, Choate Rosemary Hall, Neighborhood Music School, Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University. She now teaches exclusively at her home studio in South Glastonbury, Connecticut and frequently serves as guest teaching artist and clinician at area schools.
Kim's students have spanned a huge range from ages six to 75, and she particularly enjoys working with adult students, knowing what an effort it is to juggle learning an instrument with an already hectic family and work life.
This workshop will guide us through using the miraculous power of the subdivision as:
- a teaching tool
- a practice tool for double tonguing
- an ensemble playing tool
- a tool for learning and teaching expression
Kim Collins is a freelance flutist who regularly performs with orchestras throughout New England. She also has collaborated with rock and pop acts, sharing the stage with Josh Groban, Clay Aiken, Deep Purple, Kansas, LeAnn Rimes, Marie Osmond, The Irish Tenors, Peter Frampton, Yes, and Brian Wilson. She's also appeared in the pit orchestra for the Wicked, the Musical, on Broadway, as well as with the national tours of countless shows at Connecticut venues such as the Bushnell Theater, The Oakdale, The Palace Theaters in Waterbury and Stamford, and the Shubert Theater. She has been teaching in Connecticut since 1990 and has held flute instructor positions at several institutions including: The Hartt School Community Division, Choate Rosemary Hall, Neighborhood Music School, Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University. She now teaches exclusively at her home studio in South Glastonbury, Connecticut and frequently serves as guest teaching artist and clinician at area schools.
Kim's students have spanned a huge range from ages six to 75, and she particularly enjoys working with adult students, knowing what an effort it is to juggle learning an instrument with an already hectic family and work life.
Flutes in Space!
A Zoom presentation and Q & A with flutist/astronaut Cady Coleman.
Cady Coleman is a former NASA Astronaut and a retired US Air Force Colonel with more than 180 days in space, accumulated during two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) as the Lead Robotics and Lead Science officer. She is an amateur flute player, known for her “Space Duet” with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and her work from space with the acclaimed Irish band, The Chieftains. Cady currently performs in Bandella, a band of astronauts, and plays Irish flute and tin whistle with friends' groups in Western MA.
A Zoom presentation and Q & A with flutist/astronaut Cady Coleman.
Cady Coleman is a former NASA Astronaut and a retired US Air Force Colonel with more than 180 days in space, accumulated during two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) as the Lead Robotics and Lead Science officer. She is an amateur flute player, known for her “Space Duet” with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and her work from space with the acclaimed Irish band, The Chieftains. Cady currently performs in Bandella, a band of astronauts, and plays Irish flute and tin whistle with friends' groups in Western MA.
All participants will have the chance to see all the presentations, and many are participatory. Bring your flute, your curiosity, and your playfulness!
