Education

One of the priorities of the board of the Tucson Desert Song Festival is to offer education programs that will benefit Tucsonans of all ages, bringing music, voice and song to all our audiences. In support of this priority we have focused our educational efforts in three distinct areas: the K – 12 Song Project; master classes, recitals and lectures by the festival’s guest artists and faculty at the University of Arizona School of Music; and adult outreach programs.

The K-12 Song Project is a two-part program developed for youngsters from kindergarten to grade 12 that involves both a songwriting competition and a master class.  The competition is designed to encourage students to combine their skills of the written word with those of music to compose original songs. As many as 12 finalists are invited to perform their compositions in a showcase recital at the UA School of Music. Small cash prizes and certificates are awarded at that time.

On the high school level, a master class with visiting artists will be given at the UA.  Students involved in Tucson high school choral programs are invited to attend along with the general public. Three of those students will be asked to perform, for helpful comments from the guest artists.

Our partnership with University of Arizona School of Music is a cornerstone of the Tucson Desert Song Festival. As one of the festival’s founding arts organizations, the School of Music has graciously agreed to host the master classes, recitals and lectures offered throughout the festival weeks. Click here to learn specifics of all events, dates, time and location for each event.

Most events at the School of Music are free and open to the public. We encourage you to attend and enjoy a range of topics regarding song and voice, and to sit in on master classes taught by our guest artists in a small, collegiate atmosphere.

Our adult outreach program covers the education and performance of art songs at several communities throughout greater Tucson.  These presentations are hosted by James Reel, Arizona Public Media’s classical music director, and local vocalists.

Should you desire to volunteer or obtain information, please call our voice message service at 1-866-546-3305 and leave your contact information.