Get mixing and mastering tips from an industry pro.

For artists, musicians, producers, and engineers! Get all the tips and tricks I've learned over decades of working with the top producers and engineers in the music business. Save yourself years of struggling by learning some simple strategies that I use every day to get pro sound. With a focus on mixing, these classes also discuss production, recording, and mastering. Topics include monitors, compressors, EQ, effects, and more. These techniques will apply to your music regardless of musical genre or choice of software, even in a small studio.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring ages 15 and up
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for every first Sunday from 2:00pm–3:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 10 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at jeremycball@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Come show off your stuff.

So what have you been working on this month? A new cover song? An original song? A cosmic rock opera? Whatever it is, there's no better way to find out how it's going (and shake off those performance jitters) than to share it with other aspiring artists within a supportive and constructive environment.

Workshop Focus

• Pursuits: Performance, Songwriting

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 15 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• These monthly workshops are currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the third Sundays of each month from 1:00pm–2:00pm
• The price is $10.00 per person
• Each group lesson is limited to 5 attendees to give each performer approximately 10 minutes for performance and feedback

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at cloyd@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Understand your role, and learn the formula for "getting the call."

During this monthly workshop, pro bassist Declan Miers focuses on how professionalism, etiquette on the bandstand, being mindful of your surroundings, and "getting in where you fit in" has helped him make the cut as a touring musician and session player—and how they can help you do the same.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $12 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at declanmiersbooking@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Open the doors to a whole lifetime of percussive exploration.

Come enjoy this amazing (and BIG) sanctuary space for a deep dive into rhythms from Africa and the art of drumming with Slyboots School founder Griffin Brady. Students will learn through guided instruction and exercises that are designed to deepen your sense of rhythm and develop intermediate and advanced techniques. Students should be prepared to make new friends, laugh, drum, and sing! 

• Disinfected drums provided
• Temperatures checked on arrival
• Social distancing measures taken
• Attendees are required to wear masks for the entire class time
• Indoors in large space, with windows open and lots of fresh air
• Refreshments provided

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 18 and up
• Intermediate and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This weekly workshop is currently conducted at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Normally scheduled for every Monday from 6:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $40 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at slyboots@me.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Sit taller on your throne.

In this monthly workshop, we will work together in a supportive environment to have more individual ambition and artistic confidence behind the drum kit. Each attendee will have focused time for performance and feedback, as well as a chance to offer feedback to other aspiring artists.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed aspiring artists 15 and up
• Intermediate and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm–7:00pm
• The price is $15 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at jacksondam@icloud.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Learn how to turn every project into a unique masterpiece with Ableton Live.

Join producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Edward Young for a deep dive into Ableton Live, and learn how he uses the musical reality and goals of each project to define and construct the ideal production environment for the song at hand. Attendees will also have a chance to discuss their projects and get artist feedback during the Q&A portion.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists of all ages
• Beginning, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for every first Tuesday from 2:00pm–3:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at chrisser707@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Find YOUR best practice routine—and learn how to adapt it as you grow.

During this monthly music workshop, participating attendees will learn about the impact of having an effective practice routine, and how to develop and constantly refine the right one for you through discipline and reflection. This workshop includes opportunities to discuss your individual routines, the challenges you're facing, and possible solutions to explore.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the first Sunday of each month from 5:00pm–6:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 10 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at jtinkham716@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Get ready for the spotlight.

James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Bono—all great frontmen and entertainers. Great performance and stage presence will have your audience eating out of the palm of your hand, buying your merch, and coming back for more. Together, we will discuss and practice the tricks of the trade that keep 'em wanting more. (For one-on-one performance coach sessions, book a 30-minute or 60-minute lesson with me here.)

Workshop Focus

• Pursuits: Performance

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 15 and up
• Intermediate and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the last Thursday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at crittenden@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Make YOUR way in the music business.

Join pro bass player Zuri Appleby for an ongoing discussion of the pros and cons of being a woman in the music scene, and how to maneuver through this world in a strong and feminine way.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists 15 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the first Sunday of each month from 3:00pm–4:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 10 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at zuriappleby87@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Explore the magic of jazz improvisation.

During this monthly music workshop, attendees will start learning jazz improvisation, including the basics of form, various levels of jazz standards, and the fundamental "how-tos" of improvisation. Applicable to all instruments and skill levels.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the second Sunday of each month from 5:00pm–6:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at jtinkham716@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Start your journey into the world of African drumming.

Explore the art of African drumming as you learn traditional techniques, expand your rhythmic vocabulary, and develop the strength and endurance needed to play hand drums in a way that is safe, healthy, and fun. This weekly music workshop also examines the relationship between drumming and dancing in Africa through hands-on instruction and breakdown of complex rhythmic structures through body movement, language and drumming. Join us at SolRise Farm & Cultural Arts Center. Be prepared to drum and sing!

• Disinfected drums provided
• Temperatures checked on arrival
• Social distancing measures taken
• Attendees are required to wear masks for the entire class time
• Indoors in large space, with windows open and lots of fresh air

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 15 and below
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This weekly workshop is currently conducted at the SolRise Farm & Cultural Arts Center, 220 E. Utica St, Buffalo, NY 14208 (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Normally scheduled for every Wednesday from 5:00pm–6:00pm
• The price is $25 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at slyboots@me.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Let's become better performers—together.

The goal of these workshops is to help aspiring artists with things they are currently working on, with prep work done in advance. This creates a positive, comfortable community that will help each other learn and grow, with an allotted amount of time for giving suggestions to each performer. An open mind is necessary in order to participate, since we will be experimenting with different techniques on the spot that may or may not work specifically for them in order to discover what works best for each student. Students take part practicing in front of their peers, learning that making mistakes in the process is all part of the growth, and that vulnerability is needed in order to become a better performer—and a better human.

Workshop Focus

• Instruments: Vocals
• Pursuits: Performance
• Styles: Musical Theatre

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the third Sunday of each month from 1:00pm–3:00pm
• The price is $30 person
• Each workshop will be hosted by the artist and a professional piano accompanist
• Each workshop is limited to 8 people, with each attendee getting 15 minutes of focused attention
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact the artist at alexandraraemc@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Explore songwriting—the inside, the outside, and the mystery in the middle.

When you're just starting out as a songwriter, it's easy to become overwhelmed and get lost in the possibilities. During this monthly workshop, David shines some light on what's hiding behind the "Music & Lyrics," then draws a map to help you find your way out of those deep dark woods. Each month, this workshop will include live song analysis (based on attendee suggestions), a Q&A session, and a presentation and discussion on a variety of topics, including:

• Song forms
• Harmonic progressions
• How to analyze a song
• Separating "the song" from "the recording"
• How to tap into your three sources of inspiration

Workshop Focus

• Pursuits: Songwriting

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 15 and up
• Beginner and intermediate students are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the first Saturday of each month from 4:00pm–5:00pm
• The price is $10 person
• Each workshop is limited to 10 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at cloyd@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Build your best music life—on and off the stage.

The Music Life is about living and being in all those spaces between home, the road, and the stage. Being an artist is almost an ethnicity unto itself, and our unique genes and souls create a unique approach to life that definitely differs from the herd. This workshop is about creating an ongoing fellowship and evolution of best practices and paths so we can continue to learn how to live our best music life—on and off the stage. Each month, Eric will cover a variety of topics, including those brought to the workshop by attendees (as time allows).

Workshop Focus

• Pursuits: Music Life Mentoring

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at ages 19 and up
• Advanced skill level is recommended

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $6 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at crittenden@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Explore the tradition, history, and playing techniques of oldtime banjo.

During this monthly workshop, we will explore the tradition of oldtime banjo by learning one or two tunes, covering the basics of clawhammer and index lead playing styles, and dipping into the history of the banjo as it relates to this fascinating playing style. Playing participants will need to be playing a five-string banjo specifically.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the first Friday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at lowlymountainbanjos@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Come to play.

During this monthly workshop, pro bassist Declan Miers focuses on how to practice analyzing music from a multitude of genres, and how to effectively apply that knowledge to improve your own playing—and your own unique musical voice.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00pm –8:00pm
• The price is $12 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 10 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at declanmiersbooking@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Start your journey into the world of African drumming.

Explore the art of African drumming as you learn traditional techniques, expand your rhythmic vocabulary, and develop the strength and endurance needed to play hand drums in a way that is safe, healthy, and fun. This weekly music workshop also examines the relationship between drumming and dancing in Africa through hands-on instruction and breakdown of complex rhythmic structures through body movement, language and drumming. Join us at SolRise Farm & Cultural Arts Center. Be prepared to drum and sing!

• Disinfected drums provided
• Temperatures checked on arrival
• Social distancing measures taken
• Attendees are required to wear masks for the entire class time
• Indoors in large space, with windows open and lots of fresh air

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 16 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This weekly workshop is currently conducted at the SolRise Farm & Cultural Arts Center, 220 E. Utica St, Buffalo, NY 14208 (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Normally scheduled for every Wednesday from 5:00pm–6:00pm
• The price is $25 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at slyboots@me.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

If you can walk, you can dance!

Feel the ground below your feet. Hear live drumming echo in your heartbeat. Through guided movement and gestures, attendees will discover the power African dance has to communicate with the accompanying musicians, the audience, and the soul by focusing on traditional arrangements of dance pieces from West Africa that aim to educate and inspire . . . and get a great workout at the same time! This weekly workshop is led by Griffin Brady and Eric Ansuade from Ghana, West Africa—the chief choreographer and star of the Slyboots Circus. A brilliant entertainer with extraordinary abilities and a passion for sharing his expertise with the world, Eric has performed all over the world as a dancer and an acrobat with a wide variety of groups, and has been a chief teaching artist of the Slyboots School since 2009. Join us at the African American Cultural Center. You will sweat, laugh and smile. Bring a water bottle—and an open mind.

• Disinfected drums provided
• Temperatures checked on arrival
• Social distancing measures taken
• Attendees are required to wear masks for the entire class time
• Indoors in large space, with windows open and lots of fresh air

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 18 and up
• Intermediate and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This weekly workshop is currently conducted at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Normally scheduled for every Tuesday from 6:00pm–8:00pm
• The price is $25 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at slyboots@me.com to discuss alternate accommodations.

Navigate the basics of music notation software with a pro.

During this monthly workshop, attendees will be given a tutorial on how to use the basic features of industry-standard music notation software, including Noteflight, Sibelius, Guitar Pro, and more. The course will be taught using screen-sharing from the instructor's device, and each attendee will receive PDFs and other resources guiding them through the workshop, as well as additional features that they can use outside of the workshop’s time constraint. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss individual challenges and questions.

Ages & Skill Levels

• This workshop is aimed at aspiring artists ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are welcome

Schedule & Price

• This monthly workshop is currently conducted virtually
• Normally scheduled for the third Sunday of each month from 5:00pm–6:00pm
• The price is $10 per person
• Each workshop is limited to 5 people
• The length of the workshop may vary due to the number of attendees

Check the calendar below for dates and availability. If there are no seats left for your desired date, feel free to contact me at jtinkham716@gmail.com to discuss alternate accommodations.