Programs

Community Music Education

Designed to serve adults, 18 and up, the Community Music program offers a wide array of group and private instruction, classes, ensembles, ongoing lecture series, special events, and concerts.

Workshops, Master Classes, Lectures

OPC invites musicians of international renown to engage and enrich our community. Past residencies have included: Afro-Peruvian musician and National Treasure - Juan Medrano Cotito; Rhiannon Giddens-MacArthur Fellow/co-founder of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops; Dom Flemons/co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops/Two-time Emmy Nominee; Ronnie Daliyo, Zimbabwean master musician and dancer; Airto Moreia-Brazilian percussionist and first DownBeat magazine Latino Percussionist of the Year, Steve Turre-Recording Artist/Manhattan School of Music Professor of Jazz Trombone; Count Basie Orchestra Rhythm Section; John Santos, percussionist & historian; Branice McKenzie, vocalist formerly with Harry Belafonte.

Preparatory Studies in Music (ages 8-17)

Preparatory Studies is an afterschool program that offers group & private lessons, special workshops, and performance opportunities. Classes include Beginning-Advanced Performance Ensembles, Musicianship, Band and Orchestra instruments, Piano, Percussion, Zimbabwean Marimbas, Afroperuvian Cajon, Guitar, Electric Bass, Banjo. Instruments are provided as needed and available.

Black Girls Play

Black Girls Play (BGP) is a holistic music education program that combines the serious study of instrumental & vocal music combined with intergenerational mentorship and leadership development for young Black girls and Women.BGP focuses on the needs and life experiences of young Black girls with innovative and engaging approaches to learning, inclusion and self-determination. BGP girls receive group and private instruction, audition preparation for post-high school matriculation into college/university music programs, and preparation for professional careers in the music industry.