Workshops, Master Classes and Coaching can be a very rewarding way to get new insights into a piece, program or repertoire that one is preparing for any kind of performance, whether a competition, recital, examination or audition for entry into a music school or university.
These short term courses are designed to work with more advanced students who are capable of responding to and applying a higher of level of teaching that will enhance their overall performance. In short, this type of learning is not about learning how to play notes, rhythm and other basics, but is working at an advanced musical and technical level, honing performance technique, while gaining a deeper understanding of the music.
Julie has worked with many diverse soloists and groups over the years. She often works with singers, in all styles from classical to jazz to musicals, as well as instrumentalists, and groups of varying types. From lecture/demonstrations at the university level to working with students from ages 4 - 16 in her Summer Music Program, Julie uses her extensive experience in all genres to help bring out the best in those students who need to add another level to their performances.
Masterclasses in Kosovo
Prenk Jakova Music School and Cesk Zadeja Music School
Julie gave two master classes in Kosovo in October of 2019 at the Prenk Jakova Music School in Pristina and at the Cesk Zadeja Music school in Ferizaj. The students attending these schools have chosen music as their major field of study from a young age, and, as such, are quite advanced for their age. It was a pleasure to work with them on a variety of classical repertoire and to give them new insights into their musical interpretations, technique and performance practice. As part of the program, Julie performed with clarinetist Astrit Taifa as well as two public concerts which the students attended.
Jazz Workshop with Neon Fusion
from Fielding High School, New Zealand
The GWAS Music Academy hosted a jazz workshop with the Neon Fusion Jazz Band from Fielding High School in New Zealand on July 15, 2016. Julie Tompkins-Wagner, Director of the Music Academy, and John Lane, Professor of Guitar, ran the workshop for the 8 member band which is on a Student Horizons tour of Europe. Their goal is to assimilate and learn all they can while searching out performance opportunities. They improved their performance technique, jazz style, ensemble balance, and ability to play off each other. Not to mention how to “funk it up” and use their instruments in a wider range both stylistically and literally. Congratulations to all the band members and their director, Danielle Grove, for their stellar preparation. It was a real pleasure to work with this group!
Thea Simpson, vocalist
Thea is a stunning young singer who worked with Julie to prepare herself for university and music school auditions in all styles, from opera to lieder to musical theater.
Summer Music Program
Julie is the founding Director of the Summer Music Program which began bringing a wide-ranging musical experience to students aged 4 – 16 in 1995. She has since retired from the program but in the over 20 years that she ran the program, hundreds of students were inspired to love and participate in musical studies and activities.
Lecture / Demonstration
International School of Geneva, La Châtaigneraie Arts Week, May 1994
Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”, Beethoven’s “ Tempest” Sonata, “The Romeo and Juliet story”, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Bernstein.
International School of Geneva, Pregny campus, grade 6, “Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata and Shakespeare” study week. June 1993
John Cage Performance Seminar, Zurich, Switzerland, April 1992
Guest Lecturer, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, “The International Experience”, December 1991
Guest Lecturer, Foothill College, Los Altos HIlls, CA, USA
"Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and other piano pieces",
April 20, 1989
Contact Me
If you're interested in a workshop or a coaching session, call me or send me an email! I'd love to hear from you!
