Maybe you’re planning a performance trip but you’re not sure where to go. Or you’re tired of the same old venue year after year. Maybe you just need your budget to stretch a little further this year! Whatever box you want to check, Animado Events can help! We’re sharing the 6 best music workshops for middle and high school students that you’ll absolutely LOVE!
Let’s start with one of our faves….
1. The Nashville Music Workshop
At its core, Nashville IS the Music City! The sights and sounds of country music are the essence and soul of this town and energy seems to pulse out of each little honkey tonk!
2026 Dates Coming Soon!
Now, you can add an incredible workshop opportunity to your student performance plans. The Nashville Music Workshop gives your talented ensemble a chance to showcase their skills on a Nashville stage under the direction of a leading clinician.
Pro Tip! Nashville is one of the BEST destinations for a fully immersive student music experience.
While You’re Here
The Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music, is a must-see. Take in a show or tour and you’ll feel the history of the place. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum for a nitty-gritty exploration of the roots of country music.
Sidestep down to Broadway for outstanding grub and great music. Then, you can’t visit Nashville without a backstage pass to the famed Grand Ole Opry– you never know who you’ll run into!
Perhaps best of all, you and your students can be stars for a day on the Historic RCA Studio B tour! Walk the iconic halls of the recording studio of Elvis Presley and other music industry giants and spend time in the studio at the legendary microphone with a professional sound engineer. Very cool!
2. New York Invitational
Since 1891, Carnegie Hall in New York City has been opening its doors to the world’s finest performers. Your talented musicians can perform on the same iconic stage as part of the New York Invitational Carnegie Hall.
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Experience the energy and excitement of New York City, learn from an acclaimed master clinician, and perform in one of the world’s most prestigious venues!
Pro Tip! Click here for some incredible, out-of-the-box stops your students will love in NYC.
While You’re Here
While you’re here, explore all that NYC has to offer. Take in an electrifying Broadway show, check out the Universal Hip Hop Museum, or plan a visit to jazz legend Louis Armstrong’s home in Queens.
Trek to the Top of the Rock or Hudson Yards for breathtaking views of the city. Stop by 62 Chelsea Piers that’s packed with student-friendly activities or grab a sweet treat at Dylan’s Candy Bar.
And don’t forget the standard student favorites like the Empire State Building and Times Square!
3. Ovations
Nestled in the Northeast Georgia mountains is an unexpected treat… a quaint, Bavarian village with cobbled streets, colorful shops, and the flavors of authentic German fare. Helen is set against a beautiful outdoor backdrop and bursting with adventures. It’s also home to Ovations – a music workshop and/or performance for your groups!
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Ovations is a top-notch instructional clinic led by an esteemed conductor or educator, followed by a performance at the distinguished White County Performing Arts Center. It’s open to performance groups of all types and ages.
Pro Tip! This experience is an amazing price point for budget-conscious music programs.
While You’re Here
Explore the outdoors on stunning mountain trails or skim the tree line on a breathtaking zipline adventure. Visit magnificent Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Float down the lazy Chattahoochee River in the belly of an innertube or take a turn on the slides at Helen Tubing and Waterpark. Then, channel your inner thrill-seeker on the first and only mountain coaster in Georgia!
Next, turn your attention to the area’s heritage as you learn about its rich history and culture. Learn about Helen’s legacy of folk pottery, taste the sweet treats of Hansel and Gretel’s Candy Kitchen, or hear the legend of the Nacoochee Indian Mound or learn more about local resources at the Sautee Nacoochee Center.
Of course, the highlight of your time in Helen is the Bavarian-style village, bursting with shops and activities your students will love!
4. Washington D.C. Capital Orchestra Workshop
Washington D.C. is the heartbeat of our nation’s government – packed with experiences guaranteed to intrigue even the toughest teens. It’s also home to the Washington D.C. Capital Orchestra Workshop!
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Join students from around the country for an unrivaled learning and performance opportunity in our nation’s capital. Your orchestra will work with a renowned conductor both virtually and in-person as part of your performance prep and clinic.
Then, your orchestra will step onto a D.C. stage to spotlight its skills!
Pro Tip! Add an extra day or two and explore D.C.’s iconic sites and countless national treasures.
While You’re Here
Take a self-guided tour of the most famous address in the world – 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Then plan a tour of Capitol Hill, followed by D.C.’s famous monuments and memorials.
Explore the city’s 74 epic museums, including the famous Smithsonian Collection. Stop at the National Archives, then plan an inspiring performance at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Don’t forget to stroll through historic Georgetown, check out Embassy Row, get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Capital Wheel, or unwind on a relaxing Potomac River Cruise. There’s so much to do and see in wonderful Washington D.C.!
5. Mackinac Music Workshop
Experience amazing music and moments in Northern Michigan! Join us in May for the Mackinac Music Workshop.
2026 Dates Coming Soon
This event takes place at the elegant and acoustically superb Cheboygan Opera House. Your band, choir, or orchestra will work with a highly esteemed educator or conductor as part of a pre-performance clinic.
Then, they’ll perform on the historic Cheboygan Opera House stage, a beautifully restored focal point for entertainment and the performing arts in the Straits of Mackinaw area.
Pro Tip! Spring in Northern Michigan is a spectacular setting for your performance and travel.
While You’re Here
There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, but horses and buggies abound! Explore the island’s winding paths, historic buildings, and fabulous fudge.
Next, the fort and fur trading village offer a glimpse of colonial life during America’s earliest days. Historical interpreters share fascinating tales of British soldiers, French-Canadian merchants, and settlers at Colonial Michilimackinac.
Then board a boat for a tour of shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the stunning Great Lakes. If you want to get up close and personal, go snorkeling at one of the area’s oldest wrecks.
Wrap up as world-class lumberjacks go head-to-head and axe to axe at the Jack Pine Lumberjack Show. This super fun show is action-packed and great for student groups!
6. SeaWorld Orlando Music Workshop
Make a splash as you fine tune your musical skills – you’re invited to join the fun as part of the SeaWorld Orlando Music Workshop!
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Take part in a workshop with an esteemed clinician and then take the stage at the extraordinary Nautilus Theater. Follow your performance with a day of play, enjoying all the fun and attractions at SeaWorld Orlando!
Pro Tip! Ask students to do a little ‘ride research’ ahead of time and create a game plan for park priorities.
While You’re Here
Take a deep dive into all that SeaWorld has to offer… and that includes more coasters than any other park in Orlando! Experience amazing aquatic animal encounters, treat yourself to delectable dining, and pick up some sweet souvenirs at the shops.
Be sure to explore SeaWorld’s incredibly engaging education programs and workshops, then grab your group of thrill-seekers and check out the heart-pounding rides and attractions.
6 Best Music Workshops for Middle and High School Students
When you’re ready to try something new that your students (and budget) will love, these are 6 of the best music workshops for middle and high school students!
Find out more about these incredible opportunities to showcase your students – or learn how you can build your own custom experience at Animado Events!