Music Workshops
These in-person music workshops in the Denver metro area are open to instrumentalists and vocalists of all kinds—including guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, horn players, harmonica players, violinists, accordion players, and more.
Workshops are performance-based and collaborative, with the genre and musical focus determined by the participants themselves. Whether the group chooses blues, jazz, rock, country, or another style, each workshop offers a supportive, hands-on environment centered on listening, groove, and making music together.
A recent Blues Jam Workshop session — players of different experience levels learning to listen, groove, and play together.
Workshop Rates
Workshops: $40 per session, billed monthly. Monthly total depends on the number of weeks.
Working Toward a Live Performance
Workshops are performance-based and built around preparing a small set of agreed-upon tunes that participants play together in front of a live audience. These performances typically take place as a short guest set at a local jam session.
The emphasis is on preparation, collaboration, and support—bringing music from rehearsal into a real playing situation in a calm, encouraging environment. Performance here is an opportunity, not a test.
Workshops are open to all instrumentalists and vocalists. Musical focus and genre are shaped by the interests and goals of the participants.
Friends and family are welcome to attend, creating a positive, shared experience that benefits the players, the host venue, and the broader music community.
Workshops take place in a group or band style environment. Workshops take place in a group or band style environment. This setting helps develop a skill many players overlook: learning to listen across the ensemble.
You’ll focus on hearing what the band is doing, understanding where you fit in the mix, and making musical decisions that support and elevate the performance.
It’s hands-on, practical, and designed to build confidence through real playing situations.
How Workshops Get Started
Workshops are offered in small, focused groups and begin once enough participants come together.
Groups typically consist of 4–6 players
Each workshop is built around shared goals and experience levels
Once a group forms, dates are scheduled quickly and consistently
As interest grows, additional workshops are added over time
This approach keeps workshops personal, practical, and responsive to the people involved.
What You’ll Learn
– How to listen across the band and lock in with the groove
– How to shape your part so it supports the song
– Improvisation and on-the-spot musical decision-making
– Playing with drummers and creating a strong pocket
– Understanding form, dynamics, and transitions
– How to contribute confidently in any musical situation
Who These Workshops Are For
These workshops are ideal for players who want to experience making music in a live band context without the pressure.
They’re especially helpful for students who want to apply what they’re learning in lessons, gain experience playing with others, and prepare for jam sessions and gigs.
Ongoing Support
Questions often come up while working with new material. Participants are encouraged to reach out between sessions if something needs clarification.
A quick call, text, or short practice video can often resolve an issue efficiently and help keep momentum moving forward throughout the workshop process.
“I met Tom Lilienthal at a blues class he was teaching a few years ago. The class was a good balance of theory and rehearsal, including vocal exercises that helped us hear and internalize scale degrees and intervals.
Even though I’m no longer taking the class, Tom still asks about my progress and offers helpful critiques and tips whenever we cross paths in the local Denver music scene. I appreciate that about him, and I’ll be back for more lessons.”
I was also delighted to learn more about Tom’s earlier work in the community, where he helped lay the foundation for a strong high school band program that also supported vocal music. He is an excellent, generous teacher who truly shares his love of music with his students.
— Seth S.
“With the help of Mr. Lilienthal as teacher and music director, four boys in our homeschool group—who had never performed together before—were able to learn new material and perform four blues tunes professionally for a large audience at their yearly formal.
Their performance was of the highest quality; you would never have known it was their first time performing together. The event was a big hit.”
— Richard Yeater, father of one of the students
Joining a Workshop
Workshops are offered on a recurring basis and begin once a small group forms. If you’re interested in joining a future Music Workshop, view upcoming dates or get in touch to see if a session is a good fit via the Contact page.