The Workout: Teaching Artists is a hands-on, cohort-based intensive for musicians ready to expand their artistic horizons by exploring teaching as a creative side hustle.

Part of the Music District’s signature Workout series, this program is designed specifically for experienced, active musicians who are proficient on their instrument and have a background in live and/or studio performance. You don’t have to be an expert to be a teaching artist*; this program focuses on how to engage as a collaborator and guide, empowering learners rather than just delivering lectures. Successful participants identify as artists first—this is a space for those deeply dedicated to their craft and looking to expand how they share it.

Over seven weeks, participants receive focused coaching from Music District staff and teaching artists to develop practical strategies to lead workshops and lessons, build confidence in key business skills, expand their networks, and turn teaching into a rewarding, income-generating part of their artist toolkit.

To wrap the program, each cohort member will create an educational session designed for real-world use.

*Teaching Artist: An active musician who uses their creative experience and background to inspire and empower others, with teaching serving as a way to fuel and enhance their own artistic pursuits.

PAST PROGRAM MENTORS include Luke Carlos O’Reilly, Stephen Brackett, Bri Harris, Morgan Harris, and Jayme Stone.

Application deadline is Wednesday, July 9 at 11:59 pm MT

  • The Workout: Teaching Artists is for individuals who:  

    • Are seeking to grow their artistic career while earning supplemental income

    • Are experienced, active musicians who are proficient with their instrument and have a background in live and/or studio performance

    • Identify first and foremost as artists, and are looking to expand how they share their craft

    • Are interested in teaching or facilitating educational programming and contributing to their community

    • Are open to self-reflection and constructive feedback as tools for growth

    • Are willing to speak/present in front of the program cohort and new groups of people

    • Are located in Northern Colorado

    • Are 18 years of age or older

  • Participants can expect to:

    • Be coached on leadership and facilitation skills

    • Explore examples of teaching artist career paths

    • Gather a curated collection of music education materials & resources

    • Connect with nationally-recognized and regionally active teaching artists

    • Share learning experiences with a cohort of like-minded musicians

    • Make connections with regional organizations who hire teaching artists & present music programming

    • Create an educational session designed for real-world use

  • Participants can expect these elements to be part of the program:

    Cohort-based, Hands-On Activities, Group Discussion, Audio/Visual Presentation, Pro Feedback, Peer Feedback, Share Works-in-Progress, Lecture

  • The Workout: Teaching Artists runs for seven weeks, from late August to early October 2025, with one session each week on the following dates:

    • Wednesday, August 27, 4-6 pm 

    • Wednesday, September 3, 4-6 pm

    • Wednesday, September 10, 4-6 pm 

    • Wednesday, September 17, 4-6 pm 

    • Wednesday, September 24, 4-6 pm

    • Wednesday, October 1, 4-6 pm

    • Wednesday, October 8, 4-6 pm

  • The Music District (639 S College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80524)  

    Most meetings will be held in our Little Brother building (621 S College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80524) 

  • A Music District Membership ($30/month) will be required for all participants of The Workout: Teaching Artists.

    Important note: If selected, participants will be onboarded as Members prior to program start date. The Music District team will reach out to schedule a one-hour onboarding session.

    Membership includes access to all the Music District has to offer, such as rehearsal rooms, production space, a diverse array of musician-centric programs, industry 1-on-1s, pro gear and equipment, and much more.

    After the program concludes, participants are welcome to continue their membership, if they wish.

    Learn more about Music District Membership here.

  • All applications will be reviewed by a panel of Music District staff with experience as active musicians and as teaching artists. Applicants will be notified at least one month before the program begins.

    The ideal Workout participant is someone:
    (1) who is active as a working musician (writing, recording, performing, etc.) and who continues to pursue growth in their craft.
    (2) who is community-minded (e.g. open to collaboration, excited to share skills and experience, willing to test new approaches, and ready to support and respect others in the process).
    (3) who represents a unique perspective, background, style, and/or musical skillset.


    We believe this program has the most potential when the group is comprised of gifted, community-minded musicians who represent diverse backgrounds, abilities, skillsets, and experience.

  • The Music District’s signature program, The Workout, is hands-on, cohort-based, and built for working musicians. Each multi-week intensive dives deep into one focus area, features mentorship from industry pros, and ends with something real that you created—like a fully mixed and mastered track. Walk away with new skills, solid connections, and tools to thrive in today’s music world. 

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