A concert is a meeting place for all of us who love music—performers, teachers, presenters, funders, journalists, and audiences alike.

But what is a concert, really?

Or perhaps more importantly: what can a concert be today?

This workshop explores every aspect of a concert except the act of playing itself. Topics include programming, stage presence, the intentional use of time on stage between movements or works, speaking about music, audience development, writing compelling program and marketing copy, choosing venues, production considerations, crafting email pitches to presenters and funders, negotiating artist fees, and understanding ticket sales.

Many of us have witnessed the decline in concert attendance, media coverage, and funding. Yet how often have we adapted the concert experience to better serve the needs and expectations of our audiences? There are no definitive answers to these questions. But if we hope to build sustainable careers as musicians, we must approach them with the same creativity, rigor, and curiosity that we bring to our artistic interpretations.

Drawing on his experience as a pianist, Artistic Advisor at Tippet Rise Art Center in Montana, and Artistic Administrator at Baryshnikov Arts in New York, Pedja Muzijević leads an open conversation about reimagining the concert for the 21st century. He explores practical and creative ways to make live performance more relevant, engaging, and meaningful for contemporary audiences.

Pedja has led Concert in the 21st Century workshops at the Verbier Festival Academy, Banff Centre, Curtis Institute, Colburn and Juilliard school,s The Glenn Gould School in Toronto, and numerous other institutions.