What ages are allowed?

Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities; contact organizers for specific placement questions.

Preregister online via the referral link or contact the program directly; payment secures your spot for the seven-week session.

What happens if Midland Public Schools close?

If Midland Public Schools are closed for the day due to weather, Artshop classes are canceled that day.

Are instruments provided?

Yes—musical instruments are provided as part of the session so participants do not need to bring gear.

Can Medicaid/Community Living Support cover the cost?

Some students with Medicaid may be able to use a portion of their Community Living Support budget; confirm eligibility before registering.

How much does the session cost?

The seven-week Session 1 costs $95 per participant, paid at registration.

Inclusive Music Jam in Midland: Artshop Jam Session Winter 2026 | Workshop

Artshop Jam Session: Winter 2026 Session 1 brings a weekly hour of shared music to Midland, Michigan. Held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, this inclusive class led by Ella McKane-Wright invites singers and instrument players of all abilities to build social, motor, and emotional skills through rhythm and song. The room at 5501 Jefferson Ave becomes a low-stakes sound studio where handheld percussion, simple melodic instruments, and voices form an accessible ensemble suited to beginners and students with diverse needs. This program is part music class, part community therapy: the session uses call-and-response, instrument rotation, and movement to support communication and self-expression. Instruments are provided, so participants can show up without gear, and the instructor adapts activities to meet different mobility and sensory needs. If you or a family member receive Community Living Support through Medicaid, a portion of that budget may cover participation — check details when you preregister. Preregistered class dates run Tuesdays from Jan 13 through Feb 24, meeting at 10:00–11:00 AM for a one-hour session; when Midland Public Schools close for weather, Artshop classes are canceled that day. That schedule makes this a predictable morning ritual for caregivers, educators, or anyone looking to build routine creative time into a week. Group size is kept intentionally manageable to foster attention and connection; the space emphasizes accessibility rather than performance. Why this class is a standout in Midland: it blends arts education with therapeutic objectives in a municipal setting, offering a rare combination of skilled instruction and public support. Ella McKane-Wright’s approach centers on inclusion and practical skill-building—making social cues, motor sequencing, and emotional labeling part of musical games rather than clinical drills. For visitors, it’s a welcoming way to meet neighbors and observe community arts infrastructure in a city shaped by its long-standing civic investment. Practical details: instruments are supplied; bring any personal comfort items, a communication device if helpful, and plan for on-street or nearby parking at 5501 Jefferson Ave. This is a great morning option if you’re staying in Midland and want to pair creative play with a walk at nearby Dow Gardens or an afternoon visit to The Tridge. Whether you’re a caregiver seeking engaging programming, an educator looking for strategies to use in school, or a traveler curious about community arts in small-city America, this accessible jam session offers structure, joy, and practical outcomes in equal measure. Space is limited and the seven-week session costs $95 per participant, paid at registration. Check the meeting point address, 5501 Jefferson Ave, when you register; the staff asks that participants arrive five minutes early to settle in. The program’s cancellation policy mirrors Midland Public Schools for weather closures. Families report improved communication and confidence after the course.