Join a welcoming, all-abilities music circle at Artshop in Midland—six weekly sessions lead by Ella McKane-Wright that boost social, motor, and emotional skills through song and instruments. Instruments are provided and preregistration is required; classes cancel when Midland Public Schools close for weather.
Join a welcoming, all-abilities music circle at Artshop in Midland—six weekly sessions lead by Ella McKane-Wright that boost social, motor, and emotional skills through song and instruments. Instruments are provided and preregistration is required; classes cancel when Midland Public Schools close for weather.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On Tuesday mornings at Artshop, 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, a spare room becomes a place where music opens doors. Artshop Jam Session: Spring/Summer 2026 Session 1 brings together singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities for weekly, one-hour gatherings led by Ella McKane-Wright. The six-week series meets from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on May 5, 12, 19, 26 and June 2 and 9; instruments are provided and the session fee is $82 for Session 1. The format is simple: circle, voice, shared rhythm. Participants sing, try hand percussion, small melodic instruments and guided group exercises that emphasize social communication, motor coordination and emotional identification. For people with developmental disabilities or sensory differences, the session’s structure supports expression while remaining flexible to each participant’s pace. Students with Medicaid may be able to allocate part of their Community Living Support budget toward the class; preregistration is required. If Midland Public Schools close for weather, classes are canceled for that day. What makes this offering notable in the Midland recreation and arts scene is its inclusive design. Artshop positions music education not as performance-only but as a tool for connection and skill-building. The program fills a niche where community arts, healthcare-adjacent supports and local education intersect, offering families an intentional, low-pressure environment to explore sound together. That blend of arts and therapy-style outcomes is relatively rare locally and reason enough to plan a morning visit. Practical details matter. The meeting point is the street address above; bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes suitable for sitting, moving and light instrument handling. The room’s acoustics favor unamplified singing and small-group dynamics rather than loud, staged shows. Parking and access follow usual community-center patterns; check with organizers for mobility accommodations if needed. Beyond the hour, Jam Session is a doorway into Midland’s civic culture: locals meet neighbors, support inclusive programming and keep creative opportunities visible in public life. For visitors who time a trip to Midland around the class, it’s a chance to see how small-town arts infrastructure supports well-being and social inclusion. Whether you’re a caregiver, music educator or curious traveler, this session offers a focused, friendly introduction to community music-making in central Michigan. Expect a structured warm-up, call-and-response songs, and short instrument rotations that let participants choose how much to engage; facilitators balance group goals with individual comfort. Sessions suit intergenerational groups—parents, siblings, caregivers and friends are welcome—and accommodate learners taking nonverbal turns through percussion or gesture. Because instruments are included, newcomers can jump in without gear; the modest session fee covers materials and instruction. Space can be limited, so preregister early to secure a spot and confirm any accessibility needs with Artshop staff before attending. Bring curiosity, too.
easy.
1 hour.
No special fitness required; participants should be able to sit, stand briefly, and move arms for percussion.
The program welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities; caregivers and family members are encouraged to participate.
The $82 session fee covers instruction and use of musical instruments provided by Artshop for the six-week series.
No—musical instruments are provided so newcomers can participate without gear.
Students with Medicaid may be able to allocate part of their Community Living Support budget toward the class; check your plan and preregister accordingly.
If Midland Public Schools are closed for the day due to weather, Artshop classes are also canceled that day.
Preregistration is required; use the provided booking link or contact Artshop directly to register and confirm any accessibility accommodations.
Artshop operates within Midland’s civic arts ecosystem that has grown alongside community institutions and local schools, linking cultural programming with education and wellbeing.
Artshop encourages low-impact programming by using shared, durable instruments and asking participants to follow hygiene and accessibility practices that protect equipment and fellow attendees.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360