NORTHEAST Regional Practicum: APRIL 9-11, 2026
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Join us in Boston for the 2026 Northeast Regional Practicum!
This three-day in-person gathering brings together Teaching Artists from across Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and more for an energizing mix of learning, reflection, and connection. Hosted by Boston String Academy, the Practicum is your chance to:
- Level up your practice with interactive workshops led by expert clinicians.
- See artistry in action through real-time classroom observations.
- Reflect and problem-solve with peers in collaborative conversation groups.
- Build your network of Teaching Artists who share your passion and challenges.
You’ll walk away with new tools, fresh ideas, and a stronger sense of community to fuel your work back home.
Don’t miss out! Registration closes March 27. Scroll down for workshop details, travel info, and more.
About the Host organization
Boston String Academy is a non-profit organization, inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema model which believes in musical excellence as a vehicle for social change. We provide rigorous string instrument instruction to children in under-served communities, laying a solid musical foundation and creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible, and creative human beings. Our program makes mastery of a string instrument reachable by eliminating obstacles that stand in an inner-city family’s way.
Boston String Academy was founded in 2012 by violinists Marielisa and Mariesther Alvarez, graduates from The Boston Conservatory, and of El Sistema program in their home country of Venezuela, and have modeled Boston String Aacademy on that experience. The Academy offers three programs in the Chinatown and Allston neighborhoods, serving more than 120 students.
Learn more: https://bostonstringacademy.org
featured clinician
ALYSIA LEE
Alysia receives national recognition for advancing access, equity, and decolonization with leaders, organizations, and communities. Her methods center on youth leadership, anti-racism, creativity, and justice.
Alysia is the inaugural President of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, the bold hyperlocal grantmaker stewarding public funds to support the success of Baltimore’s young people. BCYF is committed to authentic community engagement, and all strategy and grant decisions are shaped and led by Baltimore community members and youth leaders. With the core values of Racial Equity, Intergenerational Leadership, Community Ownership, and Collective Decision-Making, BCYF strives to resource a future where children and youth programs have the resources they need to equitably serve all young Baltimoreans.
Lee is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG), the El Sistema-inspired, girl empowerment choral academy in Philadelphia, Camden, and Baltimore in its 11th season. SCG is an award-winning and trendsetting choral education program with performance credits from Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and numerous school and community stages.
Lee has an emerging voice as a choral composer. She is the series editor of Hal Leonard’s Exigence for Young Voices, the new choral series uplifting Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian composers for young choir ensembles. Her piece ‘Say Her Name’ is published by Hal Leonard. She has recent composition commissions from Baltimore Choral Arts, Artemisia Trio, and the Portland Lesbian Choir.
Lee is also a Board member of Chorus America and a National Advisor to ArtsEdSEL.
Lee is formerly the education program supervisor for Fine Arts Education for the Maryland State Department of Education across five arts disciplines: music, dance, visual art, theatre, and media arts. She supported the statewide arts learning community through policy, evaluation, technical assistance, and advocacy that centered on equity and excellence.
Recent recognitions include awards from The Kennedy Center, The Knight Foundation, National Association of University Women, Stockton Bartol Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and BEQ Pride. Recent speaking/facilitation engagements include the U.S. Department of Education, The Kennedy Center, VH-1 Save the Music, Carnegie Hall, Arts Education Partnership, TEDX, many colleges and universities, and national and state professional associations.
A Baltimore native, Lee is an alumna of Maryland public schools (Baltimore County Public Schools). She earned her graduate degree from Peabody Conservatory. Alysia also completed Executive Education programs at Harvard University and La Salle University.
WORKSHOPS
High Energy, High expectations: Designing engaging music classrooms
What does it take to lead a music classroom that is focused, energized, and responsive to every student in the room? This three-day workshop explores practical strategies for creating music learning environments where high expectations, strong classroom culture, and thoughtful planning work together to support student success.
Participants will examine how intentional lesson design, clear routines, and purposeful pacing can help Teaching Artists maintain momentum while supporting students with different learning styles, musical backgrounds, and cultural experiences. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, the workshop will explore how scaffolding, differentiation, and responsive teaching practices can strengthen both student engagement and ensemble learning.
Teaching Artists will leave with practical tools to design lessons, adapt in the moment, and lead classrooms that balance rigor, creativity, and care.
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand strategies for creating structured, high-energy music classrooms that support both rigor and student belonging.
- Explore lesson planning approaches that allow for flexibility while maintaining clear learning goals.
- Learn techniques for scaffolding instruction to support students with diverse learning styles and musical backgrounds.
- Develop strategies for maintaining engagement and momentum in group music settings.
- Reflect on how culturally responsive practices can support inclusive and effective music learning environments.
sample schedule
(subject to change)
Day 1
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast and Opening Session
10:15 – 12:15 Workshop #1
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Workshop #2
3:00 – 4:00 Break / Travel to Site Visit
4:00 – 6:00 Site Visit and Peer Observations
7:00 – 9:00 Regional Networking Social
Day 2
9:00 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 11:30 Workshop #3
11:30 – 12:15 Lunch
12:15 – 2:15 Workshop #4
2:15 – 3:00 Break / Travel to Site Visit
3:00 – 5:30 Site Visit and Peer Teaching
6:30 – 8:30 Optional Group Dinner
Day 3
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast and Debrief
10:00 – 12:00 Site Visit and Peer Teaching with Community Partner (TBD)
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 3:00 Design Challenge
3:00 – 4:00 Closing Reflections
Attending the northeast Regional Practicum
april 9-11, 2026
The TATI Regional Practicums are designed to be intimate, personalized conferences between a committed group of Teaching Artists. By registering for the Pacific Northwest Regional Practicum and securing one of these limited spots, you are committing to attend both days in their entirety.
General Registration: $150
Cohort Alumni receive a 30% discount for life.
Current Cohort Members receive 1 free registration valid in the year they are enrolled in the Lab Cohort program.
travel and lodging
Hotel Recommendation
A block of discounted rooms has been reserved at:
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown
275 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
T: +1.617.426.1400
Hotel Amenities:
WiFi
Valet parking ($75/day)
Business center
Fitness center
On-site restaurant
Room Rate: $199/night for king rooms (excl tax and fees) or $259/night for double bed rooms (excl tax and fees)
