LAB cohort PROGRAM

A national, year-long professional learning experience for music Teaching Artists

OVERVIEW

Transform your teaching. Connect with a national community. Lead with purpose.

TATI’s Lab Cohort is the signature training program of the Teaching Artists Training Institute, bringing together up to 60 Teaching Artists each year from across the United States and Canada for a year-long, highly interactive learning experience.

Designed for Teaching Artists working in community music and El Sistema-inspired programs, the Lab Cohort focuses on strengthening teaching practice, building meaningful peer connections, and advancing music education as a force for social change.

Over the course of nine months, Cohort members engage in a dynamic cycle of learning, application, and reflection. Participants learn from expert clinicians in live, virtual sessions centered on three core areas:

Planning and Preparation
Instruction and Support
Cultural Equity and Inclusion

Between sessions, Teaching Artists actively apply new strategies in their own classrooms, then reconvene in small peer discussion groups to reflect, share insights, and deepen their practice together.

Through live workshops, collaborative discussions, and real-time application, Cohort members engage deeply with their craft while learning alongside a diverse, national network of peers.

All participants receive a full-tuition scholarship valued at $3,000.

Total graduated Cohort members

Since 2020, TATI has trained more than 750 Teaching Artists.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAB COHORT

60 passionate Teaching Artists

Live, interactive lectures from experts in the field

Small discussion sections for dedicated reflection time

Curated curriculum focused on current, culturally-relevant topics

Task-based activities tailored to the lives of busy teachers

Intensive week-long capstone Learning Retreat

Program cost

All accepted Cohort Members receive a full program scholarship valued at $3,000.

A $200 refundable deposit is required upon acceptance to secure your spot in the program. This deposit will be fully refunded in July 2027 following successful completion of the Cohort.

Cohort members are also required to attend one Regional Practicum during the program year. Registration for one Practicum is offered at a reduced cost as part of the Lab Cohort.

Please note: Travel and lodging for in-person events are not fully covered. Limited financial support may be available.

program commitment

The Lab Cohort is a 9-month program running from October through June, centered on live, interactive learning and applied practice.

Cohort members participate in bi-weekly virtual sessions, totaling approximately 36 hours of live instruction and discussion, along with 18 hours of self-paced application and reflection throughout the year.

Participants are also expected to attend one in-person Regional Practicum and will have the opportunity to apply for a weeklong, in-person Capstone Learning Retreat held June 20–26, 2027.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

week 1: lab lecture

Each month begins with a live, 2 hour virtual lecture from an expert in the field, centered on the month’s topic. Lectures are designed to be highly-interactive and technique focused, incorporating opportunities for reflection, peer collaboration, and strategic thinking.

week 2: Classroom Application

Following each Lab lecture, Cohort Members are tasked with implementing 2-3 new teaching strategies in their own classrooms. During this week, Cohort Members also have the opportunity to either observe another Teaching Artist in their home program, or to be observed by a peer Teaching Artist or supervisor.

week 3: Peer Discussion Groups

Cohort Members gather monthly in live discussion groups with a small set of peers, led by TATI Cohort Alumni. Over the span of two hours, Cohort Members breakdown lingering questions and topics from the month’s lecture, and compare successes and challenges related to implementation of the new strategies. Cohort Members also observe 1-2 teaching videos, recorded monthly by peers, and engage in sharing critical feedback with their peers.

week 4: Self-reflection and evaluation

At the end of each month, TATI provides Cohort Members with questions for reflection regarding the new content learned, application of strategies, and takeaways from peer conversations. Additionally, Cohort Members are provided with self-evaluation forms to track their monthly growth and success as a Teaching Artist.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

TATI’s Lab Cohort is designed for music Teaching Artists who are ready to grow their practice, deepen their impact, and learn alongside a national community of peers.

Ideal applicants:

Teach in community music or El Sistema-inspired programs;
Lead group-based instruction and work regularly with students in ensemble or classroom settings;
Are committed to ongoing personal growth, reflection, and collaboration;
Are open to feedback and eager to apply new strategies in their teaching;
Believe in music as a tool for social change, equity, and belonging.

If you’re looking for a space to challenge your thinking, strengthen your teaching, and connect with peers who share your values, the Lab Cohort is for you.

HOW TO APPLY & timeline

The Lab Cohort application includes two required steps:

Teaching Artist Application
Supervisor Recommendation

These steps may be completed in either order, but both must be submitted by the deadline for an application to be considered.

Up to 60 Teaching Artists are selected each year. Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration given to alignment with TATI’s Core Values and a demonstrated commitment to professional growth.