2026 class descriptions will be updated as they are confirmed.
Although individual class pre-registration is not required, it is appreciated. Workshop pre-registration helps us to appropriately plan for the numbers of people and the range of interests. If you are unable to pre-register, come and register at the workshop.
General
Music That Fits and Inspires: Finding, Choosing, and Using Music (Dr. Cherilyn Worthen)
Learn how to choose music that suits your singers, supports worship, and works well within your time and resources. This session explores where to find repertoire and how to use it effectively in a variety of worship settings.
Accompanying
Piano and Organ Accompaniment for Hymns (Kathryn Latour)
Have you been called to be the Ward Organist? Choir accompanist? Primary pianist? You must be a good pianist. Yay! But now let’s talk about the other skills you may need. Can you simultaneously listen to parts other than the one you are playing? Are you confident in your interpretation of the music so you can help the conductor and singers? Let’s learn how to go beyond being a competent pianist by considering musical cues, phrasing, proper tempos, score cheating, sight reading, watching, and listening. You are about to become the backbone of every choir performance, the foundation of every sacrament meeting hymn, and the champion of your ward’s primary children and chorister.
Choral
Making Rehearsal Time Count: Practical Approaches to Effective Rehearsals (Dr. Cherilyn Worthen)
Discover strategies for running focused, efficient rehearsals that help singers learn the music and stay engaged. This session covers pacing, priorities, and approaches that make the most of limited rehearsal time while improving the sound of the choir.
Choral Masterclass (Dr. Cherilyn Worthen)
Learn practical, hands-on skills as Cherilyn Worthen works with volunteer music leaders and choir directors from among the workshop participants. Using the class participants as the choir, attendees will observe, ask questions, and gain ideas they can apply immediately in their own music settings and ensembles.
Conducting
Preparing the Music: Hints and Helps for Conductors (Dr. Cherilyn Worthen)
Explore practical ways to learn and prepare music ahead of time, so you can lead with clarity and confidence. We’ll focus on understanding the music, planning ahead, and developing more advanced conducting skills to better communicate musical intent and support your singers for both rehearsals and congregational singing.
Beginning Conducting for Youth and Adults (Marci Taylor)
Basic conducting patterns for various time signatures; a few tricky favorite hymns; and important elements of conducting like smiling, singing, working with your organist/pianist, and how to practice. I hope to teach basic skills and share my love of conducting congregational hymns!
Organ
Download the flyer to share BYU Organ Traveling Workshops at Portland Music Workshop with Dr. Neil Harmon and Elizabeth Forsyth
Track 1: HOW TO
This track gives pianist and early-level organist some tools to begin building confidence at the organ. Classes:
Pulling Out All the Stops
Demystifying the organ:
* Demystifying stop names
* What those “buttons” do
* Choosing stops for hymns
Developing your Pedal Technique
Sure-fire ways to confident pedal playing
Hymn Playing
How to thrive, not just survive
Track 2: BEYOND THE BASICS
This track offers ideas and inspiration to those who are already comfortable at the organ. Classes:
Inspiring Hymn Playing and Creative Registration
Take what you know about the hymns and registration to the next level!
Coping with Challenging Pedal Parts
Encouraging and Teaching New Organists
What to Play for Prelude and Postlude
* Creating them from the hymnbook
* Finding good music
Primary
Sing for Joy: The Power of Singing Time (Stacie Wicks)
This class will explore ideas for helping junior primary children feel the spirit and engage in learning through primary music. Come away with activities that you can implement right away in your primary singing time and ways to successfully plan going forward.
Crack the Code: Unraveling the Music (Stacie Wicks)
This class will explore ideas for helping senior primary children feel the spirit and engage in learning through primary music. Come away with activities that you can implement right away in your primary singing time and ways to successfully plan going forward.
Singing
Vocal Instruction (Kristi Crusan)
This class will focus on basic singing skills, often overlooked by most singers, that will improve the performance quality of any voice. Whether you are a beginning singer hoping to blend in a ward choir or a seasoned soloist, these essential techniques will help you improve your breath support, range, and tone while reducing vocal fatigue. Singers and choir directors alike will learn valuable tools as we explore the physiology of singing. Your voice will thank you!
Vocal Technique: Masterclass (Kristi Crusan)
Expand your vocal artistry by applying the techniques introduced in our first class! This interactive master class offers personalized coaching in a supportive environment to apply what you’ve learned, receive constructive feedback, and elevate your singing to the next level. Perfect for singers of all levels looking to build confidence and consistency in their performance.