CHESTERTOWN — Washington College’s Department of Music is continuing its innovative Open Studio project this summer.
Building on a successful first year in 2024, Open Studio offers a unique opportunity for musicians and other creative individuals across Maryland’s Eastern Shore to collaborate with Washington College faculty, staff and students in a professional recording environment.
Under the direction of Kenneth Schweitzer, associate professor of music, and in partnership with the Holstein Program in Ethics and the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, Open Studio leverages funding from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation and internal resources to foster musical collaboration and community engagement.
The summer session will run from June 16 to Aug. 1, providing access to the music department’s recording studio and the expertise of student fellows.
According to a college spokesperson, bookings already are underway but “significant opportunities remain for individuals and groups looking for access to a top-notch studio and producing resources from the college.”
Open Studio aims to support a diverse range of musical endeavors, offering participants the chance to:
• Record and mix music in a professional setting.
• Collaborate with talented Washington College students, gaining hands-on experience in music production.
• Connect with a vibrant community of musicians and creative individuals.
• Develop their artistic projects with expert guidance.
Musicians of all ages and backgrounds from the Mid-Shore counties of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot — and beyond — are invited to explore Washington College’s professional performing spaces and recording studio as they work in collaboration with a small team of Washington College students.
With the guidance of faculty and regional professional audio technicians, the Open Studio team will be recording and mixing on a full-time schedule, aiming to provide four to 16 hours of free services to each client. This includes both recording and mixing.
Interested musicians and music groups can apply for the Open Studio project online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeekqFBPKHbvhE0KFe40javoeGBWTs7Cts8kKU0iVTmu5gnZg/viewform
This summer’s Open Studio is made possible through the support of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Washington College’s Hodson Collaborative Research Fund and the Hodson Trust Internship Fund.
The Open Studio website provides additional information about the project. Click here, www.washcoll.edu/academic_departments/music/open-studio/