Music With A Smile and Janie Next Door

Workshops & Classes: How To Be A Successful Musician

Jane loves teaching! Book her for workshops or masterclasses at accordion festivals, competitions, accordion club meetings, and other events!

Jane’s educational workshops and masterclasses include handy pointers and tips for becoming a professional musician, building a career in music, ideas for marketing yourself and your music, as well as lessons learned as a professional accordionist and business person. While some of the topics are geared specifically toward accordionists, others are of interest to anyone considering becoming a professional musician.

To schedule one of these teaching sessions, or to get more information, contact Jane here.

Types of Classes and Workshops Offered

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Pointers for Playing and Performing

(MASTERCLASS)

In this masterclass, accordionists of all ages and playing abilities are invited to work with Jane in front of other musicians to practice becoming a performance-ready accordionist.  She will critique, encourage and demonstrate how to deliver music to an audience.

All attendees are invited to participate so that this is a learning experience for everyone–entertaining, energizing and educational!

Playing the Accordion for Fun and Fame

(WORKSHOP)

Jane used to be terrified of playing the accordion in front of people.  In this workshop, she shares how she conquered her fears and now loves performing with the accordion.

Learn what to do to become a versatile, performance-ready accordionist–what songs to learn, how to dress, and other playing tips.

With enthusiasm and a megawatt smile, Jane demonstrates her MUSIC WITH A SMILE® in an entertaining workshop to take you from stage fright to center stage performing with confidence!

Suitable for all ages and playing abilities!

Squeezing Money Out of Your Accordion: How to be a Professional, Money-Making Musician

(WORKSHOP)

You’ve memorized hours of popular songs, you’ve got all the right costumes, but how do you get started making money as a musician?  In this workshop, professional accordionist, Jane Christison has answers for questions such as:

  • How do you get your first job?
  • Should you join the Musicians Union? 
  • Do you need a booking agent? 

She also shares ideas about:

  • marketing
  • publicity
  • getting referrals
  • advertising
  • and even some tax tips.

All this and more is interwoven with stories, music, and songs in a delightful and informative workshop with Jane Christison, MUSIC WITH A SMILE®!

Suitable for all ages and playing abilities!

I Love Playing Accordion and So Can You!

(WORKSHOP)

Playing the accordion is what Jane loves to do,

Smiling and squeezing and singing for you!

But what if you’re tired and feeling a bit blue

About playing “Beer Barrel Polka” ‘til you’re one hundred and two?

Come to Jane’s workshop, and before she’s all through,

She’ll give you ideas, some things you can do,

To keep your playing interesting, to keep having fun,

Come to Jane’s workshop to learn how that’s done!

Jane Christison is a professional accordionist in the Kansas City area and loves playing the accordion.  This workshop will share ideas about building your repertoire, marketing your music, and keeping the fun in your performances!

Playing and Planning Programs for Retirement Communities, Nursing Homes and Seniors Groups

(WORKSHOP)

Jane has performed over 1,500 entertaining Music With A Smile® programs for retirement communities, nursing homes, and seniors groups.  Her programs change monthly because she includes seasonal songs, holiday salutes, and sing-along favorites.

This workshop features a demonstration of one of her Music With A Smile® programs and will include ideas for song selections and planning programs for seniors, as well as ways to market yourself and your programs.

How to be a Professional Money-Making Musician

(WORKSHOP)

It doesn’t matter whether you are an opera singer, a jazz guitarist, or an accordionist, part of being a professional musician is trying to figure out how to build a career and get paid for doing what you love.  

In this entertaining workshop, accordionist and singer, Jane Christison, gives ideas for getting started making money as a professional musician.  She talks about things like business cards, websites, overcoming stage fright, networking, should you join the Musicians’ Union and much more!

Book Music With A Smile and Janie Next Door with Jane Christison | MusicWithASmile.com

If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and informative learning experience, Jane's your gal!

Reach out about classes, setting up a workshop, or learning session.