Every community can be defined, in part, by the variety of fine arts and entertainment its residents enjoy. In the Temecula Valley one of those defining factors is The Musicians Workshop. Founded in 1998 by my good friends Jon & Jane Laskin, the Musicians Workshop was started not just to provide music to the community, but as a means to encourage talent within the community, by nurturing and training our young people. The center has evolved from a simple music education facility to a full-on contemporary Children’s After School Performing Arts and Music Education Center providing programs and events throughout the Valley.

“The Musicians Workshop plays a vital role in offering students after-school performing arts and music education programs that have, for the most part, been downsized or eliminated by our public school system”, according to founder and CEO Jon Laskin. “There are so many talented young people in our area who would not otherwise have the opportunity to explore and develop their abilities and enrich their own future and that of our community.”

The Musicians Workshop currently offers 17 programs starting with children as young as 3 years of age. Programs focus on vocal and instrumental music training, musical theater and drama, orchestra, jazz and blues bands as well as the recent introduction of art and painting. More than 1,000 young people participate in Musicians Workshop programs every year. In a very exciting new addition, Jon has expanded the reach of Musicians Workshop to include a program for at- risk teens, providing a musical focus away from their destructive impulses. During e recent concert, one of the young performers burst into tears telling Jon that in 14 years it was the first time he had ever seen his father proud of him. Another program, recently featured on ABC's BIG GIVE, involves an ongoing effort to reach children with autism and Down's Syndrome through music. "I can't take away their disability," says Jon, "but I can give them music and a way to express their joy." 

Over the years Musicians Workshop has produced students and alumni who have competed in national events including Star Search, America’s Most Talented Teens, and a recent performance on American Idol, to name a few.

In recent years, Musicians Workshop has expanded it’s contribution to the community as well. Student talents are showcased weekly with performances at both the Promenade and Bel Villagio centers as well as frequent appearances at charitable events. The Musicians Workshop also plays host and founder of the Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival, the annual Gospel Music Workshop and Concert and the very successful In-Home Concert Series, which features upscale music performances by well known artists in intimate venues.

As a result of their commitment to music education and preservation, Musicians Workshop was also the recipient of more than 10,000 pieces of music and memorabilia from the widow of legendary jazz composer Chuck Niles – which makes the center a destination for international jazzophiles.

For more information on this exceptional community resource, visit their website at: http://www.musiciansworkshop.org/