Music for every age, every ability, every life
Stillwater Music is Durango’s primary music education hub. Stillwater Music is a 501(c)(3) that was founded in 2005 in a rented office space with 12 kids, some instruments, and a vision. We were originally focused solely on teaching music through the placement of students of all ages in gigging bands. In 2018, our friends and neighbors at Katzin Music went out of business and we took over their private lesson program which included approximately 20 instructors.
We are now one giant family under the Stillwater Music brand with over 850 students of all ages, dozens of classes year round, 5 full time staff, and over 25 faculty. We teach music by placing students (young and old!) into high-quality bands, as well as teaching private lessons. Stillwater faculty also serve a number of private and charter schools in the Four Corners area.
In our band program, musicians of all ages have the opportunity to learn and play music on traditional and non-traditional instruments. Our students are playing songs that you hear on the radio and many of our bands have been featured at many venues and festivals including performances at the Fort Lewis College Jazz Festival, Reno Jazz Festival, and the Telluride Jazz Festival.
All of our bands, classes and workshops are directed by professional, real world working musicians with years of experience teaching, directing bands, coaching, recording, performing and writing music. Our faculty strives to create a safe, collaborative, inspiring and fun learning environment, matching students by skill level and age to the appropriate class.
In our private lesson program, we teach dozens of instruments, as well as voice lessons, and subjects such as composition, arranging, professional DJing, and music production.
Stillwater students are encouraged to explore and expand their limitations both creatively and physically. We feel strongly that keeping students engaged in music helps to build character, teamwork and self confidence.
Stillwater Music admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and ability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the organization.