Tim, Kari, Andrew, Matt, and Ryan are all a proud product of small town, public music education. Akropolis serves thousands of students and community members each year, with a shared goal of strengthening, inspiring, and uplifting those who don’t have direct access to musical experiences. All of our educational efforts are designed to be deeply collaborative and to meet audiences of all ages where they’re at.

Music Connects Us All

Our most powerful musical encounters often happen off the stage — a quiet corner of a hospital, a bustling bike path, a noisy band room. We believe that music isn’t just something to be presented; it’s something to be shared. When we step off the stage and into our community, we do it not just to perform, but to co-create — turning sound into conversation, and performance into participation.

We invite you to learn more about our K-12, University Residency, and Community educational efforts below.

Our Educational Initiatives

  • K-12 Experiences

    The Akropolis Reed Quintet brings dynamic, hands-on music education to K–12 students through a wide range of programs tailored to each age group. Their work includes imaginative elementary workshops that combine storytelling and music, interactive middle school sessions focused on musicianship and creativity, and high school clinics that delve into composition, chamber music, and ensemble skills. Since 2017, they’ve led in-depth residencies at Detroit high schools, mentoring students through the process of composing original works that are professionally premiered and recorded. Reaching thousands of students annually, Akropolis transforms traditional music education by fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection—both in and beyond the classroom.

  • University Residencies

    The Akropolis Reed Quintet brings immersive, multifaceted residencies to university music programs across the country, combining chamber music artistry with forward-thinking career development. Their engagements often include masterclasses for individual wind players and chamber ensembles, composition workshops, public performances, concertos, and open rehearsals that invite students into their creative process. They also lead lectures on entrepreneurship—empowering students with the tools to navigate today’s evolving musical landscape. Akropolis supports emerging professional musicians through a rich combination of performance, pedagogy, and creativity.

  • Community Impact

    Akropolis is deeply committed to community engagement, bringing classical music to diverse audiences through innovative and accessible performances beyond the concert hall. Our community concerts are designed to reach people in unexpected places, fostering a deeper connection to music and enriching the cultural fabric of our local and national communities. Ever year, Akropolis brings classical music to dozens of unconventional venues, including office spaces, public parks, and healthcare facilities. By doing so, we invite listeners to discover new dimensions of sound and storytelling in everyday environments. Through these efforts, we hope to foster a more inclusive and loving community.