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Guest Artists at Arts Academy

Guest Artists
Each year, Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes an outstanding lineup of visiting faculty who invest in our students’ lives. Below, meet some of our recent guest artists and scholars.

Featured Guest Artists

Changing lives. Shaping character. Leading by example. Our guest artists come from the most prestigious institutions in the world to share their talents with Interlochen.

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Jayne Atkinson-Gill

Guest Artist, Theatre

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Dr. Bill Banfield

Guest Artist, Composition

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Billy Childs

Guest Artist, Jazz

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Sydney James Harcourt

Instructor of Musical Theatre

Cristian Macelaru

Cristian Măcelaru

Music Director Designate, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Distinguished Visiting Artist, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

Music Director, Orchestre National de France

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, World Youth Symphony Orchestra

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Patrice Rushen

Guest Artist, Jazz

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Davóne Tines

Guest Artist, Voice

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Dawn Upshaw

Guest Artist, Voice

Classical Music

Our Classical Music guest artists hail from the world’s finest colleges, universities, and conservatories. Many of them maintain thriving performance careers. They bring their dedication and expertise to every lesson they teach at Interlochen. 

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Liz Ames

Guest Artist, Piano

Contemporary Music

Contemporary Music guest artists are virtuosos in their respective instruments. Whether they’re teaching jazz piano or popular voice performance, these artists dedicate themselves to excellence in the classroom and beyond. 

The Accidentals

The Accidentals

Guest Artists, Music

Creative Writing

The poets, novelists, and essayists who comprise our Creative Writing guest artists have published their work in leading journals. Their technical ability and knowledge of the publishing world prepare their students for success. 

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Guest Artist, Creative Writing

Dance

Trained at the finest schools, Interlochen Arts Academy guest artists of Dance draw from decades of experience working with companies around the world. Their international backgrounds give them profound insights that help perfect students’ technique.

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Shura Baryshnikov

Guest Artist, Dance

Film & New Media

Our Film & New Media guest artists lead vibrant careers as producers, directors, editors, and screenwriters. Many feature their films in festivals and events all over the country. 

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Margaret Byrne

Guest Artist, Film & New Media

Interdisciplinary Arts

Guest artists in Interdisciplinary Arts combine experience in a variety of disciplines—from dance to musical theatre to creative writing—to provide unique perspectives on the creative life. Under their guidance, students explore new possibilities through designing, producing, and devising original work.

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Sydney James Harcourt

Instructor of Musical Theatre

Theatre

Our guest artists in Theatre are seasoned performers. Their range encompasses all styles and varieties of theatre from classical to modern dramatic repertoire and musicals. Experts in teaching their craft, they help young artists build meaningful connections with their audiences. 

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Jayne Atkinson-Gill

Guest Artist, Theatre

Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts guest artists have a passion for training the next generation of artists. Skilled in mediums as diverse as oil paint and metal, they've served as museum curators and exhibited their work in symposiums, galleries, art fairs, and more.

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Zahra Almajidi

Guest Artist, Visual Arts

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

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In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more

Experience the Destination for Young Artists

At Interlochen, students transform passion and potential into purpose. Explore more about Interlochen Arts Academy.

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