Instagram Story Viewer

Are you a musician looking to connect with other talented artists from around the globe? Are you excited by the idea of learning new musical styles and collaborating across genres? Well Silkroad has not one, but TWO upcoming Global Musician Workshops — week-long programs that bring together musicians from all over the world for a series of workshops, performances, and so. much. fun.

Applications are open now for both GMW Hangzhou and GMW Boston! Apply for Boston by April 13 and Hangzhou by May 31; link in bio!

What is Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop?

It's a week of connection, collaboration, learning, and creativity, bringing together musicians from all across the globe. The program began over a decade ago, and we've since seen hundreds of artists come together to create never-before-seen combinations of musical styles and instruments.

It's not a program focused on auditions or competition - it's about the magic that emerges when we connect across cultures and take the opportunity to learn from each other.

This year, GMW is returning to New England Conservatory in Boston, MA from August 17-22, 2026. Applications are open now through April 13!

🚨Applications are due TOMORROW for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou!🚨

GMW is a musician training program modeled after the genesis of the Silkroad Ensemble, bringing together artists from around the globe for a week of cross-cultural musical collaboration. This experience is led by a group of all-star faculty artists, including musicians from the Silkroad Ensemble and other special guests, teaching styles of music that represent a wide range of backgrounds and traditions. This week-long program includes faculty-led bands of diverse participants, group workshops that teach tunes from around the world, along with topic-based elective classes, nightly jam sessions, and a multi-night performance festival featuring both faculty and participants!

Directed by pipa virtuoso and Silkroad artists Wu Man (@wu_man2019), GMW Hangzhou will be held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China from July 26-August 1, 2026.

GMW is open to musicians ages 18+ of any instrument and from any musical genre or background—university students, professional and amateur performers, teachers, and teaching artists.

There's no fee to apply—learn more and submit your interest today at the link in bio!

Applications close in TWO DAYS for GMW Hangzhou! Join us this summer and learn from an all-star cast of faculty, like those featured here from our first-ever GMW Hangzhou faculty performance in 2024. GMW Hangzhou is open to musicians of all genres and instruments (including voice!).

Learn more and apply now at the link in bio.

Featuring:
@blockcello
@wu_man2019
@bivakarchoudhury
@edwardperezbass
@ricardo__vogt
@dong_won_kim_k_music

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Happy Birthday to the incredible Joseph Gramley (@josephgramley)! 🎉 As a founding member, Joseph's astounding versatility, vitality, and collaborative spirit help make Silkroad all that it is today. Whether championing new works from leading composers or guiding the next generation of musicians, he brings unparalleled energy to everything he does. Have a fantastic day, Joseph!

Looking back at our first year of GMW Hangzhou! Now approaching our third summer at Zhejiang Conservatory, we are incredibly excited to continue working with such a fabulous group of participants. Applications close in just a few days, so don't miss your chance to join this community of globally-minded artists!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredibly versatile Mike Block (@blockcello) ! 🎂 A pioneering cellist, singer, and composer, Mike is a powerhouse of innovation. From inventing the Block Strap to directing Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, his dedication to expanding the boundaries of music is unmatched. He's been a pillar of Silkroad since 2005, and his boundless energy continues to inspire us all. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Join Silkroad in Tulsa this Juneteenth!

We’re celebrating in collaboration with Visit Tulsa's FMAC (@visittulsa / @tulsafmac) with a special Tulsa Experience giveaway. Enter for a chance to win a 2-night hotel stay in Tulsa's Arts District, museum admission, a live theater performance, and more!

Enter the drawing at the link in bio!
No purchase or donation is required for entry. Terms and conditions apply.

And don't miss our free Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual concert featuring Rhiannon Giddens at Guthrie Green on June 19th, held as part of Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals in celebration of America 250.

Can’t make it? Support our mission to bring music, unity, and education to communities worldwide by donating at the link in bio.

Meet the stellar faculty for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou, taking place July 26 - August 1, 2026! Held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China, this program brings together artists from around the world for a week of collaborative music-making. Apply by May 31!

Wu Man, GMW Hangzhou Director (@wu_man2019)
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso, Wu Man is a soloist, educator, and composer who has reached international acclaim, having received numerous awards including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), one of the United States’ most prestigious honors in folk and traditional art.

Ekram
Ekram is a singer with a highly distinctive style who integrates Xinjiang’s ethnic music with world music, having appeared on the third season of The Voice of China, where his unique voice and musical taste gained nationwide attention.

HuuG Jiletu
Born in Zhalute, Inner Mongolia, HuuG Jiletu studied traditional Mongolian music, becoming proficient in various Mongolian traditional instruments and serving as the lead singer, morin-khuur (horsehead fiddle) player, guitarist, Khuuchir (Mongolian flute) and khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) performer for several major Chinese rock bands.

Andrea Piccioni (@andreapiccioni_perc)
Andrea Piccioni is a renowned performer on frame drums and Italian tamburello, having been awarded the title of Master Musician from the Aga Khan Music Program through international educational projects and tours with musical greats from around the world.

Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic)
Francesco Turrisi has been defined as a “musical alchemist” and a “musical polyglot." He has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and two as co-leader (“Tarab” a cross boundary innovative ensemble that blends Irish and Mediterranean traditional music, and “Zahr” a project that looks at connections between southern Italian traditional music and Arabic music).

Meet the stellar faculty for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou, taking place July 26 - August 1, 2026! Held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China, this program brings together artists from around the world for a week of collaborative music-making. Apply by May 31!

Wu Man, GMW Hangzhou Director (@wu_man2019)
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso, Wu Man is a soloist, educator, and composer who has reached international acclaim, having received numerous awards including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), one of the United States’ most prestigious honors in folk and traditional art.

Ekram
Ekram is a singer with a highly distinctive style who integrates Xinjiang’s ethnic music with world music, having appeared on the third season of The Voice of China, where his unique voice and musical taste gained nationwide attention.

HuuG Jiletu
Born in Zhalute, Inner Mongolia, HuuG Jiletu studied traditional Mongolian music, becoming proficient in various Mongolian traditional instruments and serving as the lead singer, morin-khuur (horsehead fiddle) player, guitarist, Khuuchir (Mongolian flute) and khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) performer for several major Chinese rock bands.

Andrea Piccioni (@andreapiccioni_perc)
Andrea Piccioni is a renowned performer on frame drums and Italian tamburello, having been awarded the title of Master Musician from the Aga Khan Music Program through international educational projects and tours with musical greats from around the world.

Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic)
Francesco Turrisi has been defined as a “musical alchemist” and a “musical polyglot." He has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and two as co-leader (“Tarab” a cross boundary innovative ensemble that blends Irish and Mediterranean traditional music, and “Zahr” a project that looks at connections between southern Italian traditional music and Arabic music).

Meet the stellar faculty for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou, taking place July 26 - August 1, 2026! Held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China, this program brings together artists from around the world for a week of collaborative music-making. Apply by May 31!

Wu Man, GMW Hangzhou Director (@wu_man2019)
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso, Wu Man is a soloist, educator, and composer who has reached international acclaim, having received numerous awards including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), one of the United States’ most prestigious honors in folk and traditional art.

Ekram
Ekram is a singer with a highly distinctive style who integrates Xinjiang’s ethnic music with world music, having appeared on the third season of The Voice of China, where his unique voice and musical taste gained nationwide attention.

HuuG Jiletu
Born in Zhalute, Inner Mongolia, HuuG Jiletu studied traditional Mongolian music, becoming proficient in various Mongolian traditional instruments and serving as the lead singer, morin-khuur (horsehead fiddle) player, guitarist, Khuuchir (Mongolian flute) and khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) performer for several major Chinese rock bands.

Andrea Piccioni (@andreapiccioni_perc)
Andrea Piccioni is a renowned performer on frame drums and Italian tamburello, having been awarded the title of Master Musician from the Aga Khan Music Program through international educational projects and tours with musical greats from around the world.

Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic)
Francesco Turrisi has been defined as a “musical alchemist” and a “musical polyglot." He has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and two as co-leader (“Tarab” a cross boundary innovative ensemble that blends Irish and Mediterranean traditional music, and “Zahr” a project that looks at connections between southern Italian traditional music and Arabic music).

Meet the stellar faculty for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou, taking place July 26 - August 1, 2026! Held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China, this program brings together artists from around the world for a week of collaborative music-making. Apply by May 31!

Wu Man, GMW Hangzhou Director (@wu_man2019)
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso, Wu Man is a soloist, educator, and composer who has reached international acclaim, having received numerous awards including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), one of the United States’ most prestigious honors in folk and traditional art.

Ekram
Ekram is a singer with a highly distinctive style who integrates Xinjiang’s ethnic music with world music, having appeared on the third season of The Voice of China, where his unique voice and musical taste gained nationwide attention.

HuuG Jiletu
Born in Zhalute, Inner Mongolia, HuuG Jiletu studied traditional Mongolian music, becoming proficient in various Mongolian traditional instruments and serving as the lead singer, morin-khuur (horsehead fiddle) player, guitarist, Khuuchir (Mongolian flute) and khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) performer for several major Chinese rock bands.

Andrea Piccioni (@andreapiccioni_perc)
Andrea Piccioni is a renowned performer on frame drums and Italian tamburello, having been awarded the title of Master Musician from the Aga Khan Music Program through international educational projects and tours with musical greats from around the world.

Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic)
Francesco Turrisi has been defined as a “musical alchemist” and a “musical polyglot." He has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and two as co-leader (“Tarab” a cross boundary innovative ensemble that blends Irish and Mediterranean traditional music, and “Zahr” a project that looks at connections between southern Italian traditional music and Arabic music).

Meet the stellar faculty for Silkroad's Global Musician Workshop Hangzhou, taking place July 26 - August 1, 2026! Held at the Zhejiang Conservatory in China, this program brings together artists from around the world for a week of collaborative music-making. Apply by May 31!

Wu Man, GMW Hangzhou Director (@wu_man2019)
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso, Wu Man is a soloist, educator, and composer who has reached international acclaim, having received numerous awards including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), one of the United States’ most prestigious honors in folk and traditional art.

Ekram
Ekram is a singer with a highly distinctive style who integrates Xinjiang’s ethnic music with world music, having appeared on the third season of The Voice of China, where his unique voice and musical taste gained nationwide attention.

HuuG Jiletu
Born in Zhalute, Inner Mongolia, HuuG Jiletu studied traditional Mongolian music, becoming proficient in various Mongolian traditional instruments and serving as the lead singer, morin-khuur (horsehead fiddle) player, guitarist, Khuuchir (Mongolian flute) and khoomei (Mongolian throat singing) performer for several major Chinese rock bands.

Andrea Piccioni (@andreapiccioni_perc)
Andrea Piccioni is a renowned performer on frame drums and Italian tamburello, having been awarded the title of Master Musician from the Aga Khan Music Program through international educational projects and tours with musical greats from around the world.

Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic)
Francesco Turrisi has been defined as a “musical alchemist” and a “musical polyglot." He has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and two as co-leader (“Tarab” a cross boundary innovative ensemble that blends Irish and Mediterranean traditional music, and “Zahr” a project that looks at connections between southern Italian traditional music and Arabic music).

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

Wishing a magnificent birthday to Kojiro Umezaki (@kojiroumezaki)! 🎂 A virtuosic shakuhachi player and composer, Ko has been a core member of the Silkroad Ensemble since 2001. Combining rigorous academic work as a Professor of Music at UC Irvine with major industry acclaim, including his role as a performer, co-composer, and Associate Producer on our Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home, his deep insight pushes the boundaries of global music. Happy Birthday, Ko!

This summer, experience a unique program with globally-minded musicians from around the world. Spend a week in the beautiful city of Hangzhou, China, where you'll stay on the state-of-the-art campus of the Zhejiang Conservatory (@zjcm2016). You'll join daily rehearsals and workshops exploring diverse musical genres while spending your downtime jamming with fellow participants and enjoying local cuisine.

Applications close for GMW Hangzhou on May 31. Apply now at the link in bio!

Since Silkroad's inception, we've always sought out opportunities to bring new musicalworks into the world through commissions and collaborative arrangements. Over our 25 year history, Silkroad has commissioned over 150 new works and compositions, with plenty more on the horizon. Do you have a favorite from our past albums or tours? Let us know in the comments!

Seen here is a snippet of "Songs of the Sap" by @karenouzounian!