Musicmatters

This week at Musicmatters, we had the privilege of hosting Shannon Jacobs Shannon Jacob and Drew Dorman Drew Dorman where they shared their knowledge, exeperience, and perspectives with a group of musicians and music lovers.

Through her workshop, Shannon guided us through the importance of intentionality in engaging with music. She explored how music cannot exist in a vacuum, but is instead a living, breathing reflection of culture and society. Drawing from her project of creating music for the Nelum Tower, she spoke about the questions of identity and representation that arise when creating something that is meant to speak to and for a place and its people – and what it means to create music that is honest and meaningful.

Drew then took us into the art of rhythm. As a drummer, he explored the importance of timing and listening – especially when playing in a band. He played several songs, and also involved everyone into the process through a series of polyrhythmic exrecises.

The evening ended with the audience coming together to play. Acquaintances and strangers joined one another for a spontaneous jam – and music came alive.

Creating spaces like these is so valuable – they are great opportunities knowledge and ideas to be exchanged, for people to learn, and for new connections to form. There is a particular kind of worth – and joy! – that comes from from approaching what we do with intention and purpose.

Thank you to Shannon and Drew!

Music in motion | Performance Week - Term II

Today we had the pleasure of conducting a workshop for the AOD Create, Design, Innovate. Summer Camp! ☀️ 🎨

We were able to work with a fantastic group of teens through two fun and interactive segments. First, participants put their music knowledge to the test in a Music Trivia challenge.

Next, we explored the world of album art through an Album Redesign activity. The kids were introduced to four iconic album covers and learned how each reflected the artist's story, the time, and the genre of music, while also shaping the way audiences perceive the album.

They were then asked to choose one of the albums and reimagine its cover in their own unique style using a variety of creative tools. It was incredible to see everyone embrace the activity with so much creativity, enthusiasm, and originality.

A huge thank you to AOD for having us – we loved being part of the Summer Camp and spending the morning with such a talented group of teens!

Join us for an evening of music with two free workshops led by Berklee educated musicians Shannon Jacob and Drew Dorman.

Discover the creative process behind composition, arranging, and musical storytelling in The Craft of Intention, then explore rhythm, technique, musical expression, and collaboration in The Art of Rhythm, ending with an interactive jam session.

📅 Thursday, 6 August 2026
📍 Musicmatters, Colombo
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission (Registration through link in bio!)

Whether you're a composer, performer, student, or music enthusiast, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Every great musician knows that music is not just a skill to be mastered—it is felt, inhabited, and ultimately shared.

In this session, Drew Dorman brings his passion for drumming, performance, and musical conversation into an engaging workshop that explores the building blocks of rhythm: rudiments, technique, style, and playing within different musical contexts. Drawing on experience across funk, pop, jazz, gospel, Latin, and fusion, Drew also reflects on the discipline of practice and the importance of deep listening. The session concludes with an interactive jam session.

Free Admission
Date : 6th of August 2026
Time : 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Venue : Musicmatters, Colombo

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early. Bring a friend who would enjoy making music together!

Every piece of music begins long before the first note is played. In this session, Shannon Jacob shares her practice as a composer and arranger, offering an intimate look at the creative process and the thinking that shapes it.

Drawing on work across orchestral, choral, jazz, gospel, electronic music, and theatre, Shannon explores how intention, honesty, vulnerability, and curiosity shape meaningful music. Through talk, listening, and open conversation, this session invites an evening of shared insight and exchange.

Free Admission
Date : 6th of August 2026
Time : 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Venue : Musicmatters, Colombo

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early. If you know someone who would enjoy this workshop, invite them along!

New Drop Alert 🚨
Make this summer more fun with our new caps and stickers!

Blinding Lights, Open Mics 🎤 ✨️

Make this summer unforgettable at Musicmatters Summer Camp! 🎸
At our camp, your child will dive into fun workshops, performances, and instrument coaching. Open to ages 6–16, this is the perfect opportunity for them to explore their musical passion in a supportive environment.

Join us from July 22–24 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Musicmatters.
Spots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis—don’t miss out!

Register: https://forms.gle/qd7Bpc8FDbe59X179