Enrollment for summer 2026 workshops is now open!
Mike Finnigan was a beloved musician, often called a "musician's musician." He loved music, was passionate about education, loved playing at the Stiefel, and loved Kansas. Mike Finnigan was a keyboardist, vocalist, and session musician who performed with an impressive array of artists including Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jimi Hendrix. We are grateful that we are able to celebrate his legacy with this school named in his honor.
Scholarships are available for students in need. If registering for a class is beyond your financial means, please call (785)827-1998 for a scholarship application or print out the application here.
June Beginning Guitar Workshop
This is a one week workshop for anyone who is new to the guitar. We’ll explore everything from how to hold the guitar all the way up to playing a few simple tunes. If you’re new to guitar this is a great place to start! This is a multi-generational class, so parents can sign up to learn guitar alongside your kids if you’d like!
July Beginning Guitar Workshop
This is a one week workshop for anyone who is new to the guitar. We’ll explore everything from how to hold the guitar all the way up to playing a few simple tunes. If you’re new to guitar this is a great place to start! This is a multi-generational class, so parents can sign up to learn guitar alongside your kids if you’d like!
Hootenanny Class
Bring your instrument and your voice for a lively evening of folk music, camaraderie, and fun! This class is open to players of all ability levels—from absolute beginners to seasoned pickers. We’ll focus on playing familiar folk tunes and singing along while we play. Advanced students can add flair with solos or intricate accompaniment, while newer players can simply strum chords or play easy bass lines. The most important part? Everyone needs to be ready to sing—not solo, but together in a joyful group sound! By the end of each session, you’ll leave with new songs in your fingers, a smile on your face, and a little more music in your heart.
Whether you’re a toe-tapper, a harmony hummer, or a fearless folk hero, Hootenanny is the place to be. Sign up today and join the fun!
Guitar "School of Rock" Performance Camp
This camp is for intermediate and advanced players who would like to use their skills to put together a guitar concert with other guitarists. We will meet M,T,W,TH for two weeks and the second Thursday we put on a “lunch concert” at noon of what we’ve prepared over our two weeks together. Any guitarist who has taken guitar class at either Lakewood or South Middle would be ready for this camp experience.
Classes will be in the Stiefel Watson room
Guitar Chord Progressions
This workshop is for those who want to strum and hum along to your favorite songs. We’ll learn how songs are constructed with simple ONE - FOUR - FIVE structure - adding the minor chords on TWO and SIX. Once you know the formula - you’ll unlock a new world in your playing and songwriting.
Classes will meet in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room.
Guitar Riffs & Improvisation
If you’ve always wanted to play that famous rock lick in your favorite rock song or if you’ve longed to make up your own guitar solos on the fly - this workshop will explore the world of guitar tablature and the pentatonic scales to help you reach your guitar goals.
Classes will meet in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room.
Classical Fingerstyle Guitar
This class set up is slightly different than other Mike Finnigan School of Music classes. These will be one-on-one lessons with times and dates set up with you and the instructor. Learn Classical Fingerstyle Guitar with Howard Glanton. These private lessons are for guitar players at all skill levels. These lessons can introduce you to the art of classical fingerstlye guitar or help you take your skills to the next level.
Hammond B3
This class set up is slightly different than other Mike Finnigan School of Music classes. These will be one-on-one lessons with times and dates set up with you and the instructor. Each lesson will be 30 minutes and will cost $40. Minimum of 4 lessons required. These private lessons are for beginning, intermediate, and advanced keyboard players. Focus is entirely on exploring the Hammond B3. Playing along with iconic recordings, and the study of the HammondB3 and its sonic abilities take shape in these interactive one-on-one lessons. Styles of music in which the Hammond B3 is most famous include but are not limited to: gospel, rock, blues, country, jazz, and pop.
More information:
Classes missed by the student for any reason cannot be made up, nor will a tuition refund be given. However, the teacher may allow the student to attend another class at their discretion. In the event of a class being canceled due to the instructor’s absence, or if the school must be closed because of inclement weather, either a make-up class will be offered, or a partial tuition refund will be issued. Class registration is non-refundable
If a student attending classes on a scholarship has 2 or more unexcused absences, they will not be allowed to apply for a scholarship for the next semester of classes. Please contact the instructors or the box office with any questions on this policy.
For questions Please contact:
Jane Gates
jgates@stiefeltheatre.org
(785)827-1998
Frequently Asked Questions
When you enroll, you receive the very best instruction from the most qualified instructors in the area.
Music is a collaborative art form - Playing together is essential to becoming a good musician and the group lesson format provides that opportunity while also giving students plenty of individual feedback.
Each class will include essential learning objectives that will be assessed by the instructor to help focus instruction and aid students in their practicing.
Students are learning in one of the nation’s premier performance venues and will receive a chance to perform on the Stiefel stage. The Stiefel’s work in bringing in the nation’s top performing artists may also bring chances for students to work with some of America’s greatest musicians or chances to see a live concert at the Stiefel while enrolled.
• All lessons will be taught in a group format.
• 50 minute classes offered in 8 week sessions plus a short informal concert/recital or open house at the Stiefel at the conclusion of each session.
• A minimum number of students must be signed up to offer the class. Each class also has a maximum number of participants so sign up soon!
• Classes will meet in the Watson Room / Green Room of the Stiefel Theatre.
• Tuition is due upon enrollment, but payment plans are available. Scholarships are available if class enrollment is beyond your financial means. Contact the box office to discuss payment options.
