The sound of Tin Hat reflects an astonishing depth and variety of experience — Carla Kihlstedt’s chamber music expertise, Mark Orton’s mastery of the American song, and Ben Goldberg’s jazz phrasing and harmony. The knowledge, craft, skill, and imagination that the group uses to forge its
unique sound from these elements are the same qualities that make them so effective in working with a broad range of students in workshops and master classes around the world.

In the classroom, Tin Hat helps classical musicians find ways into improvisation; helps improvisers develop their compositions and ensemble phrasing; and works with composers in the areas of harmonic development and scoring for ensembles.

Their ability to seamlessly blend the wide influences that make up Tin Hat’s sound  (Eastern European folk, Bossa Nova, Americana, Tango, Modern Classical) make them compelling educators with today’s globally minded students. The group’s extensive experience in scoring for both film and dance allows them to work with musicians in these important areas.

Tin Hat has conducted master classes and educational residencies at home and abroad including, among others, UCLA, the Hartt School of Music, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.