Photo by Jefferson Santos on Unsplash. Illustrative stock photo; not the reported venue, event or artist.

Traverse City native Jacob Ramseyer is bringing a two-day music program to City Opera House that gives audiences several ways to approach the same subject: how songs are made and performed.

The venue’s Heart Sleeve announcement lists a November 19 masterclass and storyteller show, followed by a main concert on November 20.

For a songwriter, music student or listener curious about the work behind a performance, the separate sessions make it possible to choose a particular focus.

A free class opens the program

The Thursday masterclass is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m..

Admission is free, but registration is required through the venue’s official booking link.

The announcement says high school and college students attending that session receive free admission to the evening storyteller show.

Students should confirm the redemption process when reserving rather than assuming a class registration automatically serves as an evening ticket.

If you plan to attend with a student, ask the box office how any accompanying adult should book.

Two evening formats follow

The Thursday storyteller session begins at 7 p.m. and is described as acoustic performances with studio stories and song breakdowns.

The Friday main concert also begins at 7 p.m., with a fuller concert format.

Rather than choosing only by the day that is open on your calendar, consider which setting matches your interest.

Someone focused on writing and process may want time for the class and storytelling.

Someone mainly seeking a concert evening may prefer Friday’s performance.

Check the current ticket options and prices through the venue before purchasing, since the sessions have separate booking choices.

Bring a question worth exploring

For the masterclass, think about one songwriting decision you would like to understand better.

That could involve finding an opening line, shaping a chorus or deciding what to leave out of a lyric.

Use your own interests to prepare, without expecting the class to cover a particular technique that has not been announced.

A notebook can help you keep track of ideas you want to revisit afterward.

If you are working on songs, choose a small next step you can try at home rather than expecting one session to settle an entire project.

Listening closely to how a creator describes a decision can be useful even when your own music takes a different direction.

Plan the downtown schedule

City Opera House is at 106 East Front Street in Traverse City.

If you are attending both Thursday sessions, check how you will use the interval between them.

Leave room for food and a comfortable return to the venue, and confirm any re-entry arrangements you need to understand.

Use the official directions page for parking information and allow time to walk to the building.

Ask the box office about access or seating needs before choosing tickets.

Keep the booking details together

Save confirmations for each session you reserve and check that the dates and admission types match the plan.

Share those details with anyone joining you so a masterclass booking is not confused with a concert purchase.

Revisit the official event page close to November 19 for any updates.

The practical starting point is to choose the session that interests you, then book that session directly.

For a local music calendar, Heart Sleeve offers an opportunity to put the craft of songwriting alongside the finished performance.

Official sources: Heart Sleeve details · Box office · Parking and directions