Our Mission

Creative Elevation

To educate, empower, and elevate aspiring musicians by providing high-quality music education, professional workshops, and hands-on opportunities to develop their talents and skills in the music industry. We teach the art of creating exceptional shows, from concept to reality, encompassing branding, photography, event production, communications, talent booking, and more. Our multigenerational, family-oriented approach fosters creativity, wellness, and community, cultivating a safe space for personal expression and artistic excellence.

Upcoming Benefit

Holiday at The Temple: An Elegant Affair

This December, join us for Holiday at The Temple: An Elegant Affair — a dazzling benefit concert and the official kickoff of the 10-Year Celebration of HATT (Holiday at The Temple)! Come join us dressed in your finest festive attire for an unforgettable night benefitting the arts and health & wellness. It all happens Friday, December 12, at the historic Henry J. Kaiser Centre for the Arts - Calvin Simmons Theater. Doors open at 6:30 PM; show starts at 7:00 PM.

Experience a captivating evening that blends the soulful sounds of Gospel, the timeless beauty of Classical, and the smooth, elegant sounds of Jazz.

Picture This:

A symphony of live strings, electrifying horns, and a band that’ll have you on your feet all night.

This isn’t your average holiday gathering. It’s a musical journey through the season’s most beloved tunes, reimagined in an atmosphere of excellence, elegance, and celebration.

We are thrilled to share HATT 2025 headliners, along with a host of artists from all over the Bay Area and beyond:

THE LEGENDARY DORINDA CLARK-COLE
AMERICAN IDOL’S ROMAN COLLINS
PRODUCER MARCUS MCCAULEY

Featured Artists Include:

Lawrence Matthews, Alfreda Lyons-Campbell, Markita Knight, Ashling Cole, Darius Braxton, Vadia, Aliya Hall, K-Ross, Kevin & Pam Sharp, Sean Dodson, Christolenae Thomas, Phylicia Hill, Brooklyn Fields, and Jerrell Mason & Elevation Chorale

Ticket Pricing:

$50 – $150 (PLUS APPLICABLE TICKETING FEES)

VIP Starting at $100
Premier Starting at $75
General Admission Starting at $50

Proceeds for this year’s event will benefit two amazing Bay Area non-profits - INSession insessionnow.org and Youth UpRising youthuprising.org.

Our Vision

Empowering Communities

To inspire and equip a global community of artists and musicians to create, perform, and lead with excellence, joy, and authenticity. Through innovative education, professional exposure, and transformative experiences, we envision a world where music connects generations and sparks healing, community, and celebration. By mastering the process of show creation—from vision to execution—we aim to set the standard for creativity, quality, and artistry across diverse genres such as orchestral, jazz, gospel, and opera. Rooted in the Bay Area and reaching wherever the rhythm moves, we empower individuals to create with purpose and leave a lasting legacy.

Program Framework: Arts + Expression for Holistic Health and Wellness

Overview

In Session Arts + Expression Initiative is a trauma-informed, culturally grounded program that integrates music, performance, and production education with holistic wellness practices. Designed to nurture creativity while strengthening emotional resilience, it equips youth and emerging artists with tools to process life experiences, develop their talents, and thrive in today’s complex world.

At In Session Now, we are inspired by the transformative power of the arts. We believe that health and wellness can be significantly improved through the opportunities, sense of belonging, and hope that the arts provide—especially for our youth. In environments where the pressure to make a living is high and access to safe, creative spaces is limited, we are here to change that narrative.

Program Components

Songwriting & Storytelling Workshops – Use lyrical storytelling as a tool for emotional release, healing from trauma, grief, or stress.
Musicianship & Music Education – Training beyond performance, building pathways from high school to conservatories or professional careers.
Performance & Production Bootcamps – Hands-on experience in concert, film, and theatrical production—from stage management to lighting and sound.
Band & Ensemble Labs – Develop collaboration, listening, and confidence through group performance and creative synergy.
Creative Entrepreneurship & Project Management – Learn brand development, marketing, financial literacy, and hybrid musician skills for sustainable careers.
Music Therapy & Mental Wellness Integration – Explore music therapy, art appreciation, and emotional intelligence to foster self-awareness and holistic well-being.

Safe Spaces for Expression

Our programs are designed to foster community, belonging, and creative growth. In these spaces, artists can truly thrive—feeling included, seen, and supported.

Participants experience:

Songwriting and production labs to process emotions through storytelling
Film, media, and spoken word workshops to elevate community voices
Mindfulness and journaling circles that build emotional resilience
Collaborative projects that nurture teamwork and communication

“Participation in the arts is linked to improved emotional well-being, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of belonging.”
– National Endowment for the Arts, Arts & Health Initiative

Building Character, Leadership, and Resilience

Every session is designed to build skills that extend far beyond the stage or studio. Participants grow in character, integrity, empathy, and perseverance—emerging as creative leaders who uplift their communities.

According to the National Institutes of Health, youth involved in artistic programs demonstrate “greater emotional balance, self-confidence, and the ability to overcome negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.” These benefits reflect the long-term impact of arts-based youth development and wellness-centered creativity.

The Business of Music and Creative Entrepreneurship

In Session bridges creativity and career readiness by teaching the business of music and entertainment. Artists gain real-world insight into how creativity drives both cultural and economic vitality.

Participants learn about:

Music industry fundamentals – production, publishing, copyright
Entrepreneurship training – building and managing a creative business
Financial literacy – budgeting, contracts, and revenue streams
Branding and marketing – promoting creative work responsibly and effectively

“Creative industries support over 5.2 million jobs and generate nearly $900 billion annually.”
– Americans for the Arts, 2024

A Holistic Model for Health + Wellness

Our work is grounded in the belief that arts and wellness are vital to community safety and resilience. When artists have safe spaces, supportive mentors, and clear pathways to meaningful careers, they flourish—and their communities become safer, stronger, and more connected.

“Arts participation helps young people develop the social and emotional skills that contribute to positive behavior, academic success, and long-term well-being.”
– The Wallace Foundation, 2023

Why the Arts Matter

Arts create thriving economies. The arts contribute 4.3% of U.S. GDP—more than agriculture or transportation. – U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024
Creativity builds coping skills. Arts engagement helps youth process trauma, find purpose, and express identity. – National Endowment for the Arts
Arts education improves academics. Students in arts programs achieve higher test scores, attendance, and graduation rates. – DoSomething.org
Arts participation boosts well-being. Regular creative engagement is linked to higher life satisfaction and mental health. – National Library of Medicine / NIH

Our Philosophy: Hybrid Musicians for a New Generation

Today’s artists are more than performers—they are producers, strategists, and entrepreneurs.
In Session Now prepares “hybrid musicians” to master both their craft and career development, helping them understand that artistry is a sacred expression of identity, healing, and leadership.

Our program empowers participants to:

Own their voice
Honor their path
Heal through art
Lead in their community

Our Commitment

“Art binds people to place and to each other — art and culture build community.”
– Knight Foundation

At In Session, we are building bridges between arts, health, wellness, and economics—empowering creatives to thrive creatively, emotionally, and economically. When we invest in the creative potential of artists of all ages, we invest in the health, vitality, and future of our communities.

About

Marcus McCauley – CEO, In Session

Marcus McCauley is an accomplished pianist, composer, and music producer whose journey began at the age of six on his grandmother’s piano in Oakland, California.