Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Music Education & Live Performances
Founded in 1979, Swallow Hill Music has established itself as a cornerstone of Denver's cultural landscape. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we operate seven days a week through our Julie Davis School of Music, offering comprehensive music education programs for all ages and skill levels. Our mission to build community through music performance, education, and outreach is realized through diverse initiatives including live concerts at three venues, community outreach programs in under-resourced schools, and specialized music therapy services. With a $5 million annual budget and recognition as an SCFD Tier II organization, we have received prestigious accolades such as the Mayors and Governors Awards for Excellence in the Arts. Our team of professional musicians and educators brings decades of combined experience in music instruction, specializing in stringed instruments, percussion, piano, and voice.We maintain national prominence through our induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame and Folk Alliance International's Business Lifetime Achievement awards. Our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan outlines a visionary path for continued growth while maintaining our core values of inclusion, creativity, and growth. Through partnerships with Denver Botanic Gardens, Four Mile Historic Park, and other cultural institutions, we produce over 120 annual concerts spanning Americana, roots, jazz, blues, and world music genres. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through tuition assistance programs and community initiatives like Little Swallows preschool music education. As a trusted cultural asset, we continue to expand our impact while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence and community engagement.
Services
Music Classes
Private Lessons
Live Concerts
Music Therapy
Community Outreach
Workshops
Summer Camps
Open Jams
Tuition Assistance
Event Production
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of music education expertise in Denver since 1979
- Professional musician instructors specializing in 15+ instruments
- Recipient of state and national awards for artistic excellence
- Comprehensive programs from toddler classes to advanced workshops
- Community impact through music therapy and outreach initiatives
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- SCFD Tier II organization
- Mayors Award for Excellence in the Arts
- Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts
- Colorado Music Hall of Fame
- Folk Alliance International Business Lifetime Achievement award
Services
Music Classes
Offering group classes for all ages and skill levels since 1979, our program includes core classes, specialty workshops, and ensemble training. Students learn from professional musicians specializing in stringed instruments, percussion, piano, and voice. Our curriculum covers Americana, bluegrass, folk, jazz, blues, rock, country, and pop genres with flexible scheduling options.
Live Concerts
Producing over 120 annual concerts featuring local, national, and international artists across multiple venues. Our programming includes Americana, roots, singer-songwriters, world music, rock, bluegrass, country, jazz, blues, and spoken word performances. Special events include summer concert series at Denver Botanic Gardens and Four Mile Historic Park with both in-person and live-streamed options.
Music Therapy
Evidence-based music therapy programs serving aging populations, veterans, and individuals with developmental or mental health challenges. Our certified practitioners use music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs through personalized treatment plans that incorporate both active music creation and listening experiences.
Community Outreach
Providing music education and experiences in under-resourced communities through initiatives like Little Swallows preschool program and K-12 school workshops. Our outreach extends to retirement homes, transitional housing centers, and cultural institutions, ensuring music accessibility for diverse populations across the Denver metro area.
Private Lessons
Personalized music instruction available for 15+ instruments including guitar, piano, voice, violin, and drums. Our professional musicians offer both in-person and online lessons tailored to individual learning goals and skill levels. The program accommodates students from beginners to advanced musicians seeking technical refinement and performance preparation.
Questions
What music education programs do you offer for children?
We provide toddler classes (ages 1-4), kid & teen classes (ages 5-18), and Little Swallows preschool music education. Programs include group classes, private lessons, and summer camps designed for various skill levels.
Are there financial assistance options for music classes?
Yes, our Tuition Assistance program helps students aged six months to adults afford group classes, private lessons, workshops, and summer camps. Applications are available on our website for those with financial need.
How can I attend live concerts at Swallow Hill?
Concerts are held at our Denver venue and partner locations like Denver Botanic Gardens. Tickets are available through our website, with doors opening one hour before showtime. Some events offer live-streaming options for remote viewing.
What community outreach initiatives do you provide?
Our outreach includes music therapy programs, school workshops, and performances in under-resourced communities. We serve preschools, K-12 schools, retirement homes, and transitional housing centers across the Denver metro area.
Can I rent instruments or access practice spaces?
While we don't offer instrument rentals, our Open Jams provide community music-making opportunities. We recommend checking with local music stores for rental options while our facilities focus on instruction, therapy, and performance programming.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Dhondi Wiegel
May 07, 2022
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I purchased tickets in 10/21 for a show on 05/22. Shortly before the show, they changed the Policy to require vaccines and stated it was at the artist's request. I was unable to contact them by phone (no answer) and sent emails only to receive slow replies. I confirmed the artist did not require Vaccination and they later changed their story. I was disappointed to not be able to attend. I made every effort to resolve with them including trying to resell tickets.
No refund was offered. I give them an F as a event organizer for their poor communication, slow response to email, policy changes that prevent people from attending, and being dishonest by saying policy changes were at the artist's request.
No refund was offered. I give them an F as a event organizer for their poor communication, slow response to email, policy changes that prevent people from attending, and being dishonest by saying policy changes were at the artist's request.
Tony Clausing
Apr 25, 2022
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The staff was amazing! I was so impressed. This is a fabulous venue. Loudon Wainwright iii was eveything I wanted him to be and more. It was such an amazing memory I got to share with my brother on his birthday. Thank you Swallow Hill, keep up the great community support.
James Mcentegart
Apr 14, 2022
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Great show. Near sellout crowd. Sat in the balcony. Great vantage point. They had beers for only 5 bucks. I had Guinness. Thanks for bringing Loudon Wainwright III to Denver!
Gene Gioia
Mar 25, 2022
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Great Music Venue. Tinsley Ellis performance tonight was everything you would hope for from a Bluesman!
Ellen Paul
Feb 15, 2022
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Great concert! Love seeing Dakora Blonde again. Realize these are strange times, but having people standing outside in winter cold was not good. There must be a better way to handle checking in audience. And parking, as always, is a challenge.
