WorkshopLive Wins Mass Technology Leadership Award

Press release
Source: Ed Bride

WorkshopLive, which produces the most dynamic and engaging music lessons on the Web, has received a 2006 Technology Leadership Award from the Mass Technology Leadership Council. The only awards program to recognize outstanding achievement in both the development and implementation of information technology, the Mass Technology Leadership Awards honor Massachusetts companies and individuals who best exemplify leadership and excellence in business and technology.

Formally launched in December 2005, WorkshopLive offers keyboard, bass, or guitar lessons on a 24/7 basis to any student with a high-speed Internet connection. The student can choose from dozens of teachers, and the patent-pending student-teacher matching engine helps select the right educator and lesson plan to match the student's ability and style of learning.

WorkshopLive screen shot

In just over a year, the company’s new FireWire studio in Pittsfield has produced more than 1,200 music lessons in all styles, resulting in the creation of one of the fastest-growing online music communities on the web.

“The Mass Technology Leadership Council is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the success of companies that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors.  These awards are an important part of this effort,” said Joyce L. Plotkin, president of the Mass Technology Leadership Council.  “The winners of this year’s honors represent the spirit of innovation, the history of accomplishment and the future promise that define the Massachusetts technology community.”

The awards program builds on the traditions of the Massachusetts Software Council and the New England Business and Technology Association (NEBATA), the two organizations that merged last year to form the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council.

“To be recognized in our first full year of existence is both rewarding and humbling,” said founder and CEO David Smolover. “This award brings great pride to the entire WorkshopLive team, and I am proud to be associated with them. It validates their achievements and contributions to the quality of life for music lovers around the world.”

WorkshopLive founder/CEO David Smolover (center) and marketing director John Ross accept Mass Technology Leadership Award from Mary Finlay. Photo by Michael Manning, courtesy Mass Technology Leadership Council.

The 2006 Awards program began with an open nomination process.  More than 150 nominations were received for the awards. Thirty-four companies and eighteen individuals were announced as finalists at two executive Networking Sessions held during the summer. Final selections were made by a select group of leaders and influencers in the Massachusetts technology community and finalists were evaluated based on recent achievements in making significant contributions to the industry, customers, and their businesses. The Council’s 2006 Awards program was co-chaired by Council Trustees Deb Besemer, CEO of BrassRing,, Inc., and Mary Finlay, Deputy CIO of Partners HealthCare. 

Corporate sponsors for this year’s awards included PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Invest Northern Ireland.

About WorkshopLive
WorkshopLive produces the most dynamic and engaging music instruction content on the Web today. Its patent-pending technology delivers the first truly interactive learning experience of its type, with visual and auditory elements that change to suit the preferences and abilities of the student. WorkshopLive incorporates more than 20 years of experience in music education.  The company has created hundreds of lessons in all styles of music. Other divisions include National Guitar Workshop Publications and summer learning experiences operated at 28 locations around the country, the National Guitar Workshop and DayJams. The privately funded company is based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Additional information is available at 413-358-9606, and www.WorkshopLive.com.

About the Mass Technology Leadership Council, Inc.
The Mass Technology Leadership Council, Inc. is the only association that addresses the critical leadership issues of innovative software and technology-enabled companies. Formed by the combination of the Massachusetts Software Council and the New England Business and Technology Association, Inc., the organization is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the success of companies that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors. The Mass Technology Leadership Council conducts educational programs, hosts industry events, facilitates networking, sponsors research, advocates in favor of technology policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and competition, and recognizes industry-leading companies and people.