School of Rock - an 8 week mentor program for aspiring, young musicians

This 8-Week School of Rock Program is an immersive music education experience designed for aspiring, young musicians. Over the course of eight weeks, students engage in a dynamic curriculum that blends individual instruction, group rehearsals, and live performance training. Guided by experienced instructor, participants develop their skills in guitar, bass, drums, vocals, or keyboards while learning rock fundamentals such as stage presence, collaboration, and setlist preparation.

The program includes:
🎸 Instrument Lessons – Weekly instruction tailored to skill level.
🥁 Band Rehearsals – Playing with a group to build teamwork and confidence.
🎤 Live Performance Prep – Coaching on stage presence and audience engagement.
🎶 Music Theory & Songwriting – Learning the essentials of chord progressions, rhythm, and composition.
🔥 Final Showcase – A live concert where students perform with their band!

This series will run weekly on Saturdays from 11am - 2pm, for 8 weeks.

Week 1: Introduction to Rock Music & Band Formation

Students will learn the fundamentals of rock music, form bands, and start getting comfortable with their instruments. We will discuss different genres of rock music, key bands (e.g., The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana), and what makes rock music special.

**Band Formation:** We will form small bands (3-5 members), ensuring a mix of instruments (guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals). Depending on the number of participants, some may rotate instruments.

**Instrument Setup & Introduction:** Brief introduction to the basics of each instrument, including tuning and maintenance (for guitar/bass).

**Song Selection:** Each band selects a simple rock song (e.g., “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” rock cover, “Smoke on the Water,” or “She Loves You” by The Beatles).

**Homework:** Learn the basic chords or rhythm for the chosen song.

Week 2: Basics of Rock Performance & Group Practice

This week we focus on practicing songs as a band and learn basic performance techniques.(incl. Band Warm-Up, basic group warm-ups (e.g., practicing timing, counting in together).Song Practice - focusing on tempo, rhythm, and transitions between parts of the song, Stage Presence & Performance Skills)

Week 3: Music Theory Basics for Rock & Band Dynamics

This week we will introduce music theory basics for understanding scales, chords, and rhythm, and deepen the band dynamic (incl. introduction to chords and scales,basic chords (power chords, open chords, etc.) and the concept of scales (e.g., major and minor scales)

Week 4: Refining Songs & Building Confidence**

This week we work on refining the songs, focusing on smooth transitions, solos, and fine-tuning group coordination.

**Performance Rehearsal:** Full-band rehearsal with feedback on stage presence, dynamics, and timing.-

**Homework:** Practice solos and transitions, and rehearse the song in its entirety.

Week 5: Advanced Performance Techniques & Vocal Training

This week, class will focus on performance elements, especially for singers, and build advanced coordination as a band.

**Vocal Techniques:** For singers - basic vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, and pitch control.

**Advanced Band Techniques:** Introduce band dynamics, such as how to emphasize certain parts of a song, create tension and release, and work with dynamics (loud vs. soft sections)

**Live Sound and Feedback:** Discuss how to work with microphones, avoid feedback, and understand basic sound setups (e.g., amplifiers, mic placement).

Week 6: Collaborating with Different Instruments & Songwriting Basics

This week we will teach collaboration between different instruments and introduce the basics of songwriting.

**Collaborative Jam Session:** bands will practice together, focusing on improvisation and syncing up their instruments.

**Songwriting 101:** Introduction to basic songwriting principles. Each band will brainstorm ideas for writing their own short song or creating a variation of their original piece

Week 7: Rehearsal and Set Design for the Final Showcase

As we get close to the finish line, it is time to prepare for the final performance, incorporating all elements learned.

**Setlist Building:** Discuss how to build a performance setlist, including selecting the right mix of songs and creating flow

**Stage Blocking and Set Design:** Plan how the band members will move on stage, where the instruments will be placed, and create a simple visual set .

**Feedback Session:** the groups will perform for each other, with constructive feedback.

Week 8: Final Performance & Celebration

Finally! Performance week!! This is an opportunity to showcase the bands' hard work and celebrate their progress.

**Soundcheck:** Set up and test the sound system, ensuring each instrument is properly miked, and that all bands are comfortable.

**Final Showcase:** Each band will perform their song (or songs) in front of an audience.
We will celebrate with a pizza lunch!