By Janet Angier
The motivating force at the New York Rock Academy is excitement! Regardless of their level, students land a chance to explore the music they truly love. We help kids and teens create outstanding bands by matching them with others of similar age, taste and playing ability–and then they immediately begin making music! Beginners often find themselves performing complete arrangements of their favorite songs by the end of a single session. Advanced players will fine tune their skills–learning the subtleties of instrumental and vocal technique. Anything that detracts from a moving performance is addressed and remedied. Students learn to communicate the love and excitement they feel to their audience!
The bands are truly what it’s all about! Students are placed into real bands of three to six members according to age and ability. Each day, a faculty band leader directs them and fosters a close-knit team, in which every member plays an important role. Students have unique opportunities to shine both as individuals and as ensemble members. Students choose and may even write the songs they rehearse while the faculty band leader helps them develop the parts they will play.
The Major provides each student with a course of study in the instrument he or she loves. Students take two lessons a day and play their major instrument in the ensembles. (The material is based on the instructor’s assessment of the student.) Class time is spent fine tuning the songs the students feature in their ensembles and enhancing the technique so as to improve overall playing ability.
Workshops are ultimately a superb way for campers to try something new. Topics include keyboards, voice, rhythm, music history, songwriting, production and promotion. Workshops run daily and change over the course of the week.
Blow away your friends and family during the end of session Rock Concert!
Janet Angier is the owner/director of Music in Chappaqua and the New York Rock Academy.
