By Ellen Dalbo
(Active Alex 11/2011 - Full Article)

Music lessons are a common part of childhood but there is a relatively new way to take lessons to the next level. Rock band lessons/schools are growing rapidly in our area, partly due to popularity of video games such as “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band.” Bands formed at these schools are playing in-house as well as in the community in clubs, sporting events and local festivals.

There is no “typical” age to start music lessons (maturity and drive matter) but weekly lessons can begin between 5 and 7 years old. According to local music professionals, in order to participate in a rock band, kids ideally should have a year or so of weekly lessons on their instrument first. Which instrument your child chooses is their preference and opinions vary on the best one for beginners. Tom Hutchinson of Cary School of Creative Arts (CSCA) recommends the keyboard as a fundamental instrument; “With keyboard you can more easily learn how chords and melodies are built.” John Kozicki of Music & Rock School says while guitar is definitely the most popular choice, children may want to choose a less common instrument, such as bass guitar, to start affording more opportunities later.

Lessons vs. Rock Band
Music Lessons have changed since parents were young. Many instructors now realize that kids will stick with lessons and practice more if they are playing music they love to listen to. Some schools let students bring in their iPod and learn their favorite music, but in that process they learn the mechanics of notes, chords and arrangement.

Playing in a band lets kids see the fruit of their lessons, makes them want to practice more and takes their lessons to the next level. Music teachers agree that it is ideal to keep taking lessons while in a band as it increases playing and learning exponentially. Derek Butler of Tone Zone tells Active Alex that kids can play music they like, but with the proper instruction they “can make musical relevance of it.” Music & Rock School is performance-based and Mr. Kozicki relates not performing in a band to practicing a sport every week but never playing in a game - no measure of improvement, nothing to work towards.

The Stage is the Greatest School
The life lessons learned by playing in a band are many. Kids not only improve their playing faster but learn teamwork, commitment and accountability. Billy Cuthrell of Progressive Music Center says, “There is no ‘I’ in band.” Goals are set and must be met. There may be many personalities at play and kids need to learn to work with others. Ian Burton of Burton School of Arts points out how important these interpersonal skills are in bands - and in life. “Many famous bands have talent but fall apart because they can’t learn to get along,” he says. “A band is a crash course in understanding how others play and work.” Kids will also push their creativity in a group and learn songwriting skills. Confidence gained is priceless.

Music vs. Entertainment
Mr. Butler (Tone Zone) says a question to consider is “do you want to be a musician or an entertainer?” Each music program takes a slightly different approach to the band format. It is important to find the right instructor for your child. Some programs, like Tone Zone’s, whose motto is “Create, Don’t Replicate,” stress the fundamentals of music. Butler believes that many kids can learn to play a simple rock song in a “band” but they may not understand what they are playing. Tone Zone stresses understanding the mechanics behind the music. Instead of the usual Rock Band format, they have monthly jam sessions for students to come play as a group. They also have Masters Classes where students can learn from well-known players.

Other local teachers agree that fundamentals are important. Mr. Cuthrell (Progressive Music Center) says when kids play together who all read music and know theory, they progress much quicker as they speak the same language. Without theory, he says kids hit a wall – it is the “equivalent of learning the alphabet without every other letter.” Mr. Cuthrell says some kids just fight theory though and play by ear. They can still do well in their Rock Academy program because in a band they learn theory without even realizing it!

Music & Rock School’s motto is “Our School Rocks Harder than Your School” and they profess that it is more fun for kids to apply lessons in a performance setting. Not every child needs to learn to read music before they join a rock band program, Mr. Kozicki says. Children who play by ear do well because they have an intrinsic understanding of rhythms, note values and how they are played. The school offers recording-based group programs for beginners to the rock band concept (Studio Sessions), rehearsal-based programs (Masters) and All Access, where bands rehearse to prepare for performances.

Creating well-rounded musicians is the goal of the newest music school in the area, Cary School of Creative Arts (CSCA). “Music is so much more than black notes on a page,” says owner Tom Hutchinson. “Programs without a performance option are missing a creative element.” CSCA plans to expand its new rock band program with the goal of bands performing in local venues. Mr. Hutchinson says that he has been amazed at the way all types of kids thrive in a rock band setting – shy kids, artsy and athletic kids. “Music runs the gamut of all ages and personalities.”

Summer Camps - Give Rock Bands a Chance!!
Many music schools in the area have week-long rock band summer camps. This is a great way to try out the rock band format without a long-term commitment. It can also give your child a chance to try out other instruments. At Burton School of Art’s Jam Camp, for example, a group of kids get together each week and write their own songs, make band t-shirts and posters, and perform for family and friends. The bonus is that they also learn studio recording (they take home their own CD) and their concert is posted on YouTube!

Where Can Music Take My Child?
Music lessons have been shown to increase brain function and will improve discipline and focus as well. Even if your child doesn’t have a career in music, they will always have the enjoyment of being able to play. But remember, rock bands are only one avenue that musicians can pursue. Music is in everything! From all kinds of performing bands to composing, recording, producing and arranging for television, movies and the internet, music can lead your child anywhere.

Whatever musical path your child decides to follow, professionals agree that being a true musician is a life-long learning experience. Look for a music program with a philosophy and environment that you and your child are comfortable with. Their creativity will take flight and just maybe - someday you’ll be watching your child’s tour bus pull into town!

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