WE OFFER ROCK BANDS AND GROUP MUSIC CLASSES FOR A VARIETY OF INSTRUMENTS
Rock Bands
at Rock Island Sound
We offer a space with all the sound equipment and instruction required to learn to play in a band!
Students learn to play with peers at the same skill level with the goal of performing together with their rock band.
Start with your friends or meet new people!
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For more information, contact us.
Nervous about learning a new instrument? Take the pressure off with our fun group music lessons in Tarrytown and Rye! We offer rock bands that play together with the goal of performing shows, as well as group music lessons. Group classes offer several unique advantages over one-on-one lessons:
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When starting lessons, the anxiety of being one-on-one with an instructor and having to perform something totally new can be deeply unpleasant for some and even interfere with their learning. Being in a group, however, takes the spotlight off you. You’ll feel the comfort of being surrounded by others who are learning something new and making mistakes, just like you are.
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Another challenge with a new musical skill is maintaining the motivation to stick with it and make progress. A group class means increased accountability because you are all in it together. You’ll want to work harder to do your part in making the class valuable for everyone.
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Finally, it’s just a lot of fun to make music together with others. Our group music lessons in Tarrytown are an opportunity to explore something you love with others who feel the same way. You may even build new friendships around music that lasts long after the class is over.
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Rock Island Sound has group music lessons available for all ages. Book one today!
Guitar Classes
This is an introductory class in which students will learn the basic techniques for right and left hand, basic rhythms and chords. Students will practice their favorite songs as well as songs they create. The goal is to provide the foundation for a solid musical education with emphasis on guitar technique and performance.
Piano Classes
This course is designed to teach basic piano technique, music theory, and harmony. It will incorporate all aspects of music playing, listening, composing, and performing, as well as music appreciation. Students will be encouraged to write their own songs, beginning with the help of the teacher and their peers and eventually on their own.
Banjo Group Classes
By the end of this class, students will be familiar with basic chord changes, hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs and will have several old-time tunes in their repertoire.
Percussion Around The World
Students will learn how to play a wide variety of percussion instruments individually and as a group. While playing along with their favorite songs, they will learn the fundamentals and different techniques of drumming.
Ultimate Recording Class
This class will teach you basic recording techniques, including interfaces, microphones, hardware/software effects, and general knowledge of sound. It will follow the process of recording a full song from tracking to mixing, and will finish with a completed track for the students to take home.
Composing/Songwriting
Students will, over the course of the program, create a song from scratch. All aspects of songwriting will be covered, from chord progressions and melody to lyric creation and arrangements. The session will culminate with a recording of the songs, with copies to take home.
NYSSMA Preparation
This class is specifically designed to provide students with the music theory and ear training they need to best prepare for their NYSSMA solo.
Film Scoring
Students who have knowledge of composing will learn to score a picture, and get an overview of how film composition has changed throughout the years. It is recommended that students bring a laptop.
Basic Improv Techniques
This class covers the basics of improvisation and musical interaction in a live band setting. Practical Jazz, Rock, Blues, and R&B progressions will be used to teach guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and horn players how to improvise in any musical situation.
A Cappella Group
Under the direction of Dana Mancuso, this co-ed a cappella group will rehearse and perform a wide variety of songs while learning the fundamentals of harmony. This class provides students with the opportunity to practice and improve their voice in a warm and encouraging atmosphere.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is directed by Andrew Cowie and welcomes students of varying abilities. The Ensemble’s repertoire will include works by a wide variety of composers. Students will meet once a week and perform at the end of each session.
Glee Club
An advanced vocal group that will perform pop songs and musical theater featuring solos and tight vocal harmonies, and may incorporate some choreography.