Claire
As a family of both classically-trained and working music industry professionals, I have to say we were disappointed with the Rock 101 program. My daughter was enrolled for two "seasons" and during her time there we observed: - my daughter being placed in a "band" with up to four(!!!) drummers, zero guitar players, and zero vocalists. - students of greatly varying skill levels being expected to perform together, some after clearly not getting enough instruction on their instrument. It seems that there should be some kind of trial period to ensure a student actually has a basic level of comfort with their instrument before throwing them onstage and embarrassing them. My daughter could already somewhat play her instrument when we joined, yet multiple members of her band had never held an instrument before. That's unfair to everyone in the group. - more than one instance of a student literally miming playing their instrument on stage, while other bandmates sat out entire songs. - students being placed on instruments/parts they were not at School Of Rock to study (my daughter, a drummer, was placed on vocals more often than drums). - nearly $400 per month for 2 hours per week of class time (plus $75 per "show", plus scheduling these shows at venues that require $20 parking) is honestly absurd. The house band and advanced groups had some really talented kids and were lots of fun to watch at shows, but the Rock 101 program -- which is what's seemingly advertised as their flagship service -- needs some serious work.
