Guitar
Guitar has been called the "most democratic" of all instruments—cast your vote for this American tradition today by enrolling in one of our guitar programs! We offer instruction in both electric and acoustic guitar, across all musical styles. 6-string as well as other, more exotic types of guitar including Tenor and Baritone.
One-on-One Instruction
One-on-one students are taught to read different forms of music notation and play by ear. We use a variety of teaching methods to fit each student's own interests and style of learning. Content varies depending on the student; chart your own course! Learn popular songs, improvisation, music theory, song writing, recording, and more!
Group Guitar
The 8 week Group Guitar course is designed for adults who have less time to invest or those that have been frustrated by other teaching methods or books. Students are taught everything they need to learn and nothing they don't: how to use basic chord structures for virtually any song, how to read tab and "fake" books, how to understand rhythms, and more. Want to strum your favorite tunes? Now you can, in just 8 short weeks!
Guitar students may also be interested in participating in the School of Rock program.
Ukulele
Ukulele is an ideal "starter guitar" instrument for youngsters with smaller hands, or students of all ages that enjoy the unique character this amazing little instrument has to offer. It's also the perfect "travel guitar"!
Bass
Groove, funk, and all around low-down sound is where it's at on a bass. Instruction for 4, 5, and 6 string bass, fretted or fretless. Students learn the about the unique role of the bass in a band, how to write melodic bass lines, and how to read different forms of music notation and play by ear. We use a variety of teaching methods to fit each student's own interests and style of learning. Content varies depending on the student; chart your own course! Learn popular songs, improvisation, music theory, song writing, recording, and more!
Bass guitar students may also be interested in participating in the School of Rock program.
Drums
Music starts with rhythm and drumming is where it all begins. Snare drum, drum kit, and percussion instruction for all ages. Even very young students can learn the basics of snare drumming and grow from there to the full kit and beyond. Students learn sticking and foot patterns, drum kit grooves and fills in several styles, how to read rhythm notion, and to construct their own grooves and patterns. We use a variety of teaching methods to fit each student's own interests and style of learning. Content varies depending on the student; chart your own course! Learn popular songs, improvisation, music theory, song writing, recording, and more!
Drum students may also be interested in participating in the School of Rock program.
Piano
Piano and Keyboard instruction in many styles. We use a variety of methods and materials to develop the student's ability and interest in the instrument! Please view the instructor pages for more information.
Keyboard instruction is also available from Ross Howell. Keyboard students may also be interested in our School of Rock program.
School of Rock
The School of Rock is a group program designed to have kids DO music by playing in a real band! Students are formed into groups based on age and skill level, and taken through the process of forming a band. Over the course of a few months, the band learns a set of cover songs, instrumental "jam" tunes to teach them improvisation, and original songs that the band has helped to write. The band then goes "on tour" all over the central Michigan area, playing at family-friendly locations and events. All equipment necessary for participating is provided (with the exception of guitars). Participants also learn stage presence, promotional skills, how to use and manage band equipment, how to record demo CDs, and more. School of Rock is a complete music experience! Ages 8-up, some minimal experience on an instrument is required. Sessions begin in the fall and early summer. Sign up for the School of Rock today!
- Play with other musicians in a band
- Learn a set of cover and original songs
- Learn how to “jam” with a group
- Learn stage presence, showmanship and promotional skills
- Go “on tour” and “play out” in front of audiences around the area
- Much more!
School of Rock FAQ
What are the benefits of participating in the School of Rock?
The School of Rock is about more than just practicing on an instrument, it is about interacting with other musicians and getting out and actually playing music with and for other people! Students discover a FUN and concrete reason for all that practicing and make incredible strides in their development both as musicians and people. The SoR teaches students practical life skills such as teamwork, organization, public speaking and performance, as well as other social skills that create confidence and can resonate with the student in other areas of life and learning.
Do I need to be in a band already to participate?
No. The School of Rock is designed to get people together to play, regardless of weather or not they already know other musicians. Bands are formed based on age and skill level. Of course, if you do know someone with whom you would like to be in a band, we usually put friends with friends.
Am I good enough to be in a band?
Absolutely, YES! Anyone can be in a band and make music with others. The School of Rock is just what the name implies: a program designed to teach you what to should know. We don’t play concerts until you are rehearsed and ready to take the stage. Don’t let trepidation hold you back!
Of what age should I be?
The School of Rock program is open to students of all ages; generally 8 - up.
What instruments are involved?
Primarily, we seek band members that are student guitarists, bass players, drummers, keyboard players, and vocalists. Any additional instruments with which a student might have experience outside of these, such as woodwind, brass, or folk instruments, are encouraged as well, and often integrated into the SoR experience. Violin, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Ukulele, and MORE!
How much experience do I need?
Some experience on an instrument is highly recommended. Enrollment in the SoR is based on seniority. The more experience you have on your instrument and/or the longer you’ve been involved with lessons at the MPMS, the more likely you are to secure a slot.
What is the time commitment?
The School of Rock is a one-hour, once per-week course that lasts for several months; November - May in the Fall Session and June - October for the Summer Session. Students also have a one-on-one lesson time, once per week.
When can I join the School of Rock?
The MPMS holds two Open Houses per year a week or two before a new SoR session begins as a “Thank You” to students and as a sign-up for the SoR. You may sign up during this event, or anytime before by contacting the instructor. Often, discounts on lesson packages and merchandise are offered for attendees of the Open House. Enrollment remains open after the Open House until the 2nd week of each session. At which point, latecomers will be asked to wait until the next session. The sooner you sign up and get a one-on-one lesson started, the more likely your admission into the SoR.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. The SoR is designed for you to “plug in and play”. There are some small required items which vary by instruemnt, but we have all the large equipment on site necessary for you to participate. Guitarists and bass players must have their own instrument, but keyboad and drums are supplied.
What kinds of songs are involved?
The participants themselves have as much say as possible in all areas of creating their band and choosing what songs they will play. The SoR covers all styles, but choices mainly end up being popular and classic rock tunes.
What kind of venues does the School of Rock visit?
We play all over the mid-Michigan area in family friendly environments such as community event centers, theaters, parks, churches, and schools. After more than 10 years in existence, The SoR has played events in Mount Pleasant, Rosebush, Beal City, Shepherd, Alma, St. Louis, Clare, Coleman, Farwell, Midland, Remus, and MORE!
When does the tour start?
We are very flexible with scheduling for the session and take all suggestions for places to play and all potential scheduling conflicts into account before we make the final tour schedule. Generally, we tour during April and May (Fall Session), and September and October (Summer Session). More advanced students may take advantage of our summer "short session" program, where we play events continually throughout the summer.
What is the cost?
The School of Rock lesson pacakage includes indvidual lessons, a one-hour band practice once per week, two months of touring at the end of each session, an end-of-tour party, and at least one official SoR tour shirt. Rates can vary depending the type of pacakage seclected. Please contact the instructor for further details.
Do I need to combine a half-hour lesson with my School of Rock practice?
Yes. As a student, you will get the most value for your learning by combining a one-on-one lesson with your SoR group practice. “SoR Only” or our "Short Session" package may be offered in some cases as an option only to advanced students.
Other Instruments
The MPMS also offers instruction and referrals for a variety of other instruments. Call for details!