|
Q. So what is Rockstar Experience?
A. Rockstar Experience's overall mission is to help musicians pursue their dreams of performing live in a band. Whether you already play in a band, you've only just started playing, or you've only ever sung in the shower, Rockstar Experience aims to inspire you to do more with your music. Simply stated, we teach you how to play in a rock band - you rehearse in your designated group for 8 weeks, and then you will perform live.
Q. When and where is it held?
A. Rockstar Experience runs on scheduled program dates throughout the year. Typically, there are 2 or 3 programs run per year, with rehearsals on Friday nights at Sound Rehearsal Studios in Cochranes Road, Moorabbin, Melbourne. Sessions commence at 7pm sharp and finish at 10pm, with a total of 8 rehearsals, plus a practice gig and the final show. Programs tend to sell out well ahead of time, so if you're interested we recommend you register in order to lock in a spot in the next round.
Q. I'm no professional - I haven't played in a band before and I just muck around in my spare time. I don't think I can do this.
A. Rockstar Experience is designed to challenge your musical experience and skills in a fun environment. No matter what instrument you play, if you have played fluently in the past, or you're currently having lessons and are able to play reasonably fluently and learn quickly, we promise you'll have a blast and really hone those talents. See our terms and conditions for more information on your playing skills and what we expect.
Q. How do you decide which band I should be in?
A. Four weeks before your program is scheduled to commence, we hold a private "jam session" where we can assess your skill level and determine which band will be right for you. We advise a simple song to learn for this event, all you do is download the song, learn it, show up and play. We do the rest by matching you with other people of similar age, skills and musical tastes.
Q. How are songs selected for each band to play?
A. We have numerous songlists that have proven both challenging and fun to play at different levels. New suggestions are absolutely welcomed and most of the time, band members end up choosing up to 90% of their own set list. We make recommendations based on your skill level and what we know will work well for both you and your band members.
Q. Yeah ok, that's fine but I would be too scared to play in front of other people, let alone get up on stage!
A. Trying something new and challenging is often nerve-wracking. One of our key areas of focus in the final stages of our course is to focus on performance skills and stage presence - so you will be equipped to deal with the healthy nerves that come with performing live and doing your best. Many professional musicians believe that if you don't feel any nerves before a performance, you're not ready to play!
Q. I've never played an instrument - how do I know which one to choose?
A. If you have never played anything, we suggest you consider lead or backing vocals if you can sing. If this is not for you, and you still want to participate, we can recommend a series of lessons to get you started - we'll then let you know when you're ready to slot in and start playing with others.
Q. If I’m just starting to learn, how long will it take until I can participate?
A. Everyone progresses at different speeds. If you love the idea of taking part but you're nervous about your ability, give us a call on 0488 ROCKSTAR to talk about where you're at. We'll give you advice and can hook you up with a great teacher if you want to progress your skills a little before taking part.
Q: How old do you have to be to participate?
A: We cater for musicians aged 12 and above - our youngest participant so far is 12 years of age and our oldest participant to date is 70 years young! All coaches have a a current and valid Working With Children certificate.
Q: What equipment is provided?
A: We provide all drum kits, sticks, guitar and bass amps, leads, PA and microphones. Each week you will be responsible for arriving at the studios by 7pm,
collecting your equipment, setting it up in your designated rehearsal
room, tuning up and being ready to play by no later than 7.30pm. Your
coach will be there to assist in settings/sounds etc. You will also be responsible for packing up your equipment at the end of rehearsal. We encourage guitarists and bass guitarists to bring their own instrument, as this is what you will obviously practice on from week to week and this is what you'll be most comfortable with. We can also provide guitars and basses free of charge in the case of equipment repairs etc. Occasionally we may suggest that a guitarist bring his or her own amplifier as it may be better for the songs you are playing. We are happy to store your amp in our secure lock-up during the week so you don't have to lug it around. Vocalists may also bring their own microphone if they prefer. Each week it is also your responsibility to legally download/purchase your selected songs, learn them and come to rehearsal ready to play or sing.
Q. What if I get stage fright?
A. The training you’ll receive along the way will prepare you for the adrenaline rush that goes along with a live show. As part of the experience we provide a number of activities and tactics to help you harness any fears and turn them into positives. This experience is all about fun. Music is there to be enjoyed and we are here to help you sound your best.
Q. How much does Rockstar Experience cost?
A. Rockstar Experience is charged at a weekly rate of $60 per rehearsal, with a total fee payable of $540. That's for over 30 hours of group tuition so it works out to around $18 an hour. You will pay for all 8 rehearsal sessions and the practice gig, while the initial jam event and final show are both free of charge. The average private lesson these days costs $60 per hour, so Rockstar Experience really offers unparalleled value.
If you have any questions that haven't been answered here, just drop us an email or give us a call on 0488 762 578 (that's 0488 ROCKSTAR)
|