Children will learn: cooperation, sharing, compromise, creativity, and concentration—skills that are vital as they start school, and throughout their life. Through music, children learn the sounds and meanings of words, while they strengthen memory skills.

Using real microphones and rhythm instruments, children will begin to learn about tempo, rhythm, and basic microphone technique from an experienced musician, in an atmosphere that fosters cooperation, sharing, and creativity. They will have the opportunity to express themselves and learn on a real music performance stage with professional lighting.

Research shows that musical experiences can physically change a child's brain structure intellectually. It is an important way to create new and strong neural pathways. But there's a catch; if brain circuitry isn't developed early, humans fall short of learning potential. While listening to music is certainly key to creating these pathways, it's when kids actively participate in music that they make the strongest connections.

Further research explains that kids who are actively involved in music
(who play an instrument or sing regularly):

• do better in reading and math when they start school
• are better able to focus and control their bodies
• play better with others and have higher self-esteem

Is my child ready for We Rock?

We Rock members should be turning 2 during the session or older. Because we will be working on basic microphone technique and learning songs, your child will need to at least be speaking in two or three word sentences, and be able to recall some of the information learned from the previous week. We ask that parents join their children during class and assist them in their learning.

My child is 5, should s/he enroll in We Rock or Little Rockers?

Little Rockers will need to be reading (minimum DRA of 3-4). Because instructors will need the attention of all students, children will need to be able to focus and control their bodies in a group lesson for 20 minutes at a time, parental involvement is encouraged.

My kid is 8 or 9, should s/he enroll in Little Rockers or Rock band?

Rock Band will demand a greater degree of commitment vs Little Rockers. Rock Band students will be expected to practice a minimum of 5 days a week. They will need to own or rent their own instrument. Rock Band members will also meet twice a week, once for a group or private lesson on their instrument of choice, depending on ability, and a second time for band practice. Little Rockers is ideal for a kid who wants to learn more about music, be exposed to a variety of instruments, and learn more about the various possibilities that exist. Little Rockers will learn the basics of music and performance without the big commitment.

Should I enroll my kid as a beginner or intermediate/advanced Rock Band member?

Intermediate/advanced guidelines are as follows, if your kid does not meet these goals, they should sign up for the beginner division.

• Guitar – Must have basic knowledge and understanding of chords and key centers.
• Bass – Must have basic knowledge and understanding of chords and key centers
• Keyboard – Must have basic knowledge and understanding of chords and key centers
• Drums – Must have some training in stick technique, plus experience on a full drum kit with various tempos/time signatures
• Vocals – Must have at least ONE of the following: some experience with live performance, and/or basic knowledge of mic technique, and/or some previous voice training

Does a parent or guardian need to be present during my child's class?

We Rock – A caregiver’s participation in class is required. Toddlers and preschoolers have boundless energy, your child will need your help keeping them focused and actively involved. But don’t worry, We Rock kids get lots of time to stomp, clap, bang on things, and jump around.

Little Rockers – A caregiver should be present during the keyboard lesson portion of the class, especially if your child is under 8, or has difficulty focusing.

Rock Band beginners – During the first band practice, you should plan on being present. Please speak with your group lesson instructor for their individual policies regarding group classes.

Rock Band int/adv – During the first band practice with the newly formed group, you should plan on being present. Please speak with your private instructor for their individual policies regarding private classes.

Who can I contact with any additional questions?

Please contact the Perfect 5th Musical Arts Center office, with any questions that directly relate to Rock The Stage and its programs. Emails can be sent to rockthestage@theperfect5th.com or phone calls to 1-888-P5-CENTER (1-888-752-3683). Any questions that relate directly to The Perfect 5^th Musical Arts Center (P5) and its facilities may contact Eric Wirsing, director of P5 at 1-888-P5-CENTER ext. 700.