Workshops and Group Classes

The Chris Milillo Music School is proud to offer New York School of Rock workshops, providing aspiring musicians with the opportunity to make music with band mates of similar age, level, and musical taste, while "learning the ropes" from a professional working musician, with the goal of live performance.
 
Don't Let Our Name Fool You!
Even though we're called the "New York School of Rock", we are not limited to just rock or pop music; we just thought the name was cool and catchy! NYSoR offers the "Total Band Experience" in most contemporary musical styles, including blues, funk, jazz, metal, hip-hop, r&b, and more.
 

If your music store, music school, or other venue would like to host a NYSoR workshop, please contact us for more information!

Proudly Affiliated with

If You're Ready to Rock,
Let's Roll !!!

Workshops & Band Coaching

In many ways, bands are like sports teams; both consist of a group of individuals with a common purpose and common goals. As such, sports coaches and band coaches serve very similar purposes: to motivate and coordinate their players, to instill a team concept and a strong work ethic, to ensure that each individual is doing their part and "pulling their weight", and that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The "Total Band Experience" for Kids,Teens & Adults
Today's music students truly represent the future of music. It is our mission to provide these musicians with the opportunity to make music with band mates of similar age, level, and musical taste, while "learning the ropes" from a professional working musician. We call our flagship program the "Total Band Experience" workshop and that's exactly what it is; this is not a simulation of a real band, it is a real band!

How It Works
Student bands are assembled by grouping registrants of similar age, performance level (as determined by brief placement auditions), and musical preference. Once finalized, student bands will work under the direction of an experienced professional musician and educator who will guide them through a series of weekly workshops/rehearsals, covering virtually every aspect of group performance. During these workshops, student bands will learn and rehearse cover songs by their favorite artists and bands, and possibly even write their own original music with the goal of a live performance! Student bands are fun, exciting, and interactive, and all workshops are conducted in a laid back, low-pressure atmosphere.

Band Coaching is nearly identical to the "Total Band Experience", but is offered to existing bands that are not necessarily affiliated with the New York School of Rock. If you feel that your band is serious about taking things to the next level, there is no better way than to work with an experienced professional musician/educator who has been in the business for over 25 years. Your band coach will evaluate your band and help you to build on strengths and eliminate weaknesses. In some cases, sessions may take place at your rehearsal location.

How Do I Get Involved?
Individuals, small groups, and full bands are welcome. Student bands are always forming, and registration is always open for singers, guitarists, bassists, drummers, pianists/keyboardists, and any other instruments appropriate to the given musical style.
  • Who? Kids (ages 8 and up), Teens, and Adults
  • What? NY School of Rock - "Total Band Experience"(TM) Workshops
  • Where? Pondside Music Studio (Brewster), Let's Jam Music (Poughkeepsie/LaGrange)
  • Why? Because it's FUN
  • How? Drop us an email or call 845.279.3279, and we'll contact you right away!
  • When? Sessions are organized based on registration and scheduling availability; student bands are ALWAYS forming.
Band Workshop and Band Coaching Points of Emphasis:
  • Team Building
  • Running Effective Rehearsals
  • Developing Individual Practice Habits
  • Preparation for Gigs and/or Studio Recordings
  • Rhythm Section Development
  • Vocal Harmony
  • Writing and Arranging
  • Avoiding Pitfalls and Common Mistakes
  • Stage Presence
  • Basics of Sound Reinforcement
  • Common Sense for the Performing Musician
NYSoR's "Hit 'n' Run" rocks some classic AC/DC at
their middle school! This band of 9 and 10 year old
beginners had only been playing for a few months!
 

Rhythm Section Workshops

The rhythm section is the foundation of every band, in any contemporary musical style, laying the musical groundwork on which singers, melody players, and soloists can build. Most importantly, a great rhythm section provides the pulse that makes people move.

This program is designed for rhythm section players (drums/percussion, guitar, bass, piano/keyboards) to gain valuable insight, hone their skills and really get in the groove. Students will benefit from group interaction and focus on dynamics, time, space, and rhythmic phrasing.
Contact us now
to sign up or for more information!
845.279.3279