Sunburst Band Program

Got the basics down? Get ready to join the band!

 

The Sunburst Band Program is a great way for young musicians to take their skills learned in private lessons to the next level through collaboration and on-stage experience. This program includes weekly band rehearsals and performances at local venues and events throughout the year. 

 

Rehearsals mainly work toward learning songs, compiling a set list, and developing a solid working dynamic as a group. Since being in a band is more than just playing music together, students will be encouraged to come up with a name for their band, design a logo and merchandise, and learn the process of booking their own shows. 

 

The Sunburst Band Program is for students who have chosen a primary instrument and can demonstrate a few fundamental skills such as playing chords and chord progressions, keeping a steady beat, and the ability to play through an entire song without stopping, etc. We group students based on their age, ability, and when possible, music interests. 

 

Age Groupings

The Sunburst Band Program is broken down into different weekly sessions by the following age groupings ( Adults! Click here for information on Sunburst Band Program 18+ ):

 

  • Ages 8-10 - 90 Minutes Weekly - $165/month
  • Ages 10-17 - 2 Hours Weekly - $180/month 

 

*** $30–50 off for anyone enrolled in the Private or Group Lessons!***

 

*** Save an additional 5% when you prepay for the term in full!***

 

Ready to Get Started?

Now Enrolling for the Winter term 2024, which runs February–May.

 

Click below to view available sessions:

 

Enroll Now

Have questions? Our Admin Team is available 7 days per week. You can also schedule a meeting with our Program Manager.

3 Terms per year

 

The Sunburst Band Program takes place over the course of 3 terms each year: 

 

  • Sep–Jan - 5 months
  • Feb–May - 4 months
  • Jun–Aug - 3 months

 

Band Members have the option of paying month by month, but must commit to the duration of the term to keep the groups consistent and to make sure that everyone is ready to perform together by the big finale. If there are open spots, we keep enrollment open for the first half of the term after which new students will have to wait and start at the beginning of the following term.

 

At the end of the term, Band Members spots are held for the following term and are assumed to be re-enrolling. If you need to withdraw after the term, or would like to switch sessions or programs, please get in touch with us here by the 10th of the last month of the term.

 

Sunburst Band Program FAQ

  • How do the terms work? Do I need to commit to the whole term?

    Most of our Group Programs run on 3 annual terms:

    • Sep–Jan - 5 months
    • Feb–May - 4 months
    • Jun–Aug - 3 months

    Each term includes weekly practices, with performance opportunities accruing in the second half, culminating with a big finale show at one of many great Pittsburgh venues. It’s important that bands stick together through the end of the term so that no one is left hanging during performance season.

  • Are there trial sessions available?

    The nature of these group programs really requires everyone to commit to the full term, and allow their group some time to settle into a groove. If it’s not a good fit for you, cancel anytime in the first month of the term for a full refund.

  • How much experience do I need?

    Experience levels vary between ages and groups but at a minimum, everyone needs to be able to do at least some basic chord changes in time. If you’re not sure you’re quite ready for the Band Program, set up a trial lesson on your instrument here and your instructor will be able to help you determine if you’re there and/or what things might be good to practice to close the gap.

  • Do I need to take lessons in addition to the program?

    The scope of the band program is learning and writing material together as a group, which requires everyone to know at least the basics of their instrument. Students learn and hone their parts on their own time and spend the group session putting the pieces together. We highly recommend weekly private or group lessons to go along with the band program (and offer a big discount for combining them!), but it’s not an official requirement.

  • What happens if I need to miss a session?

    We have an extremely flexible cancellation policy! As long as you can provide 24 hour notice you will have the option of joining a Group Make Up Session, see schedule here, and read our full policy details here.

  • What happens at the end of the term?

    Our terms wrap up with a big finale show! After which there may be a few extra weeks for recording and/or pizza parties! Students are assumed to be re-enrolling at the end of the term unless they complete the withdrawal form by the 10th of the last month of the term. Students may also change sessions between terms without withdrawing by getting in touch with us here.

  • What’s Band Coaching, is that the same thing?

    When groups have been with us for a while, or if they come to us as a group that’s already formed, we may classify them as Band Coaching. It’s the same program with the same prices and policies and everything with a few exceptions:

    • The roster is up to the existing band members, we don’t post these sessions for open enrollment.
    • There’s a little more flexibility in scheduling, i.e. month to month instead of term based, and 60, 90, or 120 minute weekly options available.
    • We try to move the focus more towards songwriting, getting gigs, building your brand, and making an impact on the Pittsburgh music scene and beyond.

    If you’d like to enroll your band in Band Coaching get in touch with us here.


Need to miss a session?

 

We hold free monthly community jam sessions called Sunburst Jams, these are a great way for students who have to miss their band program to get some extra time in!


View the full schedule of upcoming Sunburst Jams Sessions here.


  • No refunds or credits for missed sessions.

 

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