Beginner Drumset Basics: Holding the Sticks (Video)
Beginner Drumset Basics: Holding Your Sticks (VIDEO) Kids catching cabin fever? Drum it out! In this lesson, Keaton shares an intro to drumming as he walks you through the three styles for holding a drum stick. Pull out some pots and pans, grab a set of makeshift drum sticks, and get ready to jam out with your […]
Rock Camp Feature
Rock Camp Feature We’re gearing up for a very musical summer! We’ve got you covered with Rock Camp (ages 10+), Rock Camp Jr (7-10), and Makin’ Music Camp (4-7). Today, we’re talking all things Rock Camp. Rockdale Rock Camp is perfect for all aspiring rockstars 10+. During each week-long session, campers prep for their big […]
Rock N Roll High School: Rock Violin
Rock N Roll High School: Rock Violin Everyone knows violins are super cool. But did you know they can rock out? With so much classical violin info out there (which we love too!), we wanted to take a look back on some of the most iconic violin performances in rock over the years. 1. baba […]
Teacher Feature: Meet Stephen!
Teacher Feature: Stephen Yee Rockdale teachers are the real deal—we make sure of it! We select our teachers here carefully (think CIA application process but harder), making sure that our team meets three key criteria: Must absolutely shred on the instrument they teach Must be excellent motivators Must be able to work patiently with students […]
Rockdale Alum Spotlight: Anna McLaughlin
Alum Spotlight: Anna McLaughlin We have so many Rockdale alum out there killing it in the music world. Mind if we fangirl for a moment? Anna has been making crowd’s jaws drop since she first picked up her pink “Hello Kitty” mini Stratocaster and started plucking out the riff to “Sweet Home Alabama.” She’s been […]
Recording & Production Class
New Class Alert! Learn Recording & Production We recently launched a brand new Recording & Music Production class that will give the future rockstar in your life hands-on experience in recording, editing, and mixing. They’ll walk away from this class knowing how to create and record their own music (cool, right?). Want to know your […]
Student Spotlight: Josiah Yiadom
Student Spotlight: Josiah We wanted to take a minute to talk about one of our current superstar students and share what he’s working on. Meet Josiah! Josiah is the type of kid that any teacher hopes to teach. He is passionate about his interests, has heaps of creativity, and is driven to become better every day […]
“Carol of the Bells” Performed by Rockdale’s Merry Students & Teachers
“Carol of the Bells” Performed by Rockdale’s Merry Students & Teachers It took many many hours and a few sleepless nights of planning, recording, mixing and editing… but it’s finally here! Rockdale’s Merry Students & Teachers performing “Carol of the Bells”. This project is ALL Rockdale! From the beautiful arrangement by Mark Hull (of the […]
Beginner Drumset Basics: Around the Kit (Video)
Beginner Drumset Basics: Around the kit (video) So, you wanna be the next Ringo. Cool! The best place to start is at the very beginning. In this video, Keaton walks you through the parts of a drum set and the various sounds you can make with each piece. Sticks up! Ready to get started with […]
COVID-19 Precautions
Covid-19 Health & Safety Updates Virtual school has a lot of kids feeling down. Let us help! We’re offering in-person, hybrid, and fully-virtual private lessons so our students can keep up with their creative outlet. Here’s how we’re making sure we all stay safe with in-person instruction 😷 Masks required for all teachers and […]
A Tour of Our New Digs!
Let’s take a tour! Showing you around the new digs… Did you hear? We have a brand new space! We’ve spent the last few months making the spot our own. We wanted to take you along for a quick tour to show you all the cool stuff we’ve been working on. We are now located […]
We are back… and better than EVER!
We are back… and better than EVER! It’s been awhile! We have been hard at work renovating our new studio space, but we are officially back in action! While most of our lessons are still being held virtually, we are safely beginning to return to in-person private lessons and jamming with our Rock Bands and […]
Exciting Rockdale Updates!
Exciting Rockdale Updates! Hello Rockdale Families, Let me start off by saying thank you all so much for your flexibility and support over the last week. These are uncertain times for everyone, but we are overwhelmed that nearly all of you allowed us into your homes (virtually!) to allow us the opportunity to keep some […]
10 Reasons to Take Music Lessons this Summer!
10 Reasons to Take Music Lessons this Summer! Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. – Confucius Keep Your Mind Active – Don’t sit around all day playing video games and turning your brain to mush. Studies show that playing an instrument changes the shape and power of the brain […]
Summertime – The Right Time for Music Lessons
Summertime – The Right Time for Music Lessons! As I sit on the back porch writing this blog on my laptop in 90-degree weather, it sure seems as though Summer is already here. In a couple of weeks, hot and humid temperatures will be the norm and air conditioner units will be working through the […]
How Much Should You Practice Your Instrument?
How Much Should You Practice Your Instrument? A music teacher’s best friend is a student who practices regularly. There is no substitute or shortcut to mastery of an instrument than a consistent and focused approach to practice. But how much practice is enough? Parents and students are well aware of how much time they are […]