Simon Balle All-through School

Rock School is the place where bands are formed and music is made. Confidence grows and musicianship develops. It was where George Ezra started!

Musicians who sign up to be part of Rock School are allocated at least one band for the forthcoming gig. Bands are then reviewed to ensure they are working well! Where there is a shortage of one instrument, or too many of another, we are creative with the musicians to ensure we have as many bands as possible rehearsing (This is why we ask about a second instrument). We hope to be able to accommodate as many musicians as possible in Rock School, but every band needs a certain combination on musicians! this includes singers!

Bands are nurtured to become more independent over time, but still embrace our Rock School ethos. Rock School is a place to learn how to rehearse, work with others, make decisions, work as a team and perform. There are performance sessions where bands hear what others have been working on. Teachers manage and nurture, supporting and leading when it is required.

The Rock School Tutors, Ms Fitch, Mr Oates and Mr Lovell, are able to offer their expertise in each session with the primary goal of supporting students to developing important skills as a musician.

Joining Rock School

These are two paths into Rock School.

As a band. Musicians have found friends and others with whom they can and are happy to form a band. The band join as a whole group and commit together for the whole period of time.
As an individual. Here, we will work with you and put you in a band, ensuring it is best fit. There might not be an opportunity immediately, but we will aim to find one quickly.

All Rock School musicians will have to compromise at some point, to ensure we have complete bands and that we can accommodate as many musicians as we can, musically. Sometimes students will have to be in a different band. We will challenge and we will ensure you are the best musician you can be.

To sign up

The sign up form is at the bottom of this page. The cost is £8.50 per session, to ensure commitment from the musicians.

Stages in Rockschool - all on Wednesdays in the music centre

Stage 1: 3.15 - 4pm

Students who have been learning their instrument more than a term. They learn how to work in bands, switch in and out and are taught ensemble skills. Here, bands are formed and they prepare for stage 2. They learn about team work and how to compromise in a band. You will perform at our termly Open Mic nights.

Stage 2: 4 - 5pm

Less experienced students working in bands, provided with tracks to perform, given much guidance to be successful. Musicians are put into bands, perhaps more than one band per term. Students are shown how to perform. Where there are more of one instrument than for each band, students swap in and out within one band, or pick up a second instrument within the rehearsal. Much guidance in this stage. Every term works towards our Rock gig.

Stage 3: 5 - 6pm

The most advanced stage. Bands are more independent, but still have the same level of high expectations with attendance, musicality and commitment to the band. They might start to write their own music! Every term works towards showcasing your work at our Rock gig.

Performance & Support

We aim to have a gig and open mic night every term, in which students are given an opportunity to showcase what they have been working on in their time at Rockschool. These opportunities to perform help to build confidence and skills as a musician.

High expectations about standards are expected of all who attend and support. We are a musical department that provides opportunities beyond instrumental lessons. Indeed, instrumental lessons are only part of the musical experience. Making music with others is a massive part of learning.