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Programs for Teens?

Core Creek

Core Creek

Jan 13, 2020
2,116
6,877
Philadelphia Suburbs
#1
My 14 year old son has taken to bass like a duck to water. He’s been in School of Rock for almost a year (first vocals, now bass) and he loves it. But he’s looking for things to do beyond our local school of rock. He gets together with a friend of his from SOR and they write songs and he’s started to use my recording setup to record them.

Does anyone have any experience with a teen beyond SOR? Maybe a week or two week summer program? We’re open to sending him somewhere for the summer, plus we’re close enough to Manhattan and Philadelphia to easily send him to programs there - although out of state might be cool. Maybe somethings that mixes performing and recording?

What about school-year performing opportunities? - definitely not jazz or classical - he’s a rocker. As much as he loves SOR I think he’s looking for opportunities to meet other people beyond the same crowd he sees all the time at regular school and SOR.

Any experiences you might have would be helpful.
 
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#2
Victor Wooten's camps in Nashville are incredible. I've gone many times as a student, then as a teacher, and a couple of years ago I went back as a chaperone to support a teenage client of mine who was probably in a similar position to your son as far as musical experience and searching for next steps beyond SOR.

The camps are a lot to take in, it's certainly not a casual experience, but it's really incredible and for many students it's a life-changing experience.
 
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#3
Well, this is nowhere near you, but if parents in the Pacific Northwest have similar questions, I can totally recommend live it outloud in tacoma. It's a summer program where they put kids in bands, give them shows at local venues, have them write and record an original song, and some of the bands get to make videos. My son was in the program 6 years ago, in the band he was put in is still together, have recorded two lps, is working on a new EP, have backed up Cory wong, and played a ton of shows in the area. Well worth a look if you ask me. here's a link to the program and my son's band's latest single.

www.liveitoutloud.net

Live It OutLoud | Ted Brown Music Tacoma | Rock Music Camp

Sign up for Summer Rock Music Camp Live It Out Loud. Ted Brown Music Outreach non-profit program.
www.liveitoutloud.net


 
#4
You say no jazz, but that's where he is likely to meet the best drummers and guitarists around, not to mention develop his chops. Never mind how many great rock bassists started in jazz. Not to mention that learning to read music will open worlds and opportunities for him. Etc.

He should speak to the local band director and try for his school's stage band.
 
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#5
kevrex said:
Well, this is nowhere near you, but if parents in the Pacific Northwest have similar questions, I can totally recommend live it outloud in tacoma. It's a summer program where they put kids in bands, give them shows at local venues, have them write and record an original song, and some of the bands get to make videos. My son was in the program 6 years ago, in the band he was put in is still together, have recorded two lps, is working on a new EP, have backed up Cory wong, and played a ton of shows in the area. Well worth a look if you ask me. here's a link to the program and my son's band's latest single.

www.liveitoutloud.net

Live It OutLoud | Ted Brown Music Tacoma | Rock Music Camp

Sign up for Summer Rock Music Camp Live It Out Loud. Ted Brown Music Outreach non-profit program.
www.liveitoutloud.net


Click to expand...

That looks great. It might be logistically difficult but I’ll look into it.
 
#6
buldog5151bass said:
You say no jazz, but that's where he is likely to meet the best drummers and guitarists around, not to mention develop his chops. Never mind how many great rock bassists started in jazz. Not to mention that learning to read music will open worlds and opportunities for him. Etc.

He should speak to the local band director and try for his school's stage band.
Click to expand...
Just not his thing. And the last thing I want to do is kill his passion by forcing him into something he’s not into. If he was meant to head in that direction he’s going to have to find it himself and he’s made it clear this is his journey - not mine.
 
#8
Zooberwerx said:
In the interest of continuity & growth, sponsor something in your home.

"Hey, kids...let's put on a show! We can use Uncle Ed's barn and the girls can sew the costumes..."

Riis
Click to expand...
I think a large portion of his motivation is just to meet some new like minded people - he’s kind of bored of the same kids at school. So hosting something would mean he’d lose out on meeting new people.
 
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#9
Core Creek said:
I think a large portion of his motivation is just to meet some new like minded people - he’s kind of bored of the same kids at school. So hosting something would mean he’d lose out on meeting new people.
Click to expand...

...and that's the rub. He'll meet a whole lot of people who's interests extend well-beyond his narrow alley and be left behind in the process. Don't get me wrong (...The Pretenders)...I'm a a guy from the 70's suburbs and a a rock 'n roller at heart. Occasionally, I still run across a lady who wants to cover "Summertime".

Riis
 
#10
Zooberwerx said:
...and that's the rub. He'll meet a whole lot of people who's interests extend well-beyond his narrow alley and be left behind in the process. Don't get me wrong (...The Pretenders)...I'm a a guy from the 70's suburbs and a a rock 'n roller at heart. Occasionally, I still run across a lady who wants to cover "Summertime".

Riis
Click to expand...
I have a bachelor’s degree in music performance in jazz and classical music and I rarely play jazz or classical. Glad I got the degree. But I’m 100% a rocker and play in a party band playing popular music from the last 60’s years.

Did the degree help me? Certainly. But I would steer my kid clear of getting a music degree in the states today. Right now it’s a fun hobby for him and if that means playing only music he likes I’d rather he do what he loves than what he needs right now. He’s a bright kid - if he decides he wants to get more serious the options are always there.
 
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