About
Rock and Roll Academy
Now accepting students!
More than just music lessons
We believe in the power of music and its ability to shape not just musicians, but confident, creative individuals. We believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive community, where our team plays a pivotal role in nurturing not just musical talent, but the social and emotional development of our youth. We believe in the importance of listening to the voices of young people, advocating for arts education, and creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Together, we're not just teaching music; we're creating a movement that empowers and transforms lives.
Where:
The Love Rocks Studio is the home for the Rock and Roll Academy Aspen.
Located at 90 Widget Street, Basalt, Colorado 81621.
When:
Spring and Fall programs are after-school sessions coinciding with the public school semester schedule. There are typically 14 weeks of sessions (Spring is February-mid May, Fall is mid September-January). Fall and Spring programs include one rehearsal session per week for 90 minutes. The semesters culminate in a professionally produced concert where all the bands showcase their work.
Summer Camps are weekly programs offered mid June through mid August. Camps are one week sessions from 10am to 3pm, Monday-Friday. Each weekly camp ends with a mini concert on Fridays at 1:30pm at the Love Rocks Studio.
Forming bands:
Groups are formed based on the relative age of the participants, their playing level and ability, styles of music they gravitate towards, and personal social character. Once in a band, the students together decide what songs they will play and what instrument they would like to play for each song. It is not uncommon for students to play more than one instrument and/or sing in RRAA.
Learning how to play music:
Students have access to a wide array of professional musical instruments and equipment. Free play and exploration foster connections among student musicians, emphasizing an exciting and highly social environment. Decision-making and expressing individual desires are encouraged, and students collaboratively select songs they learn. Participants then choose instruments and parts, practicing and creating inspired performances at their natural musical level. It's a space and experience where creativity and individuality flourish!
The Academy
The Concerts
Students of the Rock and Roll Academy work towards an end of session concert or performance. These are community events that can’t be missed!
Bands from our Fall and Spring programs unite for a high-energy, professionally produced showcase on iconic stages like Wheeler Opera House, Belly Up Aspen, and TACAW in Willits. Picture big lights and big performances.
Summer Camps bring mini-concerts every Friday at Love Rocks Studio, while Advanced Summer Camp closes with a bang on The Oasis Stage at Carbondale Mountain Fair in late July.
Beyond learning how to play instruments, here are some of the benefits experienced by our students:
Fun!
Creative self expression
Teamwork and collaboration
Goal setting and perseverance
Emotional well-being
Inclusion and Connection
Confidence building
Enhanced communication skills
Increased self-awareness
Leadership development
Expanded social network
Skill development in music and performance
Time management skills
Stress reduction
FAQs
About the program
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Spring Sessions: early Feb-mid May
Fall Sessions: mid Sept-mid Jan
Summer Sessions: mid June-mid Aug
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Spring & Fall Tuition: $995
-$100 Discount to returning studentsSummer Tuition: $625
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No musical experience necessary! All levels are welcome.
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Rock and Roll Academy Aspen is open to students who will be entering 3rd grade through 12th grade. (Ages 8-18)
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Yes! Since Spring of 2024, Rock and Roll Academy Aspen is offering adult bands. For more information on this option, please contact us.
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No! We have a wide range of instruments available for students to try and use while at the studio. Some students choose to buy or rent their own instruments for at-home practice, but this is not a requirement of the program.
Teaching Style
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Social emotional learning (SEL) is a methodology that helps students of all ages to better comprehend their emotions, to feel those emotions fully, and demonstrate empathy for others. These learned behaviors are then used to help students make positive, responsible decisions; create frameworks to achieve their goals, and build positive relationships with others. -National University
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The Rock and Roll Academy is a researched-based, social emotional music program designed to develop communication and relationship skills and to facilitate a community of cultural and social acceptance.
Our instructors act more as guides or mentors rather than assuming a typical teacher/student relationship. This allows the students to find their own voice, confidence, and grow leadership skills.
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Yes! RRA’s teaching program has been tried and tested in numerous states and schools around the country. Please visit the flagship academy to see more in depth scholarly articles and published research.
Getting Involved
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Parents can best support their students' interest in music by getting involved in music themselves!! Adult Rock and Roll Academy is now offered for interested older kids and private adult music lessons are available. For more information on adult sessions please contact us.
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Some volunteer opportunities are available, particularly during our end-of-session concerts. Please reach out if you are interested in volunteering and sign up for our newsletter to learn about upcoming opportunities.
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Yes! Rock and Roll Academy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
“It makes me feel happy because I can express myself with my words and how I feel. It feels magical having this energy of music through your body. It lights up your body and make you feel more alive! My teacher, Kriss, has taught me a lot of things to be better as a bass player. I feel he truly cares about my growth and achieving my goals.”
Julian Ortega. 9th grade bass player
“We enrolled [our 9-year-old son] in the summer session. He absolutely loved going to the band practices and talked about it all the time! When we watched his newly formed band perform their songs at the show we were absolutely blown away! I was literally standing there rocking out and tearing up with pride at the same time.”
The Fishers, parents
“Thanks to the Rock and Roll Academy Aspen I've had the opportunity to learn numerous musical instruments and Kriss has been an incredible teacher. When I initially joined a band, I had minimal music experience. However, within that first season, I not only made many new friends but also overcame my stage fright.”
Strummer, 7th Grade singer, drummer, guitarist
