Bach to Rock
Bach to Rock (B2R), beginning in the Greater Washington, D.C. region, is developing a national chain of music schools designed for students of all ages. Its approach is based on innovative teaching concepts that couple individual instruction with ensemble/band performance, and the knowledge that students learn best when they play the music they know and enjoy the most.
At B2R, individual lessons are combined with band and ensemble instruction that leads to regularly scheduled public performances, “Battles of the Bands,” acoustic showcases, and recording sessions in B2R’s state of the art studios. By combining musical basics with rigorous performance standards, students young and old are able to play together in bands and ensembles using a repertoire built upon the music they enjoy playing.
As their skills develop, students can go any place their musical interests take them, rock, pop, classical – the works! The experience of performing before audiences in groups from the beginning is an exciting component, building self confidence, garnering peer recognition and providing a strong social incentive for continued progress.
In May, 2010, B2R launched an innovative new DJ school at the Bethesda Bach to Rock called the Beat Refinery. Dedicated to teaching all facets of being a DJ by combining traditional methods alongside the ever changing technology, the Beat Refinery is committed to developing the next great superstar DJ’s. The Beat Refinery focuses on an in depth study and philosophy of music that until just recently would have taken years to achieve. Beat Refinery offers classes from turntabalism, to electronic music production and recording technologies and has levels for those wanting to become professionals to those who want to just mix party music for friends. Students begin with the basics and move from set up and controls to scratch techniques to advanced Serato and music theory. They learn production and editing techniques as well as the basics of choosing and organizing music for gigs. The program is for students of all ages who have a passion for music and want to make the DJ platform their instrument. DJs coming in with more experience can hone their skills with state of the art playing and recording equipment and try out new techniques and musical styles.