Here is how it works:

1.  In addition to studying theory, classical repertoire and technique all students are assigned a song. Because I want the lessons to be tailored to the students' interests and goals, these songs are selected by students.  In this example, a student chose "Life Is A Highway " by Tom Cochrane:

 

2.  Over the course of a few weeks, each student works on the song.  Please keep in mind that my goal is to provide each student with a solid musical education.  This band program is only available if the student works on the additional assignments that I give them.  For example, Georgia memorized all of the major & minor chords and scales, performed several pieces by Debussy and Mozart and then worked on Peter Frampton's "Do You Feel Like We Do".  In this example you can see Georgia playing the song:

 

3.  We will then videotape the performance.  In this example Athena performed "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor in front of 5 students.  This helps students deal with performance anxiety and prepares them for the recitals. 

 

4.  The students then perform the song in one or all of the 6 to 10 concerts we have every year.  These performances take place at festivals, Putter's Sports Grill, Tri-County Mall or Regal Cinemas. 

   

5.  The process starts all over again.  However, the song they select must be more challenging or be from a different genre (jazz, afro-cuban, punk rock, reggae etc...).  For example, the students chose "Freebird" which was very difficult:

 

6.  Finally, intermediate to advanced students get to record challenging songs at professional recordings studios.  Here is an example of my students recording "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera at Saint Claire Recording Company: