Big Music School & Studios
BANDS FOR ADULTS
Join a band, make friends and experience the thrill of performing live.
Choose your Band Program
New to Big Music? We usually recommend starting with a Rock Show. It's the easiest way to experience playing in a band, meet other musicians and build your confidence on stage. In fact, many of our current Rock Bands were formed by members who first met in a Rock Show.
Already know what you're looking for? You may prefer a Rock Band, where you'll join or form an ongoing band, choose your own repertoire and perform regularly at Big Music showcases.
Both options include professional coaching, weekly rehearsals and live performance opportunities.
Still not sure where to start? Register your interest and we'll recommend the band program that's the best fit for your musical interests, experience and availability.
Band Program Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Rock Bands and Rock Shows?
For most people new to Big Music, we recommend starting with a Rock Show.
Rock Shows are themed productions where Big Music forms the bands, provides the set list, and coaches everyone towards a professionally produced live performance. They're a fantastic way to experience being in a band, meet other musicians and build your confidence on stage.
Many members then go on to join or form a Rock Band with the friends they've met along the way.
Rock Bands are designed to be a more flexible, ongoing experience. Members join or form a band, choose their own repertoire with the support of a coach, and perform regularly at Big Music showcases throughout the year.
How much does it cost? Rock Shows cost $95 per week for a two-hour professionally coached rehearsal, culminating in a showcase performance at the end of the season. Rock Bands are also $95 per week for a 90-minute rehearsal in our fully-equipped band studios, with a pro musician coach. You only pay for the sessions you attend, provided you give us at least 24 hours' notice if you're unable to make a rehearsal. Looking for an even more affordable option? Selected midweek daytime bands are available at our off-peak rate of just $75 per rehearsal, making them a great choice for retirees, shift workers, freelancers and anyone with daytime availability.
Do I need to be an experienced musician? Not at all. We welcome musicians with a wide range of experience, from those returning to music after many years to experienced performers looking for a new challenge. We'll recommend the band that's the best fit for your current ability.
Can I move from a Rock Show into a Rock Band? Absolutely! In fact, many of our Rock Bands were formed by musicians who first met during a Rock Show. Once you've experienced playing together, you may decide to continue as a band, choose your own songs and develop your own musical direction. Many of our members enjoy both experiences and move between Rock Shows and Rock Bands over time.
What if I don't know anyone? That's completely normal. In fact, most people join Big Music on their own. If you're new to the Band Program, we usually recommend starting with a Rock Show. It's the easiest way to meet like-minded musicians, experience being in a band and build your confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Many of our long-term Rock Bands were formed by members who first met during a Rock Show.
How are bands put together? We take into account your instrument, experience, musical interests, age and availability to find the best fit for you. For Rock Shows, we carefully create balanced bands that will enjoy rehearsing and performing together throughout the season. For Rock Bands, we may place you into an existing band that's looking for new members, or help create a brand new band with musicians who share similar interests and goals.
What kind of music will we play? Rock Show bands rehearse a predetermined themed set list. Rock Bands work with their coach to choose songs that suit the members of the band.
How often and where do bands rehearse? Most bands rehearse once a week at Big Music in Crows Nest under the guidance of one of our professional band coaches. Rock Show rehearsals run for 2 hours, Rock Bands for 90 minutes.
What if I can't make every rehearsal? Rock Show members are asked to commit for the full season (typically 15 weeks) and you are charged weekly whether you attend or not, so the whole band can prepare for the final performance. Rock Bands offer greater flexibility, and if you let us know in advance you won't be charged for missed sessions and we'll often be able to arrange a substitute player or suggest another solution.
How do I get started? Simply complete the Registration of Interest form. We'll contact you to learn more about your musical background and recommend the band that's the best fit for you.