OnStage Band Program2025-06-10T18:58:26-05:00

OnStage Band Program

OnStage Band Program

Bands, Ensembles and Courses For Beginner through Advanced Level Musicians

Josh Ashley - OnStage Coordinator

Josh Ashley

Music Operations Manager

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by and learning more about our band program and courses.

At ROOTS, we are passionate about growing dedicated and well-rounded musicians. We train and challenge our students as musicians as well as mentor their character and hearts. Our goal is to have a positive and safe environment where musicians can learn exceptional techniques, see their full potential, and gain self-confidence.

Below you’ll find details about our OnStage band program, mentors, schedule, tuition, and more.

-Josh

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: bands@rootsacademy.com.

One+ Year Experience ~ Auditions Required

OnStage Bands

OnStage Bands bring musicians together for weekly rehearsals focused on collaboration, creativity, and live performance. Students join bands matched by age and skill level, where they choose songs as a group and work closely with mentors who help shape arrangements and assign parts that stretch their abilities. Each season ends with a live show at a local venue — giving students the chance to take the stage, showcase their progress, and experience the energy of performing in front of a live crowd.

Registration for the 2025-26 Season is open

Gold Bands

Designed for students with at least one year of instrument experience or completion of the Foundations course. Rehearsals meet weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

Tuition:

$199/month

Platinum Bands

Designed for musicians with 2-4 years of instrument experience and at least 2 years of band experience. Rehearsals are held weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

Tuition:

$199/month

Diamond Bands

Designed for advanced-level musicians with at least 5 years of instrument experience and 3 years of band experience. Rehearsals are held weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

Tuition:

$199/month

important dates

New bands launch every August. Audition details for the 2025-26 season are below.

JANUARY 6 – JULY 17

Registration for the Fall 2025 OnStage Season

JUNE 6TH

Live Auditions for the 2025-26 Season (August – May)

JULY 18TH

Live Auditions for the 2025-26 Season (August – May)

AUG 4-9TH

Fall Session Begins

No Audition Required

OnStage Beginner Band

Foundations Band is the perfect starting point for young musicians who are excited about playing in a band but aren’t quite ready to audition. Designed for beginners, this program introduces the core elements of band life — teamwork, rhythm, stage presence, and song structure — in a fun, low-pressure environment. Students get hands-on experience with real instruments, collaborate with peers, and build the confidence and skills they’ll need to join a full OnStage Band when they’re ready.

Foundations Band

Ages 10-13

No Audition Required
1 Year of Instrument Experience Required

Dates: January 9 – May 15, 2025
When: Thursdays at 4:30-5:30pm

Course Price:

$449.00

Ages 11+

OnStage Ensembles

ROOTS Ensembles offer a dynamic group experience where musicians grow through collaboration, precision, and expressive performance. Students are placed in small groups by instrument, age, and skill level, and work together in weekly rehearsals to prepare a curated selection of repertoire. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they refine technique, learn to listen as a unit, and develop the musical awareness essential to ensemble playing. Each season culminates in a formal performance, giving students the opportunity to share their work in a polished, concert-style setting.

Percussion Ensemble

This program is designed for percussion students at intermediate to advanced levels. Rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Tuition:

$199/month

Pop Vocal Ensemble

Mentor Recommendation Required

This program is ideal for voice students with intermediate to advanced singing and sight-reading skills. Rehearsals are held weekly on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

Tuition:

$199/month

Strings Ensemble

Mentor Recommendation Required

This program is tailored for string students at an intermediate to advanced level. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Tuition:

$199/month

Mentor Recommendation Required

OnStage Band Details

Prior to beginning the program, students will be required to attend an audition to help determine which level of the band is right for them. After the audition process is complete, the bands will be formed based on the results of the auditions in conjunction with the criteria specifications listed for each OnStage classification.

The bands will then be assigned a ROOTS Music Mentor as their acting OnStage Band manager and rehearsals will begin. Each session will conclude with a live performance showcasing all of the bands formed during that particular session.

In addition to playing music, students will also experience multiple other facets of being in a band. From deciding on their band name, designing their own logo, determining their image, and posing for the camera at their very own photo-shoot, students enrolled in the OnStage program will get a real-life glimpse into what it means to be part of a band.

OnStage Live Auditions for the 2025-26 Band session are June 6th* from 9:30AM-3PM.
*If a student is not available on June 6th, makeup auditions are July 21.

Our June Auditions will take place at the end of our OnStage Summer Intensive week. While attendance isn’t required, it is HIGHLY recommended. Click here to learn more about OnStage Summer Intensive.

Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. Audition materials can be found here.

*If a student is not available on the date of auditions, please email us for makeup details.

It’s also important to note that not everyone who auditions will be accepted into the program. This doesn’t necessarily mean the student isn’t ready for the program but rather an indication of too many like instruments auditioning and or not enough compatible students within that student’s proficiency level. All efforts will be made to accommodate as many aspiring musicians as possible!

All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (30%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)

Important Links:

Audition Registration Form – Coming Soon!

Audition Materials – Coming Soon!

Students 11+ who are intermediate-advanced level musicians are welcome and encouraged to audition to be part of the Rock Band program.

All musicians are required to attend auditions. This allows our staff to get to know each student individually and helps to place them in a group with other like-minded musicians.

Students are not required to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition.

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members. This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

All rehearsals will occur at ROOTS Academy, be between 1 to 2 hours in length, and directed by the ROOTS Music Mentor that has been assigned to each band as their acting band manager.

Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of each session prior to auditions.

ROOTS will provide a majority of the gear needed for auditions, rehearsals, and performances.

However, guitarists and bassists are expected to bring their own instruments, and drummers their own sticks. Amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and drums/cymbals will be provided.

Bands will create a setlist of songs for their live performance based on several factors. In addition to musical proficiency, song selection will also be determined based on educational value, lyrical content, and age appropriateness.

Students wishing to participate in the Rock Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case by case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

Bands will participate in multiple Live Performances throughout the year.

Performance opportunities will range from playing at the semi-annual Music Showcases, as well as at music venues in the Franklin or Nashville area. This venue can change with each session and will be announced once the venue, date, and time of the performance(s) are confirmed.

Show length will be determined by the number of bands and how many songs each one is ready to perform.

onstage band mentors
Graphic

Teaching goes beyond techniques. Our students are guided by passionate, highly-trained professionals who understand their meaningful role in shaping lives.

performances

Experience the energy and talent of OnStage Bands as student musicians bring their hard work and passion to life, showcasing their growth and creativity in every performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to participate in a band?2023-06-28T08:54:53-05:00

Students who have been playing at least one year and are no less than 11 years old are welcome to audition for the band program.

When do bands start and end?2023-06-28T15:30:44-05:00

The 2023-2024 season will begin the week of August 7th, 2023 and end the week of May 13th, 2024.

Do I have to have a mentor referral in order to join a band?2023-06-28T15:31:46-05:00

Nope! While a Mentor may refer you to the program, any musician 11 years of age or older may audition.

Can my child participate in a Band with multiple instruments?2023-02-27T21:27:01-06:00

Students wishing to participate in the OnStage Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case-by-case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

What gear is provided for band class?2023-06-28T15:32:26-05:00

ROOTS will provide the majority of the gear required for rehearsals and performances, however members will need to bring everything they need for their instrument.
Guitarists will need to bring their instruments and are strongly encouraged to bring their own amp, pedals, and cables. They will need to bring any accessories as well such as capos and guitar picks.
Drummers will need to bring their own drum sticks and ear protection (recommended).
A bass amp, guitar amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and a full drum kit will be provided.
When and where are band rehearsals?2023-06-28T15:33:08-05:00

All rehearsals are 2 hours long and are held in our Band Rehearsal Studio in the ROOTS Academy Annex building (328 Southgate Court).
Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of the season.
How many people are in a band?2022-05-09T16:08:19-05:00

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members.

This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

What’s involved in the OnStage audition process?2025-01-15T16:35:34-06:00

OnStage Live Auditions for the 2025-26 Band session are June 6th* from 9:30AM-3PM.

*If a student is not available on June 6th, makeup auditions are July 21.

Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. Audition materials can be found here.

All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (25%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)

Does every musician who auditions make a Band?2023-06-28T15:34:55-05:00

Due to the limited number of Bands and the limited number of slots in each group, not every student will be placed in a Band. During placement we take into account both skill level and age, while doing our best to build well-balanced Bands. If you are not initially placed in a Band, and another student denies their offer into the program, you may be extended a late offer to fill the open spot!

Does my child have to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition for a Band?2023-06-28T08:46:28-05:00

Band Auditions are open to musicians 11 years and older, even if they’re not currently enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS. However, once accepted into the OnStage program, all members must be committed to private lessons at ROOTS (recommended) or show proof of enrollment elsewhere.

questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. We’re here to help you Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm CST.

EMILY LINDSEY – Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY – Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD – Music Operations Coordinator
KINSEY OVERDEER – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator

Music offers in-studio, in-home, and online music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, songwriting, music production, and more! Band, ensemble and group classes are also available.

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