Coaching with Experience
Want to learn how to really rock the stage? Whether a student is already playing in a band or wants to start a new one, everyone benefits from having a coach. Band Coaching puts professional musicians in the rehearsal with the band—mentoring, sharing inspiring stories from the road, and taking the music to another level. Band Coaching is available to anyone, regardless of whether members take individual lessons with SoundLife or not. Get ready to hit the stage with confidence!
Typical Band Size: 3 to 6 Musicians
Bands with enough experience have the opportunity to be booked for shows around Los Angeles, through our community outreach and mentoring programs.
Already have your own band? If a student is already in a band and wants to take things to the next level, we’ll work with their current band in weekly rehearsals. We’ll help them fine-tune their show and coach members in how to sound, look, and perform like the pros.
Never been in a band before? No problem! We help students connect with other students of similar ages and interests. We do all of the work to help everyone feel comfortable and get their new band on track and rocking the stage in no time.
What you get:
- 90-minute weekly rehearsals with an expert Band Coach
- You’ll learn: musicianship, stage presence, performance etiquette, building a killer set list
- Between-session support from your teachers and coaches
- Access to great local performance opportunities
Inquire about bands forming now!
Whether you have a band aleady or want to connect with like-minded musicians, we’re always helping our students find the perfect band for their age and skill level.
How does it Work (FAQ)?
Who can be in my band?
Bands can be composed of siblings, families, school friends, or even total strangers. Each band will decide on a name, build a setlist, write and arrange music, and then take to the stage at one of our Student Showcases.
Where will we rehearse?
Rehearsals take place in either professional band rehearsal spaces in Los Angeles, or at the private home of a band member. We have plenty of bands that do either, and both work great. This depends on the band and the members, but don’t sweat it - we’ll help you figure it out!
How much do rehearsals cost?
Rehearsals range between $40 and $70 per student/per rehearsal depending on the number of band members, and whether or not they rehearse in a home or at a rented facility. Rehearsals are charged in packages of 4. This fee is attached to the attendance of each individual band member, not the group. This allows bands to rehearse even if every member is not available.
How long are rehearsals?
Rehearsals generally run 90 minutes. Typically each rehearsal is broken down into two 40-minute sections, with a 10-minute break.
What songs do bands learn?
Each semester or first rehearsal starts with a listening party where every band member can submit song requests. Our Band Coaches are supportive and inclusive of all suggestions, and they teach this to students by example. Band members then vote on their song list, ensuring that each member has a submission on the list. Every concert set is curated by the band themselves under the supervision of the coach. Over the years, our bands have learned and performed everything from completely original setlists to “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Master of Puppets” by Metallica.
What will students learn?
Band members will learn how to:
- Set up and break down their equipment
- Hear and play their parts in the context of a band
- Get the right sounds from their instruments and gear under a variety of stage circumstances
- Run a live show, from count-offs to transitions to showmanship and stage banter
- Be a unified front and succeed as a team
Are rehearsals in-person or online?
Rehearsals are almost always in-person, which is how band members receive the most benefit from coaching. However if circumstances require, and all band members agree, rehearsals can be held online. When necessary, online band rehearsals are still an effective way to keep learning and progressing until the band can get back together again!
