Youth Programs
Music Programs for All Ages in Stowe, VT
Kids thrive when they learn, rehearse, and perform together.
Our pathway starts with fun beginner classes and leads into real band ensembles where students build skills, confidence, and friendships through live performance at venues like Stowe Cider and The Phoenix.
All ensemble students also take weekly private lessons. That structure is what makes the program work. Students learn their parts, build strong technique, and show up to rehearsals confident and prepared.
Program Descriptions
Explorers
Ages 6-8 - Beginners
Piano Explorers: Fridays 3:30-4:15 | Jan 9 - Feb 20 (no class Jan 16) | Total of 6 weeks
Guitar/Ukulele Explorers: Fridays 3:30-4:15 | March 6 - April 10 | Total of 6 weeks
A playful first step into music. Students explore rhythm, melody, and movement while trying out piano and ukulele or guitar. They learn teamwork and listening skills through musical games and short group performances.
Goal: Build comfort and curiosity through fun, hands on exploration.
Who it is for: Kids who are brand new to music and not quite ready for private lessons or ensemble rehearsals.
Foundations Ensemble
Ages 7-11 - Entry Level Ensemble
Group A: Mondays 3:30-4:30 | Jan 5 - March 23 (no class Jan 19 & Feb 23) | Total of 10 weeks
Group B: Thursdays 3:30-4:30 | Jan 8 - March 26 (no class Feb 26) | Total of 11 weeks
Students join their first real band. They learn to rehearse with others, play full songs, and get comfortable on stage. Rehearsals focus on listening, timing, and teamwork. All ensemble students also take weekly private lessons to learn their parts and build strong technique.
Goal: Learn what it means to be in a band and gain confidence performing.
Who it is for: Students ready for a real ensemble experience and committed to practicing each week with private lesson support.
Base Ensemble
Age 9 to 14 - Intermediate Ensemble
Rock & Blues: Tuesdays 3:30-4:45 | Jan 6 - March 24 (no class Feb 24) | Total of 11 weeks
Pop & Funk: Wednesdays 3:30-4:45 | Jan 7 - March 27 (no class Feb 25) | Total of 11 weeks
A fuller band experience with more advanced arrangements, new genres, and live performances each season. This winter students can choose between two tracks: Funk & Pop or Rock & Blues and dive deeper into groove, tone, phrasing, and stagecraft. Weekly private lessons support learning parts and steady progress on each instrument.
Goal: Grow as a performer and bandmate with more challenging music and real stage experience.
Who it is for: Students who have completed a season of Foundations Ensemble or show readiness through private lessons.
Songwriting & Production Lab
Age 10 to 14 - Seasonal Workshop
Saturdays 10a-12p | 4 Weeks | Next Session TBA
Students collaborate to write, record, and release original music. They learn about lyrics, chords, arrangement, and recording tools while working in a studio environment. Each session ends with a professionally mixed and released track.
Goal: Experience the creative process from idea to finished recording.
Who it is for: Students who already enjoy writing music or want to explore creative recording and production.
Peak Ensemble
Advanced Ensemble - Coming Fall 2026.
Our most advanced youth band program. Peak Ensemble students rehearse at a high level, perform regularly, and take on challenging material across genres. Players are expected to show strong musicianship, confidence on stage, solid rhythm and groove, and the ability to work as a focused and committed team. Weekly private lessons remain part of the program to support growth, technique, and preparation.
Goal: Prepare serious young musicians for elite performances and future opportunities in music.
Who it is for: Highly committed students who have progressed through Base Ensemble and demonstrated readiness through consistent practice, performance quality, and teacher recommendation.
Program Pricing
| Program | Private Lesson Included | Group Class | Group Time | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorers | n/a | Small group class | Fri 3:30–4:15 PM | $25 per week 6 week program |
| Foundations Ensemble | 30 minutes included | Band rehearsal |
Mon 3:30–4:30 PM Thu 3:30–4:30 PM |
$73 per week |
| Base Ensemble (Rock & Blues) | 30 minutes included | Band rehearsal | Tue 3:30–4:45 PM | $78 per week |
| Base Ensemble (Pop & Funk) | 30 minutes included | Band rehearsal | Wed 3:30–4:45 PM | $78 per week |
| Private Lessons Only | 30 minutes | n/a | Scheduled individually | $50 per week |
| Private Lessons Only | 45 minutes | n/a | Scheduled individually | $73 per week |
Note: All ensemble students receive a weekly 30 minute private lesson. Students may upgrade to a 45 minute lesson for an additional $20 per week.