How do the bands work?

Rocksteady bands include up to nine children, all of a similar age. A full band includes: two vocalists, two electric guitarists, two drummers, two keyboard players and one bass guitarist. The children are led by a highly trained multi-instrumentalist band leader who teaches them to play music together over a 30-minute lesson.

The lessons are designed to replicate the experience of being in a real band - children choose a band name, decide on a song to learn and work together towards performing it at the end-of-term concert. Band leaders encourage every member to understand not just their own part, but how the whole band fits together.

The end of term concert is where it all comes to life — a performance in front of family, teachers and the wider school community. It’s always a real highlight of the term and a brilliant opportunity for bands to showcase their teamwork, confidence and musical progress.

Learning music in a band has been shown to build children’s sense of belonging in school. In fact, 79% of children say that playing in a Rocksteady band helps them fit in at school - not by changing who they are, but by giving them the confidence to be themselves!