The sound man checks the mics. The audience anxiously fills the room. You’re backstage dressed in your skinny jeans and grungy t-shirt, feeling the pre-performance energy and waiting for your cue. You grab your guitar and take the stage. You’re a rockstar. And this is not your wildest dream. It’s Rockstar 101!
Consolidated Music of Barrington is offering a music class called “Rockstar 101” where you can sign up to learn what it takes to be in a rock band. The instructor, Mario Licciardi, has been playing guitar since he was 11-years-old. He is also a songwriter and has toured with bands like the Fugees and worked with Grammy Award nominated producer and Chicago’s Groovemaster Recording Studios owner, Johnny K.
The “Rockstar 101” bands practice in the basement of Consolidated Music in downtown Barrington. The workshop is designed for kids age 8 through high school with some musical experience and costs $350. For that price, Mario will teach your kids how to work together and perform live as a group.
They’ll also get a demo recording of their songs, marketing tips and a guest speaker consultation. The 10-session class culminates with an actual live performance at The Penny Road Pub in Barrington, where the band will be videotaped for promotional uses. A professional photographer will also take pictures of the band which could be a great option for that first album cover!
Their summer sessions are about to begin and there’s still time to sign up, but space is limited. The first session runs from June 7th through July 5th and the second from July 12th through August 12th. The “band” will meet for practice twice a week for five weeks this summer. If you want to see what the finished product looks like, the next “Rockstar 101” show will take place at The Penny road Pub this Sunday, June 6th, at 3PM. All are welcome. If you know an aspiring young guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, singer or someone who just has that rockstar attitude, this is a great way to get started. If you like the sound of this program but you’re not a kid anymore, get this. They’re thinking about opening the class up to adults this fall.
I guess that means it’s never too late to be a rockstar. So dust off the old Les Paul, break out that wah wah pedal that you bought back in college, crank up the amps and give Consolidated Music a call at 847-381-0164 for the details.
Consolidated Music is open Monday through Thursday from 11 – 8, Friday from 11-6 and Saturday from 9:30 – 5:30. On Sundays, they are closed. The shop has been around since 1974 and is a hot spot for local music professionals, students and hobbyists. They sell and rent all kinds of instruments and offer a wide range of private lessons for all types of musicians. You’ll find the shop right in the heart of downtown Barrington at 125 Barrington Commons. Give ’em a ring and rock on, dude!