Ready to trade in that fidget spinner for a pair of drumsticks? These local music programs teach kids to write songs, play music, perform onstage and rock out like the shaggy-haired pros without any of the traditional music-camp costs.
Bay Area Girls Rock Camp
You’ll want to sign up for BAGRC right alongside your daughter. This 10-year-old nonprofit offers after-school programs and weeklong summer camps where self-identifying girls learn to play instruments, form a band and even put on a live performance at the New Parish in Oakland. Led by all-female instructors, girls also attend workshops on songwriting, building healthy friendships and self-defense during these empowering jam sessions.
◊ 1305 Franklin St, #510, Oakland (510-267-1808, bayareagirlsrockcamp.com).
Beats, Rhymes and Life
One of the first nonprofits in the world to offer hip-hop therapy, Beats Rhymes and Life works with Bay Area minority youth to teach girls and boys how to tell their life story over a dope beat. Kids and teens also learn the grassroots history of hip-hop, how to mix tracks, record music and, most importantly, how they can play an important role in the community as a musician and artist.
◊ 450 Santa Clara Ave, Oakland (brl-inc.org).
Photograph: Courtesy SFGRC
San Francisco Rock Project
Kids who sign up for SF Rock Project learn every aspect of the music business, from playing instruments and producing live shows to songwriting in every genre. A staff of professional musicians brings its real-life experience to this seven-year-old after-school program and summer camp, and kids who excel in their instrument can even tour the Bay Area with the SFRP house band. Best of all, any instrument can be checked out of the musical lending library for free.
◊ 450 Harrison St (415-495-7625, rockprojectsf.com).
UC Theatre
Opened in 2016, UC Theatre is a fully functioning music venue that offers front- and back-of-house training to Bay Area teens who aspire to work in concert production. During UC’s nine-month training program, participants attend workshops in subjects like lighting design and event budgeting, get paid internships in the business and even put on their own show inside the venue.
◊ 2036 University Ave, Berkeley (theuctheater.org).