Share Your Music: The Rock 101 Showcase
Twice a year, towards the end of a lesson, Rock 101 instructors turn to their students and inquire, “Hey! The Showcase is coming up. What would you like to do for this?”
Just reading that statement probably causes an internal reaction. Perhaps you jump up, fist-pump the air, and immediately sign up for the event, already pondering which song you should perform (I mean, there are so many options). On the other hand, it’s possible that even the thought of performing makes your blood run cold. You stop breathing and imagine that if you are still enough, you will simply disappear and no one will ever ask you that question again.
If you are part of the latter group, then this blog is just for you. Let’s explore the ways that Rock 101 Showcases are different from other music school recitals, and then let’s dig into the benefits that come from engaging with music in this way.
It’s a Celebration
Kool & the Gang said it: “Celebrate good times. Come on!” This is the shift that is necessary when we think about the Rock 101 Showcases. Unlike the idea of a recital or other formal performance, our Showcases do not have the energy of a final exam or evaluation. The Rock 101 Showcase is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate what we’ve been working on during one-on-one lessons.
There are a variety of performances at a Rock 101 Showcase. We have had musical newbies just starting on an instrument, professional musicians honing their skills, duets with parents and children, not to mention one of our favorite performances: a band composed of grandparents and grandchildren. Each performance is unique and mirrors the journeys of the students involved.
Our Showcases are different because our approach to lessons is different. Lessons are student-driven. Our students follow their curiosity in music. We provide support and guidance while giving them permission to not fit into a pre-designed template. Choose your musical adventure and then come to the Showcase and show us what you’ve been doing!
More than anything, the Rock 101 Showcase is an opportunity to connect with other students, families, and instructors. Though you may be taking individual lessons, you are part of a greater whole. The Showcase allows you to experience this. Feel inspired by your fellow students, become aware of the musical possibilities, and check out the different styles of our many instructors. Music is best when shared, and we’re here to celebrate it with you!
But It’s Scary
Every person we've talked to agrees: it's totally scary. Especially the first time.
BUT…
Every person we've talked to agrees: it's totally worth it. What we have learned from talking to young students, their parents, and adult students is that there is something on the other side of that initial fear. It is a combination of relief, pride, accomplishment, and connection.
As human beings, we work very hard to stay inside our comfort zones. This is where things feel safe, and it’s where the brain tells us we’re happy. Life experiences teach us, however, that all the great things only happen when we leave our comfort zone. Indeed, research shows that leaning into fear as we leave our comfort zones is what brings us into the learning zone and eventually the growth zone. Every time we do this, we expand our comfort zone and experience higher levels of resilience and self-efficacy.
Don’t Take Our Word for It
We find that if you go straight to the source, you can usually find the most useful information. We “hit the streets” and asked current students their opinions about performing in the Showcases. As expected, they all admitted to being initially scared by the idea but now they are big fans! Not only have these experiences boosted their confidence in daily life, but it has also helped them to feel more accountable to themselves within their lessons. They practice more often and use their lesson times to deepen the skills they want to display for others at the Showcases.
Not only were our students happy to chat about the Showcase, they were also quick to offer advice to those who are approaching their first performance. Check out their tips:
Practice Makes Confident: Practice practice practice! The brain feels like it turns off when you are on stage. The more you practice, the more the muscle memory will take over and everything will happen without thinking about it!
Check out the Stage: A week or two before the Showcase, have your instructor show you the stage. Stand on the stage and see what everything will look like. Understanding that different perspective will help you to feel more comfortable on the big day.
Use the Buddy System: Pair up with another student who is performing. Work on the same song together. That way, it will feel more like teamwork instead of an individual endeavor.
Remember that you never know who you might be inspiring. Two of the students we talked to were surprised when people came up to them afterwards to compliment their performances. Months later, they found out that people were so inspired by their courage that they decided to sign up for lessons. It takes one spark to light a fire within another person. Be that spark.
A Final Note
If you have made it this far and are still feeling skeptical, we have one more thing to say. Rock 101 has always been a space of connection, exploration, and wholeheartedness. These values apply to the Showcases. Musical performances are indeed a way to face fears and to grow as an individual; however, they should also be fun. Come on out and share your music, chat with other students, and drink some lemonade. We can’t wait to cheer for you.
- Danielle Parker