Sunburst Band Program

Band Together, Grow Together

The Sunburst Band Program is a great way for young musicians to take their skills learned in private lessons to the next level through collaboration and on-stage experience. This program includes weekly band rehearsals and performances at local venues and events throughout the year. 


Rehearsals mainly work toward learning songs, compiling a set list, and developing a solid working dynamic as a group. Since being in a band is more than just playing music together, students will be encouraged to come up with a name for their band, design a logo and merchandise, and learn the process of booking their own shows. 

 

The Sunburst Band Program is for students who have chosen a primary instrument and can demonstrate a few fundamental skills such as playing chords and chord progressions, keeping a steady beat, and the ability to play through an entire song without stopping, etc. We group students based on their age, ability, and when possible, music interests. 


Are you ready for the Band Program? Check out our per-instrument guide here.

Age Groups

The Sunburst Band Program is broken down into different weekly sessions by the following age groupings:

 

Discounts

  • $50 off for anyone enrolled in the Private or Group Lessons!

Ready to Get Started?

Have questions? Our Admin Team is available 7 days per week. You can also schedule a meeting with our Program Manager .

3 Terms per year

 The Sunburst Band Program takes place over the course of 3 terms annually:


  • Sep–Jan - 5 months
  • Feb–May - 4 months
  • Jun–Aug - 3 months

Enrollment 

Band Members have the option of paying month by month, but must commit to the duration of the term. This provides consistency to for the groups and ensures that everyone is ready to perform by the big finale.


Toward the end of each term, band members will have a two-week window to re-enroll and secure their spot in the upcoming term before open enrollment begins. If re-enrollment is not completed within this period, their spot will be made available to new members during open enrollment. This process helps us plan effectively and recruit new members as needed, ensuring a smooth transition for the rest of the group.

Sunburst Band Program FAQ

  • How do the terms work? Do I need to commit to the whole term?

    Most of our Group Programs run on 3 annual terms:


    • Sep–Jan - 5 months
    • Feb–May - 4 months
    • Jun–Aug - 3 months

    Each term includes weekly practices, with performance opportunities accruing in the second half, culminating with a big finale show at one of many great Pittsburgh venues. It’s important that bands stick together through the end of the term so that no one is left hanging during performance season.

  • Are there trial sessions available?

    The nature of these group programs requires everyone to commit to the full term, and allow their group some time to settle into a groove. If it’s not a good fit for you, cancel anytime in the first month of the term for a full refund.

  • How much experience do I need?

    The scope of the band program is learning and writing material together as a group, which requires everyone to know at least the basics of their instrument.Experience levels vary between ages and groups but at a minimum, everyone needs to be able to do at least some basic chord changes in time. 

  • Do I need to take lessons in addition to the program?

    Students are required to participate in private lessons (either at Sunburst or another studio) so that students have the support to learn their parts on their own time and are prepared to spend the group sessions putting their pieces together. While we do offer some 1:1 instruction during rehearsals, it’s important that the group is the main focus. 

  • What happens if I need to miss a session?

    Please let the front desk know if you need to miss rehearsal, even if it's the same day. While we don't provide refunds or makeups for missed sessions, we do hold free monthly community jam sessions called Sunburst Jams. These events are a great way for our students to get some extra practice time in!


     Check Schedule Here

  • What happens at the end of the term?

    Our terms wrap up with a big finale show, after which there may be a few extra weeks for recording and/or pizza parties! For students who would like to continue playing with their band into the next term, we provide a two-week enrollment window during which current Band Program students can reserve their spot before open enrollment starts. Failure to re-enroll within this designated period will result in the release of their guaranteed spot, making it available to other students during open enrollment.

  • What’s Band Coaching, is that the same thing?

    When groups have been with us for a while, or if they come to us as a group that’s already formed, we may classify them as Band Coaching. It’s the same program with the same prices and policies and everything with a few exceptions:


    • The roster is up to the existing band members, we don’t post these sessions for open enrollment.
    • There’s a little more flexibility in scheduling, i.e. month to month instead of term based, and 60, 90, or 120 minute weekly options available.
    • We try to move the focus more towards songwriting, getting gigs, building your brand, and making an impact on the Pittsburgh music scene and beyond.

    If you’d like to enroll your band in Band Coaching get in touch with us here.


Need to miss a session?

We hold free monthly community jam sessions called Sunburst Jams, these are a great way for students who have to miss their band program to get some extra time in!


View the full schedule of upcoming Sunburst Jams Sessions here.


  • No refunds or credits for missed sessions.