The Toronto Guitar School is pleased to announce that our popular in-person Rock Band and Ensemble Program is back!
Book your in-person or online audition by using our contact form or simply come in-person to our next Rock Band Audition held at 116 Bond Street.
Upcoming Auditions:
Saturday, June 3rd at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, July 8th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, Aug 12th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, Sept 9th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, Oct 14th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, Nov 11th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Saturday, Dec 9th at 1:00 PM at 116 Bond Street
Details
The Toronto Guitar School is holding open auditions for musicians of every instrument for our one of a kind band program and jam nights. While guitar players are always welcome, we are also looking for bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, brass and wind instrument players to fill out our amazing bands. All ages and levels of players from intermediate to advanced are encouraged to attend.
ABOUT THE TORONTO GUITAR SCHOOL'S BAND PROGRAM
Due to our location, which is right in the heart of the biggest music scene in the country, as well as our access to top of the line equipment for performance and recording, the Toronto Guitar School is uniquely positioned to offer a band program unlike anything else offered at other music schools. It all begins with our audition process. Applicants will demonstrate their proficiency level at an in person (or online via Zoom) audition and they will also fill out a detailed questionnaire so that our staff can learn more about their musical background and their goals. From there, applicants are carefully grouped together into bands using a process that we have refined over the course of twenty years of experience in running this program to ensure that the participants are matched with like minded and amicable band members. From there, bands will meet up on a weekly basis at our facility which is perfectly outfitted with everything you will need to rehearse and make great music together.
AUDITION SCHEDULE
1:00pm – Orientation and Auditions
1:30pm – Play with Different Bands and Socialize with Other Participants
2:00pm – Band Placements Announced and Questions Answered
INSTRUCTOR INVOLVEMENT
The bands that are formed by our program are intended to function in a self directed fashion. While there will be instructors present at rehearsals, they are not there to direct rehearsals or to assign songs or anything heavy handed. Instructors are present in the event that a band should want advice or assistance and to make sure that things run smoothly without any technical glitches or major issues.
WHAT IT COSTS
The audition process for our band program is free, however once participants are placed in a band, weekly rehearsals range in cost from $25 to $35 per rehearsal depending on the size of the group, the number of instructors involved, and the length of the rehearsal.
WHO CAN AUDITION
The audition process for our band program is free, however once participants are placed in a band, weekly rehearsals range in cost from $25 to $35 per rehearsal depending on the size of the group, the number of instructors involved, and the length of the rehearsal.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The Toronto Guitar School is proud to organise three live band showcases each year at no extra cost to its participants. A full PA, backline and sound engineer are provided by the school, again at no extra cost to participants. Our last major showcase was held at the Jazz Bistro in Toronto. Additionally, some of our bands pursue their own performance opportunities outside of the school’s involvement.
RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Toronto Guitar School has a top of the line recording studio that bands have used in the past to record demos, and some bands have even used our facilities to record professional music videos.
IN-PERSON AUDITION INFORMATION
If you wish to wait and come to our in-person auditions all you need to do is email the school office to reserve your place as we only have a limited number of spots available in each instrument class for each audition. All auditions occur indoors at the Toronto Guitar School’s Yonge and Dundas Location located at 116 Bond Street. Masking is now optional.
AUDITION ONLINE
Please email us to book your online audition with a Toronto Guitar School.
All instruments (Vocals, Piano/Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, Woodwind and Brass Instruments etc.) are welcome! We have bands for every level and age from teens to adults.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During your audition, a Toronto Guitar School instructor will interview you about your past experience, playing ability, musical interests and hear you play. After the audition session, each participant will be put into groups to get ready for band rehearsals!
Play in a band with like minded musicians
Select songs you like to play
Perform Live on Stage
Record your favorite songs
how it works
Bring your instrument to the audition so you can meet and jam with others. We will provide all the necessary amps and sound equipment you will need for the audition. A drum set, piano and/or keyboard, guitar amps and a PA will be available for those that need it. You’ll also get a chance to tour our studios and have all your questions answered.
Each group will be supervised by a Toronto Guitar School instructor who will assist with the running or organization of the rehearsals. Members get to select the pieces they want to learn and determine the stylistic and artistic direction of the group.
Band Instructors
Andre Valerio – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Rock Band, Jazz and Funk Band Instructor
Camila Milla – Guitar and Bass
Rock Band and Teen Band Instructor
Mark Ritter– Guitar and Ukulele
Rock Band Instructor
Laura Wilson – Voice and Keyboards
Rock Band and RnB Band Instructor
Jinu Isac – Piano/Drums
Funk Band, Jazz and RnB Band Instructor and Drummer
Andrew Scott – Drums
Rock Band, Jazz and RnB Instructor and Drummer
James Sawyer – Guitar and Bass
Metal Band Instructor
Costs
The audition process for our band program is free, however once participants are placed in a band, weekly rehearsals range in cost from $25 to $35 per rehearsal depending on the size of the group, the number of instructors involved, and the length of the rehearsal.
