WHAT IS STAIRWAY TO STARDOM?
Now in its 31st season, Stairway to Stardom is an eight-week Summer music program for young, non-professional musicians. Each participating student is placed in a band of fellow student musicians with a professional music coach and given the opportunity to create, develop, and perform original music on a professional level. This year, it is anticipated that over 20 bands will be on the bill for the final concert. The program is educational, inspirational, and fun!

WHO PARTICIPATES?
Any young, non-professional musician can participate in Stairway to Stardom. Guitarist, drummers, keyboardist, bassists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists are welcome. The only prerequisites are basic instrument proficiency and the ambition to work hard for eight rewarding weeks. Designed for those considering a career in the music business, Stairway to Stardom teaches students the technical and artistic skills necessary to develop their careers.

INTRODUCTORY MEETING:
June 4th, 2011
Sacramento - 12:00pm
Elk Grove - 2:00pm
Modesto - 4:30pm

The Introductory Meeting provides an opportunity for the Program Director to explain Stairway in detail, outline the summer schedule and answer your questions. There is no cost to attend the Introductory Meeting, however, those planning on attending should complete the registration form in the Stairway to Stardom brochure.

START-UP MEETING:
June 11th, 2011
Sacramento - 12:00pm
Elk Grove - 2:00pm
Modesto - 4:30pm

All participating students will receive their student packets, evaluation schedules, and school credit information at the

EVALUATIONS:
June 13th-16th, 2011
Elk Grove - (at Sac Location)
Modesto - immediately following the start-up meeting

An opportunity for participants to meet with program instructors and coaches, and for the students to be evaluated for general music and instrument proficiency.

Evaluation Information

REHEARSALS:
Each band will be scheduled for a weekly in-store rehearsal, supervised by professional music coaches. In-store rehearsals will take place in dedicated rehearsal space outfitted complete with professional rehearsal gear (sound system, amps, keyboards, drums). Additional out-of-store rehearsals will be discussed, all in an effort to prepare for the Final Concert!

 

DRESS REHEARSALS:
Three ‘concert simulation’ Dress Rehearsals will be conducted during the eight-week program. Each Dress Rehearsal will require each band to perform one song before an enthusiastic and supportive audience of fellow participants. Attendance at these dress rehearsals is mandatory.

YOU WRITE THE SONGS!
Each band is required to perform three original songs for the final concert. Band coaches will provide songwriting guidance, and program-wide Songwriting Seminars will be presented to assist in musical and lyrical composition and arrangement.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS:
During the eight weeks, a series of important group seminars will be presented. The Seminars will offer participants an opportunity to interact with students and coaches from other bands while participating in important presentations of valuable industry advice and information. Scheduled Seminars include: Stage Performance, Songwriting, and Music Business. All students are encouraged to attend the Seminars, however they are mandatory for students seeking school credit(s).

THE CONCERT:
The highlight of the Stairway to Stardom experience is always the Final Concert, this year scheduled for Sunday August 14th. All bands will perform three original songs, LIVE! on-stage before an audience of family, friends, peers, and music lovers. Professional concert-quality production – including concert stage, lights, sound, even roadies! – will enhance the experience for all involved. A panel of industry professionals will evaluate, and score, each band’s three-song set for performance, songwriting, talent, and overall presentation.

Tickets are just $10 and are available at www.tickets.com or any Skip's Music location

RECORDING EXPERIENCE:
The weeks following the concert, each band will have the opportunity to record one of their original songs in a studio. The Concert’s 1st place band will record and release their own three-song CD!

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CREDITS:
Stairway to Stardom participating students are eligible for Fine Arts high school credits, or, up to two college-level units. Detailed information and credit enrollment will be available at the Start-Up Meeting. Interested students must enroll for credit by or on June 11th, 2011 to be eligible to receive credit.