Now approaching its 29th 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. In 2009, it is anticipated that over 20 bands will be on the bill for the final concert on Sunday, August 9th. The program is educational, inspirational, and fun!

Any young, non-professional musician can participate in Stairway to Stardom. Guitarists, 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 start developing their careers.

The Introductory Meeting provides an opportunity for the Program Director to explain Stairway in detail, outline the summer schedule, and answer general questions. There is no cost to attend the Introductory Meeting, however, those planning on attending should complete the pre-registration form in the Stairway to Stardom brochure.
Introductory Meeting:
Saturday May 30, 2009
Sacramento - 12:00pm
Elk Grove - 2:00pm
Modesto - 4:30pm

The $300 tuition fee is due in full by this date. All participating students will receive their student packets, evaluation schedules, and high school credit information at this meeting. Those not interested in obtaining high school fine arts credit do not need to stay for the full meeting.
Start-up Meeting:
Saturday June 6th, 2009
Sacramento - 12:00pm
Elk Grove - 2:00pm
Modesto - 4:30pm

An opportunity for participants to present themselves to program instructors and coaches, and for the students to be evaluated for general music and instrument proficiency.
Evaluation Schedule :
Sacramento - June 8-11th, 2009
Elk Grove - June 8-11th, 2009 (at Sac Location)
Modesto - June 8th immediately following the start-up meeting

Evaluation Information

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 at Skip's Music, outfitted complete with professional rehearsal gear (sound system, amps, keyboards, drums). Additional out-of-store rehearsals may be arranged as well, all in an effort to prepare for the Final Concert!

Three 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.

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.

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 high school fine arts credit(s).

The highlight of the Stairway to Stardom experience is always the Final Concert. 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.

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

Stairway to Stardom participating students may be eligible for ten Fine Arts high school credits. Detailed information and credit enrollment will be available at the Start-Up Meeting. Interested students must enroll for credit by a set deadline (TBA) to be eligible to receive credit.

Enrollment in Stairway to Stardom is only $300. All fees are due, in full, by Start-Up Meeting day -- Saturday, June 6th. Enrollment tuition will not be refunded once participant is placed in a band.