“It’s cool because it teaches you to play in a band”. This comment by student Shawn Swain pretty much says it. At the Academy we understand that musicians need space in order to connect with their music.  We respect that space and balance it with instruction. Information is always only a question away and is offered when appropriate. A “one-room schoolhouse” vibe is in the air as Mark thinks it’s the best when students are teaching each other.

“Young students often come to play in a rock and roll band not because they want to be told what to do, but, rather, because they have had enough of being told what to do. Obviously I give out a lot of information, but it is always better when input comes from a fellow classmate. I work very hard to create an atmosphere where that can happen. Between the student’s natural inquisitiveness and talent and my giving out instruction at just the right time, we all learn a lot in a hurry”.

This student-centered approach at the Academy creates a safe environment for musical exploration. “Ultimately, what we all want is - not just to be able to play an instrument- but, also, to learn to express ourselves creatively. In that sense, what we offer here is a lot more than a standard ‘guitar lesson’. We hope to open the door to true self-expression, that is, to becoming an artist”.

Material ranges from AC/DC, Zeppelin, and Skynyrd, to Sublime, Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. Musical tastes vary somewhat by age-group and, in truth, at the Academy we accommodate all styles. “Whatever the musical style, the building blocks of music remain the same. The most important thing is to inspire each student”. Combined with this musical openness is the opportunity for students to get their hands on a cornucopia of great instruments. Drums, basses, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and a sound-system for vocals – all vie for the students’ attention. “Sometimes a young musician will sign up for the week to play guitar but then come in and fall in love with the drums and spend all week behind the set. Whatever draws the student deeper into a musical experience is what we encourage”.

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A state of the art music facility nestled high in the Rocky Mountains where students of all ages can come and experience playing in a band.