Music Makers’ Join-A-Band Workshops are NYC’s top-tier adult band ensemble experience.
Our groups are designed to sharpen your skills, deepen your musical understanding, and help you sound better together.
Come explore multiple approaches to a song, build confidence as a player, and stretch your musical vocabulary under the guidance of a seasoned, pro-level instructor.
We’ll break down songs from the inside out—working on beginnings, endings, solos, grooves, and transitions. You’ll refine your technique, gain control over tone and feel, and learn how to lock in with others to create a tighter, more dynamic band sound.
At the end of your cycle, you’ll take the stage with your band at one of NYC’s most famous live music venues, and perform for friends, family, and beyond!
Plus, you'll get full access to our student portal, where you'll find all class materials, recordings, and resources to help you stay inspired and on track between sessions.
Your Moment Onstage
Watch our Workshops in-action!
Our bands get the chance to play at premier venues throughout New York City as part of our Performance Showcases!
NEW TO MUSIC MAKERS?
Curious Which Level You Are?
Check out our available workshops below!
Perform on Thursday, 12/3 @ Iridium
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LEGENDARY MUSIC. ICONIC ARTISTS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.
Music Makers Tribute to… The Heavy Hitters brings some of the biggest artists, most influential songs, and most enduring sounds in music history to one of New York City's most iconic live music stages: the Iridium in the heart of Times Square.
Located on Broadway at 51st Street in the heart of Times Square, the Iridium presents live music seven nights a week and has become one of New York City's renowned destinations for live performance. You'll be performing on the same professional stage where nationally touring and internationally recognized artists have performed, including Les Paul, Jeff Beck, Steve Miller, Buddy Guy, and Paul McCartney.
Featuring two distinct tribute experiences, The Heavy Hitters will move across genres and generations, celebrating artists whose music has become part of the soundtrack of our lives. Whether you're drawn to the powerhouse vocals and deep grooves of classic soul or the unmistakable piano-driven hits of Billy Joel and Elton John, you'll have the opportunity to perform music that has inspired generations of musicians and audiences.
And at the end of it all, you'll take the stage at the Iridium, surrounded by your band, your friends and family, and an audience ready to hear what you've been working toward.
You've spent years listening to these songs. Now you have the opportunity to be the one playing them.
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A PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY MOST MUSICIANS DREAM ABOUT
The Iridium isn't simply a place to play a show; it's a venue with a history, a reputation, and a stage that has welcomed some of the world's most accomplished musicians.
What makes this experience particularly special is that you won't simply be performing in a professional venue—you'll be sharing the bill with seasoned, professional musicians who have performed throughout the world. You'll experience the energy and atmosphere of a real working music venue and have the opportunity to see what it feels like to step onto a stage where serious musicians have performed for years.
For most avocational musicians, an opportunity like this is rare, if not impossible. Music Makers makes it possible to move from the rehearsal room to a genuine New York City performance stage, giving you the chance to experience the excitement of performing in front of a live audience without having to navigate the professional music industry on your own.
Bring the people who have supported your music along the way and help us fill the Iridium with the energy of the Music Makers community. The more we can pack the room and demonstrate the incredible enthusiasm, talent, and support behind our musicians, the stronger our relationship with the Iridium becomes—and the more we can position Music Makers for future performance opportunities at this iconic venue. By bringing your friends, family, and fans, you're not just filling seats; you're helping us put our best foot forward, show the Iridium what the Music Makers community is capable of, and create opportunities for more avocational musicians to experience a night like this in the future.
This is more than a workshop performance. It's an opportunity to create a genuine live music experience that you'll remember long after the final song.
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Five weekly 2.5-hour rehearsals — You'll receive 12.5 hours of focused, guided rehearsal time with your band and musical director, allowing you to learn the material, develop your arrangements, build chemistry as a group, and prepare for the final performance.
Premium, state-of-the-art rehearsal facilities — Rehearse in Music Makers' largest and best-equipped rooms, with professional facilities and equipment that give your band the space and resources to properly prepare for the stage.
Learn from our best — Rehearse under the direction of Bob Elliott, founder and owner of Music Makers, or Evan Macaluso, our Music Programs Director and veteran leader of more than a dozen Music Makers workshops. You'll have experienced musical leadership throughout the process, from your first rehearsal through your final preparation for the Iridium.
A performance opportunity most musicians dream about — Take the stage at the Iridium in the heart of Times Square, performing in a professional live music venue alongside seasoned musicians who have performed throughout the world. You'll experience the lights, sound, audience, and energy of a real New York City performance environment while performing the music you've spent five weeks preparing.
Tickets included — Receive 8 tickets to share with your family, friends, and fans, giving the people who support your music the opportunity to be there when you take the stage. Your guests become part of the experience, helping us create an energetic room and showcase the talent and spirit of the Music Makers community.
Curated setlist, arrangements, and musical materials — Music Makers intentionally curates your setlist, prepares arrangements, charts, and additional musical materials, giving you everything you need to learn your parts and prepare effectively with your band. We take care of the musical preparation and organization so you can focus on learning the music, developing your performance, and getting ready for the stage.
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3 payments of $333.33 or 1 payment of $1,000
KING OF KEYS with Bob Elliott
THE PIANO LEGENDS WHO CHANGED MUSIC
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Billy Joel. Elton John. Two legendary piano players, two extraordinary catalogs of music, and decades of songs that have become part of the fabric of popular culture.
Kings of Keys puts you inside the music of two of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of all time, with a set built around their unmistakable piano playing, soaring melodies, unforgettable hooks, and massive hits. You'll take on the iconic piano parts and musical moments that helped define their sound, while rehearsing with a full band to create a cohesive, exciting live performance.
With experienced musical direction, professional rehearsal facilities, and five weeks to develop the material, you'll have the time and support to move beyond simply learning the notes and start building a performance that feels alive on stage.
The experience culminates at the Iridium, where you'll have the opportunity to perform these legendary songs live, with a full band and a real audience in one of New York City's most iconic music venues.
You've heard these songs countless times. Now you get to experience what it's like to be inside the band that brings them to life.
LEVEL: Level 4 - 5
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3 payments of $333.33 or 1 payment of $1,000
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MONDAYS
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 12/3 @ The Iridium
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other
SOUL ROYALTY with Evan Macaluso
THE VOICES THAT DEFINED SOUL
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Step into the world of soul's most legendary voices with Soul Royalty, a high-energy celebration of the singers, musicians, grooves, and songs that defined an entire genre. From Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye to Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and beyond, this set brings together some of the most powerful and enduring music ever recorded.
You'll work with a full band under expert musical direction to develop a dynamic, performance-ready set featuring unforgettable melodies, powerhouse vocals, deep grooves, and songs that have remained timeless across generations. The goal isn't simply to reproduce the recordings, but to capture the energy, emotion, and musical character that made these performances legendary.
After five weeks of rehearsals, you'll bring that music to the Iridium stage, performing alongside your fellow Music Makers musicians in one of New York City's most renowned live music venues.
For anyone who has ever wanted to experience the power of classic soul from the stage, this is your opportunity to step into the music and make it your own.
LEVEL: Level 4 - 5
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3 payments of $333.33 or 1 payment of $1,000
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MONDAYS
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 12/3 @ The Iridium
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Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other
Perform on Friday, 12/11 @ The Bitter End!
AMPED & ALIVE with Michael Richardson
INSPIRED BY ATLANTIC RECORDS + SWAN SONG RECORDS
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Turn it up with the legendary rock sounds that helped define the ’70s. From massive guitar riffs and blues-inspired grooves to powerhouse vocals and extended instrumental sections, dive into the music of Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Cream, Yes, and more.
Artists: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Cream, Yes, Rush, Foreigner, The Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things, Dave Edmunds, and more.
Level: 3
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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TUESDAYS
10/27, 11/3, 11/10 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 12/11 @ The Bitter End
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Other
LIVERPOOL TO LONDON with Sharon Heller
INSPIRED BY APPLE RECORDS + PARLOPHONE RECORDS
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Step into the world of late-’60s and early-’70s British rock, where psychedelic pop, adventurous studio production, intricate harmonies, and unforgettable songwriting came together. Explore the music that defined an era through songs by The Beatles, George Harrison, Paul McCartney & Wings, Badfinger, and more.
Artists: The Beatles, George Harrison, Paul McCartney & Wings, Badfinger, and more
LEVEL: 3
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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WEDNESDAYS
10/28, 11/4, 11/11 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
11/18, 11/25*, 12/2, 12/9 (6:30pm-9pm)
*Will be rescheduled for Thanksgiving
PERFORMANCE: 12/11 @ The Bitter End
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Other
STEEL STRINGS & SOUTHERN SOUL with Jarrett Shedd
INSPIRED BY CAPRICORN RECORDS + MCA RECORDS
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Get into the grooves, riffs, and twin-guitar harmonies that defined Southern rock. From blues-soaked jams and country influences to iconic rock anthems, explore the music of The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, and more.
Artists: The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, and more
Level: 3
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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TUESDAYS
10/27, 11/3, 11/10 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 12/11 @ The Bitter End
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Other
STRANGE HORIZONS with Gary Feldman
INSPIRED BY EMI + ISLAND RECORDS
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Explore the stranger, more adventurous side of British rock — from progressive and psychedelic sounds to glam, art rock, and the raw energy that helped shape punk. Dive into the music of artists who pushed rock beyond its traditional boundaries, with ambitious arrangements, unexpected turns, unforgettable riffs, and a distinctly British edge.
Artists: Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Roxy Music, Queen, T. Rex, King Crimson, The Clash, and more
LEVEL: 4
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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WEDNESDAYS
10/28, 11/4, 11/11 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
11/18, 11/25*, 12/2, 12/9 (6:30pm-9pm)
*Will be rescheduled for Thanksgiving
PERFORMANCE: 12/11 @ The Bitter End
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Other
PACIFIC SONGBOOK with Ashley McKinley
INSPIRED BY ASYLUM RECORDS + ELEKTRA RECORDS
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Take a trip through the laid-back, harmony-rich world of ’70s California rock. Explore the blend of rock, folk, country, and singer-songwriter traditions that shaped the West Coast sound, with music from The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, and more.
Artists: The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, and more
LEVEL: 2
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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THURSDAYS
10/29, 11/5, 11/12 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
11/19, 11/26*, 12/3, 12/10 (6:30pm-9pm)
*Will be rescheduled for Thanksgiving
PERFORMANCE: 12/11 @ The Bitter End
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Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Other
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Join A Band!
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Once your slot has been confirmed with a Music Makers representative, you will have 48 hours to cancel before being liable for the full rate of the session.
Please only complete your registration if you’re confident you can attend most of the sessions, and the final performance!
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