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?
Check out our available workshops below!
Perform on Friday, 10/16 @ The Bitter End
WHO’S NEXT? with Sharon Heller
FROM MOD TO ROCK OPERA
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Experience the explosive energy, groundbreaking musicianship, and larger-than-life performances of one of rock's most influential bands. This workshop celebrates the iconic catalog of The Who—from hard-driving early hits and powerful rock anthems to ambitious rock operas and timeless classics. Explore Pete Townshend's unforgettable guitar work, Roger Daltrey's commanding vocals, John Entwistle's innovative bass lines, and Keith Moon's legendary drumming as you bring these electrifying songs to life. Whether you're drawn to soaring vocals, dynamic arrangements, or pure rock-and-roll power, this workshop is your chance to experience the music that helped define generations of rock.
Featured Artists: The Who, Pete Townshend
LEVEL: Intermediate
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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WEDNESDAYS
9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
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Keys, Other
HOLLYWOOD HITS with Dan McCusker
SONGS OF THE SILVERSCREEN
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Take a trip through the unforgettable movie soundtracks that shaped generations and turned great songs into cinematic legends. This workshop celebrates the iconic hits of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s — from soaring rock anthems to emotional power ballads that became inseparable from the films they accompanied. Explore the music behind blockbuster moments from myriad movies–whether written for the screen, or featured notably in famous scenes! Expect huge choruses, memorable melodies, and songs that bring audiences right back to the scenes they love. If you love nostalgic hits, legendary performances, and music that feels larger than life, this is your chance to bring Hollywood’s greatest moments to the stage.
Featured Artists: Queen, Kenny Loggins, Survivor, Simple Minds, Huey Lewis & The News, Phil Collins, Berlin, Ray Parker Jr., and more!
LEVEL: Beginner+ to Intermediate
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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TUESDAYS
9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
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Bass, Keys, Drums, Other
GET UP & GET DOWN with Evan Macaluso
THE GOLDEN AGE OF FUNK
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Get ready to lock into the groove and experience the sound that changed popular music forever. This workshop dives into the golden age of funk, where deep-pocket rhythms, explosive horn lines, and unforgettable bass grooves became the foundation for generations of artists. From James Brown’s groundbreaking rhythmic intensity to the cosmic funk of Parliament-Funkadelic and the soulful brilliance of Stevie Wonder, explore the songs and styles that made funk one of music’s most influential movements. Expect infectious grooves, dynamic arrangements, and a focus on the connection between every player in the band. If you love rhythm, feel, and music that makes people move, this is your chance to get down with the masters of funk.
Featured Artists: James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth Wind & Fire, The Meters, Tower of Power, Prince, Kool & The Gang, and more!
LEVEL: Intermediate+
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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WEDNESDAYS
9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
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Other
ROADSIDE RADIO with Ashley McKinley
SUNSETS & SIX-STRINGS
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Tune in to the soundtrack of America's highways, backroads, and small towns. From heartland rock and country-tinged classics to folk-inspired storytelling and laid-back California grooves, this workshop celebrates the songs that capture wide-open skies, late-night drives, and unforgettable journeys. Explore timeless melodies, rich harmonies, soulful guitar work, and lyrics that tell stories of freedom, love, home, and the road ahead. Whether you're chasing sunsets or simply love great American songwriting, this collection of classics will have you singing every mile.
Featured Artists: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Little Feat, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Steve Earle, The Marshall Tucker Band, Neil Young, America and more.
LEVEL: Beginner+
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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THURSDAYS
9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
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Bass, Keys, Other
THE GREAT AMERICAN ROADTRIP with Sharon Heller
DUSTY ROADS AND TIMELESS SONGS
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Take a journey through the highways, heartlands, and stories that shaped the sound of American music. This workshop explores the crossroads of rock, folk, country, and blues — where heartfelt songwriting meets unforgettable melodies and timeless performances. From Tom Petty’s road-worn anthems to Springsteen’s working-class stories and Dylan’s poetic storytelling, discover the songs that capture freedom, longing, adventure, and the search for something more. Expect rich harmonies, iconic guitar parts, soulful vocals, and music that feels like a soundtrack for the open road. If you love songs with a story, a little grit, and a whole lot of heart, this journey is for you.
Featured Artists: The Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Jackson Browne, The Doobie Brothers, CSNY and more.
LEVEL: Intermediate+
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1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
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THURSDAYS
9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
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Keys, Other
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Have a scheduling conflict?
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Join A Band!
Join A Band!
Fill out the form below to claim a spot in one of our Workshops!
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!
Your Music Makers Profile
Help us get to know you!
Tell us about your musical background, interests, and goals so we can recommend the jams, workshops, and performance opportunities that are the best fit for you. This is not a test but a way for us to gauge your experience and interests. Completing this will greatly help us give YOU the best experience possible!
