Bob Elliott’s Music Makers Levels

Music Makers levels are a general guide to help you identify the programs that best match your current experience and playing abilities. They are not a test or a judgment, and you may fall at different levels depending on the instrument or skill. Use the descriptions to determine which level feels like the best fit for you.

Select your instrument:

Guitar Bass Drums Piano Vocals

Guitar

  
      Level 1
      Level 2
      Level 3
      Level 4
      Level 5
    
        Plays basic open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am) and simple power chords.
Can maintain basic down-strumming and straightforward 4/4 rhythms.
Can play simple riffs and single-note parts.
Can follow a chord chart with time and guidance.
Can maintain their part at a comfortable, slower tempo.

        Comfortable with common open chords and power chords and beginning to use barre chords.
Can play common strumming patterns, basic syncopation, and rhythmic variations.
Can learn a new song from a chord chart with limited preparation.
Can maintain their part at faster tempos.
Has experience jamming with other musicians.
Beginning to control volume and dynamics within a song.

       Confidently plays open, power, and barre chords, including sus chords and basic extensions such as 7ths and 9ths.
Comfortable with dynamic strumming, muted rhythms, syncopation, and common 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8 feels.
Can learn and perform songs with minimal preparation.
Comfortable playing riffs, fills, and basic improvisation.
Can use multiple positions of the pentatonic or major/minor scales.
Can confidently navigate song structures and transitions.

        Strong command of chord voicings, extensions, rhythm techniques, scales, and improvisation.
Can comfortably move between rhythm and lead playing.
Can create multiple grooves and rhythmic approaches to the same song.
Can improvise confidently over a rhythm section.
Strong control of dynamics, tone, phrasing, and space.
Can contribute ideas to arrangements.

        Advanced command of rhythm, chord voicings, extensions, scales, improvisation, and stylistic vocabulary.
Comfortable with complex arrangements, advanced harmonic material, and extended improvisation.
Can fluidly move between rhythm, lead, accompaniment, and improvisational roles.
Can adapt instantly to changes in key, tempo, arrangement, or musical direction.
Can make sophisticated choices regarding tone, dynamics, phrasing, and space.

Bass

  
      Level 1
      Level 2
      Level 3
      Level 4
      Level 5
    
      Can play basic root notes and simple bass lines.
Can maintain a steady quarter- or eighth-note groove.
Can follow basic chord changes.
Can play simple bass parts from a chord chart with guidance.
Beginning to understand how bass works with the drums and other instruments.

        Can follow chord changes confidently and play complete bass lines.
Can maintain a consistent groove with a drummer.
Can handle basic fills and transitions between song sections.
Can learn a new song from a chord chart with limited preparation.
Has experience playing with a band.
Beginning to intentionally control dynamics and note length.

    Consistently locks into a groove with the drummer.
Can create and adapt bass lines rather than simply following the root.
Comfortable with syncopation, fills, dynamics, and different rhythmic feels.
Can confidently navigate full song structures and transitions.
Can adjust their part based on what the drums, guitar, keys, and vocals are doing.
Can learn songs with minimal preparation.

        Strong command of groove, timing, dynamics, fills, and melodic playing.
Can create bass parts that respond to both the song and the ensemble.
Comfortable moving between foundational, melodic, and improvisational roles.
Can adapt to changes in arrangement, dynamics, or tempo.
Strong stylistic vocabulary across multiple genres.
Can contribute to arranging and shaping the band's sound.

        Advanced command of groove, harmony, rhythmic complexity, dynamics, and improvisation.
Can navigate challenging arrangements while maintaining a strong connection with the rhythm section.
Can create sophisticated bass parts that drive, support, or intentionally contrast with the arrangement.
Can adapt instantly to changes from the drums and harmonic instruments.
Comfortable with complex rhythmic and harmonic material.

Drums

  
      Level 1
      Level 2
      Level 3
      Level 4
      Level 5
    
     Can maintain basic rock beats in 4/4.
Can play simple fills and return to the groove.
Can maintain a steady tempo at a comfortable speed.
Can follow basic song structures with guidance.
Beginning to understand how the drums interact with the rest of the band.

       Can maintain several common rock grooves at different tempos.
Can transition reliably between verse, chorus, bridge, and other sections.
Can incorporate basic fills without losing the beat.
Can learn a new song with limited preparation.
Has experience jamming with a band.
Beginning to control volume, dynamics, and energy throughout a song.

     Can confidently maintain a groove while responding to the rest of the band.
Comfortable with different rock feels, dynamics, syncopation, and common time signatures.
Can create fills that support rather than interrupt the song.
Can transition smoothly between song sections.
Can maintain tempo through mistakes or unexpected changes.
Can listen to the bass and rhythm section and adjust the groove accordingly.

       Strong command of groove, dynamics, fills, tempo, and stylistic feel.
Can create multiple grooves for the same song and make intentional musical choices.
Can dynamically shape an entire performance.
Can respond quickly to changes from the rest of the band.
Can recover seamlessly from mistakes or unexpected changes.
Strong stylistic vocabulary and ensemble awareness.

        Advanced command of timing, groove, dynamics, fills, rhythmic complexity, and stylistic vocabulary.
Can confidently handle challenging arrangements, tempo changes, and complex rhythmic material.
Can shape the energy and dynamics of an entire performance.
Can respond intuitively to changes from the rest of the ensemble.
Can incorporate sophisticated rhythmic ideas while maintaining the fundamental pulse and pocket.

Piano/Keys

  
      Level 1
      Level 2
      Level 3
      Level 4
      Level 5
    
     Can play basic major and minor chords and simple chord progressions.
Can play simple melodies or single-note parts.
Can follow a chord chart with guidance.
Can maintain a basic rhythmic pattern while playing chords.
Beginning to understand how keys fit into a full-band arrangement.

     Comfortable with common major/minor chords and beginning to use 7ths and other basic extensions.
Can play chord progressions in time at different tempos.
Can learn a new song from a chord chart with limited preparation.
Can create a simple part rather than simply playing the root of each chord.
Has experience playing with a band.
Beginning to adjust dynamics and playing style to fit the arrangement.

    Comfortable with common chord extensions, inversions, and different voicings.
Can create appropriate rhythmic and harmonic parts rather than simply doubling another instrument.
Comfortable playing fills, pads, rhythmic parts, and melodic parts.
Can adapt voicings and register to leave space for other instruments.
Can confidently follow song structures and transitions.
Can improvise simple fills or solos.

     Strong command of chord voicings, extensions, inversions, rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
Can create sophisticated parts that complement rather than compete with the rest of the band.
Comfortable moving between accompaniment, pads, rhythmic parts, fills, and solos.
Can adapt voicings, register, tone, and dynamics in real time.
Can improvise confidently within a song's harmonic structure.
Can contribute to arranging and shaping the band's sound.

        Advanced command of harmony, voicings, inversions, rhythmic concepts, improvisation, and arranging.
Comfortable with complex harmonic and rhythmic material.
Can move seamlessly between accompaniment, melodic, rhythmic, and improvisational roles.
Can make sophisticated choices about voicing, register, tone, and space.
Can adapt instantly to changes in arrangement or musical direction.

Vocals

  
      Level 1
      Level 2
      Level 3
      Level 4
      Level 5
    
     Can sing familiar songs relatively comfortably.
Can generally match pitch with a melody.
Can follow lyrics and basic song structure.
Can maintain the melody while accompanied by other musicians.
Beginning to develop microphone technique and confidence singing with a band.

     Can confidently sing complete songs with a band.
Can maintain pitch and rhythm without relying entirely on the original recording.
Can learn new songs from lyric/chord sheets with limited preparation.
Can follow cues for entrances, stops, transitions, and endings.
Has experience singing with other musicians.
Beginning to control dynamics and adjust volume to the band.

 Can confidently lead songs and maintain pitch, rhythm, and phrasing throughout a performance.
Comfortable singing harmonies and backing vocals.
Can adjust dynamics, tone, and phrasing to fit the arrangement.
Can confidently follow musical cues, stops, transitions, and endings.
Comfortable singing with a full band without being dependent on the original recording.
Can learn new material with minimal preparation.

    Strong control of pitch, tone, dynamics, phrasing, harmony, and microphone technique.
Can confidently lead or support a wide variety of arrangements.
Can create harmonies and backing vocal parts independently.
Can dynamically shape a performance in response to the band.
Can adapt phrasing, tone, and volume in real time.
Strong stylistic versatility and performance experience.

        Advanced control of pitch, tone, phrasing, dynamics, harmony, range, and stylistic interpretation.
Comfortable handling demanding vocal arrangements and complex harmonies.
Can confidently lead, harmonize, or support an ensemble in challenging musical situations.
Can adapt tone, phrasing, dynamics, and arrangement in real time.
Strong command of stage and ensemble awareness.

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Perform on Friday, 10/16 @ The Bitter End

WHO’S NEXT? with Sharon Heller

FROM MOD TO ROCK OPERA

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
1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
WEDNESDAYS
9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other

HOLLYWOOD HITS with Dan McCusker

SONGS OF THE SILVERSCREEN

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
1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
TUESDAYS
9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other

GET UP & GET DOWN with Evan Macaluso

THE GOLDEN AGE OF FUNK

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+
1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
WEDNESDAYS
9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other

THE BIRTH OF PUNK with Riley Corcoran

FROM CBGB TO THE WORLD

Step into the raw energy, fearless creativity, and rebellious spirit of the movement that changed rock forever. This workshop explores the birth of punk — from the legendary NYC scene at CBGB to the bands that transformed three chords and a DIY attitude into a worldwide revolution. Celebrate the stripped-down power, sharp songwriting, and uncompromising energy of artists who rejected the rules and created something entirely new. Expect driving rhythms, unforgettable guitar hooks, and songs built on attitude, urgency, and passion. If you love loud guitars, creative freedom, and the feeling of being part of something new, this is your chance to experience the sound that reshaped rock history.
Featured Artists: The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Talking Heads, The Police, The Pretenders, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Iggy Pop, The Stooges, The New York Dolls, Television, and more.
LEVEL: Beginner+ to Intermediate
1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
THURSDAYS
9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other

THE GREAT AMERICAN ROADTRIP with Ashley McKinley

DUSTY ROADS AND TIMELESS SONGS

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: Beginner+
1 PAYMENT OF $900 OR 3 PAYMENTS OF $300.00
THURSDAYS
9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15 (6:30pm-9pm)
PERFORMANCE: 10/16 @ The Bitter End
Vocals, Guitar, Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Other