Join a Band!
Play together. Perform together. Grow together.
Our band sessions are for young musicians who want to take their playing beyond the practice room. It's where they learn to listen, collaborate, find their role in a group — and experience the buzz of performing live.
Our bands rehearse for gigs, busk in the high street, and perform at our regular events, including our annual gig - The Next Wave - at Chinnerys! It's real band experience, with real opportunities to play.
What They'll Learn
In our band sessions, young people will:
Play with others — learning to listen, lock in and respond as part of a group
Find their role — understanding how their instrument fits in a band setting
Build repertoire — working up songs together, ready to perform
Develop stage confidence — through showcases, gigs and busking
Be part of a team — building friendships and learning to collaborate
Who It's For
Ages 8–13 — Saturdays
Ages 14+ — Wednesdays or Thursdays
Instruments: Guitar, bass, keys, drums, Vocals
Experience: At least 1 year of playing experience required
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
Meet Your Coaches
Billy Hoyle and Tom Cunningham lead our band sessions.
Billy heads up our guitar and production programmes, and brings his instrumental expertise to the band sessions — helping players develop their technique and confidence in a live setting.
Tom is our Songwriting and Bands coach, bringing hands-on experience of playing, writing and performing with groups. He helps young musicians find their voice within a band — learning how to collaborate, communicate and create together.
Flo Evans assists with Saturday band sessions, supporting young musicians as they learn to play together.
FAQs
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Our bands are for guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers and vocalists. If your child plays something else and wants to join, get in touch — we may be able to accommodate them.
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No. We work by ear, with chord charts and tabs where needed.
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That's fine — we'll place them in a group that suits their age and ability. They don't need to come with a ready-made band.
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It depends on the group! Our bands play everything from pop and rock to indie and soul. We tailor the repertoire to what the young people want to play.
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Ages 8-10 (Juniors)
Band (1 hour): £36/month
Junior Music School - Band/Songwriting or Production combined (2 hours): £60/month
Ages 11+ and Ages 14+ (Saturday afternoons and Seniors)
Band (2 hours): £60/month
Band/Songwriting or Production combined (4 hours): £84/month
Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.
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Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
Book a Free Trial
Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
How to Register
Select the appropriate age group for your child
Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial
Complete the short induction form
Click 'Sign Up'
You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.
Can't find a session for your child?
If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.
