Garage Band U creates a fun and supportive environment where musicians of all ages develop their skills by performing as members of a functioning rock band. Musical confidence and ability grow together and thrive at Garage Band U. Semesters last 6 to 12 weeks, with an open enrollment policy. Students are grouped in small classes with musicians of the same age and experience level. Band size is kept small (usually 4 - 6 people) to ensure that everyone plays his or her principal instrument at all times.Musical repertoire is determined by the band members; students are encouraged to submit appropriate song suggestions. Groups rehearse for 1 hour per week, culminating in a live performance at a public venue with a stage and professional sound system. Garage Band U students learn what is expected of professional musicians, and they experience the thrill and pride of performing together as members of a real rock band. The Garage Band U program helps students:
Set and achieve goals
Work effectively as part of a team
Tap their creativity
Network with other musicians
Make new friends
Garage Band U students also learn to embrace important values:
Discipline
Confidence
Self Esteem
Integrity
Commitment
Served areas
- Western Chicagoland Area
Highlights and features
- Group and private music instruction
Services
We offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are specific to the Rock Bands that we help create. We group musicians based on age and talent. Band size is important to us so that everyone is heavily included in each 'practice' session. During these sessions, students will decide songs together to help retain interest and allow students to perform pieces that they are passionate about. There are typically 4 sessions each year that run 10 to 12 weeks with a professional performance at the end.
Individual lessons are a great way to bridge the gap between garage band sessions. Additionally, it can help students get additional support on songs that they are working on during their sessions. We love the garage band concept, but understand that this may not be for everyone. We also provide individual lessons to those who aren't in our garage band program at all.
People
James Digirolamo
Musical director/ Owner
James has performed professionally for 28 years, with extensive experience in upright and electric bass and guitar. He studied at DePaul University's School of Jazz Music and privately with Larry Gray, who plays bass with Ramsey Lewis.
As a jobbing musician, he has done radio and television jingles, studio session work, a great deal of pit work and many orchestral performances, including Chicago's Orchestra Hall, the Chicago Children's Choir and several seasons with The Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
James' long-term band experience includes swing with The Riff Rockets, The Rhythm Rockets and The Rockafellers; blues with the Convulsions, Phil Baron, Barrelhouse Chuck, Pinetop Perkins and The Willie Hayes Band; pop-rock with Burnt Toast, Selective Recall, JP and the Cats and The Jennifer Jennings Band; and jazz with countless groups including Bob Mintzer, The Tom Sorich Trio and The Tom Costanzo Trio. James has also played country, zydeco and rock-a-billy with bands such as The Big Guitars from Memphis, The Delta Rhythm Kings, Guy Lawerence and Chydeco Zydeco, Peaches and Will Crosby.
James was nominated for a WC Handy Award with Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, a touring blues band that plays regularly at Buddy Guy's Legends and The House of Blues. He has professional endorsement deals with Lakland, Gallien-Krueger, Bag End and Rotosound.
As a jobbing musician, he has done radio and television jingles, studio session work, a great deal of pit work and many orchestral performances, including Chicago's Orchestra Hall, the Chicago Children's Choir and several seasons with The Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
James' long-term band experience includes swing with The Riff Rockets, The Rhythm Rockets and The Rockafellers; blues with the Convulsions, Phil Baron, Barrelhouse Chuck, Pinetop Perkins and The Willie Hayes Band; pop-rock with Burnt Toast, Selective Recall, JP and the Cats and The Jennifer Jennings Band; and jazz with countless groups including Bob Mintzer, The Tom Sorich Trio and The Tom Costanzo Trio. James has also played country, zydeco and rock-a-billy with bands such as The Big Guitars from Memphis, The Delta Rhythm Kings, Guy Lawerence and Chydeco Zydeco, Peaches and Will Crosby.
James was nominated for a WC Handy Award with Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, a touring blues band that plays regularly at Buddy Guy's Legends and The House of Blues. He has professional endorsement deals with Lakland, Gallien-Krueger, Bag End and Rotosound.
Photos
Reviews (3)
Joe LoCascio
Aug 26, 2021
Rob Jaskula
Jun 28, 2015
I've always wanted to learn to play guitar and be in a band. Thanks to James and Garage Band U this old man is now rocking it out. Its great that I can be placed in a band with other "adults" that have similar tastes in music so we can live our rock and roll dreams. I highly recommend Garage Band U for anyone, young or old, who has wanted to be a part in a real band. Can't wait for our first live performance! Rock On!
Mike Peach