let’s jam
Unleash Your Child's Inner Rock Star Here!
Band programmes auckland wide
WEEKLY BAND JAM
FOR 8-17 YEAR OLDS
Starting from 2026, our Kids Band Programme has been completely overhauled into an early career shaping opportunity for young musicians that will push their musical skills to the next level! Whether your child is a budding drummer, a guitar hero, a keyboard wizard, or a future pop star, this programme is their chance to shine on stage, learn essential musical skills, and most importantly—have an absolute blast!
Designed for kids aged 8-17. The programme runs over the course of a full year where they will run through a fully fleshed out, genre spanning curriculum that will take them through new learning experiences each week and multiple gig opportunities throughout the year.
Please note: To get the most out of the experience, students should have at least one year of prior tuition on their chosen instrument (including vocals). This ensures everyone in the group can jam confidently and contribute to the band’s success.
What They’ll Learn:
This is a year-long course that covers 4 themes, one per term, each ending with a live performance at an EMA Jam Night or an outside EMA performance that has been organised by the staff at EMA.
Term 1 - Rock
The kids will follow a structured programme that teaches the fundamentals of Rock music learning a curated list of songs that is designed to teach playing collaboratively with others and locking in the basics of playing music in a group.
Term 2 - Homegrown
The kids and teachers will work together to follow a structured programme based on the best of original Kiwi music. Term 2 offers multiple big opportunities including meet and greets with NZ Music Industry professionals and Structured Band Workshops with NZ Music Industry Professionals to help our bands become the best they could possibly be. Term 2 also features ‘New Found Sound’ which is an industry recognized gig opportunity for our bands to take part in.
Term 3 - Mashups
Term 3 follows the same structure as the previous two terms but focussed on ‘Mashups’. Mashups will take two songs and combine them into a single piece challenging creativity and problem solving skills for the students involved. Term 3 performance opportunities feature the potential finals of New Found Sound, another Band Workshop with NZ Music Professionals and a Band Night to round out the term.
Term 4 - Original Music
Term 4 follows the same structure as the previous 3 terms however the students will be challenged to their utmost potential given the task to write and polish Original Music that the bands write themselves. Writing original music is the pinnacle of the program with an opportunity to perform their original songs at the Eliettes End of Year Concert
Following on from the End of Year Concert, students will have the opportunity to record their music in a studio environment and continue to write and work on Original Music for the remainder of the year.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
This course has been hand crafted by industry professionals and your kids could be the first to benefit from the wealth of knowledge of our teachers and the industry professionals involved in putting it together.
Some of the benefits include:
Structured Week to Week programme with learning outcomes and goals for each week
Multiple live performance opportunities
The council and guidance of music industry professionals
The perfect foundation course for your children's live performance music careers
WHO CAN JOIN?
Kids aged 8-17 with at least one year of experience on their instrument are welcome to join.
SIGN UP NOW!
If your child is ready to make music, increase their skills, work hard collaboratively and have a tonne of fun while doing it, this is the programme for them. Spots fill fast, so sign up today and get the best possible foundation for your child’s musical future.
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Adult BAND JAM
For 20+
Welcome to EMA's Adult Band Programme, a welcoming, high-energy space for musicians who want to connect, collaborate, and experience the thrill of playing in a real band. Whether you’re a drummer itching to lock in a groove, a guitarist ready to riff, a keyboard player chasing textures, or a vocalist eager to front a band, this programme brings like-minded adults together to make great music.
Designed for adult musicians 20 years and up, this programme focuses on real-world band experience, creativity, and collaboration. This is hands-on, practical music-making. From the very first session, participants are placed into bands and start rehearsing together, exploring different styles, and developing a shared musical identity in a supportive, motivating environment.
Please note: To ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience, participants should have at least one year of prior tuition or equivalent experience on their chosen instrument (including vocals). This allows bands to rehearse confidently and progress together.
What You’ll Learn:
Throughout the programme, you’ll build the skills needed to play, rehearse, and perform as part of a successful band. Our experienced mentors will guide you through:
Chord charts & song structures – understand how modern songs are put together
Band arrangements & harmony – learn how parts fit together musically
Band roles & group dynamics – develop communication and teamwork skills
Songwriting & improvisation – create and shape original music collaboratively
Performance skills & stage presence – perform with confidence and authenticity
From rock and pop to funk, indie, and beyond, you’ll explore a range of styles while gaining practical experience in a band setting. Whether your goal is to perform live, write original music, or simply enjoy playing with others, this programme is about making music, building connections, and having a great time doing it.
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