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Empty Music Stage

Songlab

adult band and performance class

Playing an instrument on your own and playing with a band are two very different experiences. Playing in a band can be an amazingly fun and satisfying experience, but for many musicians, getting there is not as easy as it might sound.

 

Finding the right people to play with, finding a well-equipped space in a good location, figuring out what to play, and taking the time to make it all come together can feel overwhelming, especially for busy adults who may not have the time and energy to sort it all out on their own.

 

Songlab solves all of this for you by offering a professionally equipped private studio in the heart of Brooklyn with everything you need to simply show up, learn parts, and play songs.

 SONGLAB QUICK FACTS
  • What Is Songlab?

    • A 90 minute adult band class for experienced beginners and up

    • Musicians learn and perform songs or sections of songs the same day

    • Participants jam and improvise as a band in class, and play group performance exercises to improve specific skills

    • Styles vary from class to class based on instructor plan for the day 

  • Why Songlab?

    • Get better at learning songs

    • Improve your ear training skills

    • Get better at rehearsing and performing in a band context

    • Get better at memorizing and performing full songs

    • Improve your instrumental skills

    • Meet other musicians to play with

    • Stay motivated to play and improve your playing skills and overall musicianship

  • Who Is It For?

    • Experienced beginners and up.

    • If you can play a simple song on your instrument with a solid sense of tempo, you're likely ready

  • What Happens If I Show Up But I'm Not Good Enough To Participate?

    • Don't worry! If you sign up for a Songlab class but it turns out you aren't ready to play with a band, we may ask you to sit the class out so we can continue the class for the other participants.
    • If we do ask you to sit out, we'll do so discreetly, and will discuss options for converting or banking any remaining class credits.

    • We'll follow up after the class to help you identify and work on your skills so you can join a class down the line!

    • Contact us if you're unsure if this is the right class for you

  • Class Dates - Mondays & Thursdays at 7:15 pm. 10 classes per session. Cick "Book Class" to see full class dates​​

    • FALL 2026

      • Mon, Oct 5th - Mon, Dec 14th

      • Thu, Oct 8th  - Thu, Dec 17th

    • WINTER 2027

      • Mon, Jan 11th - Mar 29th

      • Thu, Jan 14th - Thu, Mar 25th

    • SPRING 2027

      • Mon, Apr 5th  - Mon, Jun 21st

      • Thu, Apr 1st - Thu, Jun 17th

  • Where Is It?

    • At our Carroll Gardens studio: 94 Luquer St. (just before Hamilton Ave)

  • How Do I Get There?

    • Subway: F/G at Carroll St. or Smith & 9th St. (5 blocks)

    • Bus: B57 or B61

  • How Much Does It Cost?

    • Full session, 10 classes: $510

    • Single class: $60 per class

    • 5 credit pack - $285

    • 10 credit pack - $540

How It Works

  • Each class begins with a short tune up and group jam to get warmed up and in performance mode

  • The teacher will then announce the day's project and have a quick group meeting to decide on who will play what parts and what sections we'll be working on

  • Students will then either begin rehearsal or move to Keylab's custom audio stations, where creative mixing and headphone practice tools allow each musician to isolate and learn their parts independently.

  • Songs will be chosen by the instructor for the first classes, but the instructor may open up the class to participant song suggestions.

  • In each class, the group will have as much playing time as possible based on the day's goals, giving students the opportunity to develop listening skills, musical creativity, and performance confidence.

  • Although we currently don't schedule live public performances at the end of each session, we will film an informal live performance at our studio at the end of each session to share with the performers.

 

More Than Just Playing Music

  • Songlab is an opportunity to work collaboratively with other musicians, make group decisions, and develop the kind of listening and communication skills that only come from playing with others. 

  • Whether you're a lifelong musician looking to play with a group, a beginner who has never played in a band before, or someone returning to music after years away, Songlab gives you the opportunity to play and connect with other like-minded musicians.

 

Flexible Scheduling & Great Location

  • Songlab works around your schedule. Book a single class, multiple classes, or enroll for the full session (15% savings for full session enrollment)

  • Classes are held at Keylab's Carroll Gardens studio at 94 Luquer St., five blocks from the F/G train at Carroll St. and Smith & 9th St. stations.

Participation Criteria

  • Songlab is not a beginner adult band class, but you don't need to be an advanced player to participate.

  • If you can play basic chords, simple musical parts, or fundamental rhythm patterns with a decent sense of tempo, you're likely ready.

  • Songlab will help you develop the listening and locking-in skills that only come from playing with a real band.

  • Guitar, bass, and instruments other than piano, keyboards, and drums should bring their own instrument. We have keyboards, drums, amps, and vocal mics.

    • If you play an instrument and also want to sing, we have extra mics, so just let us know when you sign up or in your first class.

  • If you aren't sure if you're ready for a group band class, contact us to arrange for a free evaluation, or add a note when booking and we will reach out to make sure the class is the right fit for you.

  • Please note: If you sign up for a Songlab class but it turns out you aren't ready to play with a band, we may ask you to sit the class out so we can continue the class for the other participants.

    • If we do ask you to sit out, we'll do so discreetly, and will discuss options for converting or banking any remaining class credits.

    • We'll follow up after the class to help you identify and work on your skills so you can join a class down the line!

 

Waitlist

  • If your instrument spot is full, you can join the waitlist directly on the booking page.

  • You will not receive an email confirmation when joining, but we'll know when you sign up.

  • You'll receive an automated notification if a spot opens up, and the spot goes to the first person to complete their booking online.

 

Available Spots

  • Bass

  • Drums

  • Guitar - 2 spots

  • Keyboard - 2 spots

  • Vocals

  • Other - for string, brass, woodwind, etc.

    • ​This class revolves primarily around styles rooted in rock, jazz, pop, and music with a rhythm section, but is open to all instruments.

    • Contact us if you're unsure if this is the right class for you.

ENROLLING vs CREDITS

  • Enrolling is the best value, and the best way to get the playing experience you need to really improve your skills

  • Credit packs are great if you can't commit to a full 10 week session. Simply click "use" on a credit to book into any open class for your instrument.

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