Songlab

Kids 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 young musicians, getting started can be challenging, and finding the right children's band class can be daunting for parents.

Most kids are either new to playing an instrument, or have only been playing for a short time, and may not have the confidence to know what to play or how to find bandmates. Figuring out what to play, how to rehearse, and how to make it all come together can feel overwhelming. And it's a challenge for busy parents to research safe, professional spaces in a good location that are also the right fit for their kids.

Songlab solves all of this by offering a well equipped private studio in Carroll Gardens with professional staff and everything an aspiring young player needs to simply show up, learn parts, play songs, and have a blast making music with their friends!

There is no commitment. Book into single sessions, or purchase a discounted credit pack to book into any open spot.

SONGLAB QUICK FACTS

What Is Songlab?
- A 90-minute kids band class for experienced beginner to intermediate young musicians
  - Beginner Songlab is for ages 9 - 12
  - Songlab is for ages 12 - 17
- Musicians learn and play parts, sections, or entire songs the same day
- Styles vary from class to class based on the instructor's plan for the day
- Kids explore jamming and improvisation
- Video performances are shared at the end of each session
- Special live performance at the end of the school year during performance party week

Why Songlab?
- Learn how to learn parts, sections, and full songs
- Improve children's ear training skills
- Learn to rehearse in a band context
- Learn to memorize and perform full songs
- Improve overall playing skills
- Develop listening, communication, and collaboration skills

Who Is It For? Experienced beginners or better who can:
- Play a simple song on their instrument with a solid sense of tempo
- Be open to receiving constructive feedback from their instructor and bandmates
- Do their best to listen actively and lock in with their bandmates
- Contribute positively and respectfully to a shared musical experience

When Does It Meet?
- Songlab for ages 12 - 17 - Mondays & Tuesdays 5:30 pm
- Beginner Songlab for ages 9 - 12 - Fridays 4:30 pm
- Fall Session - October - December
- Winter Session - January - March
- Spring Session - April - June

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?
- Single class drop-in: $65 per class
- Purchase a credit pack to save
- Families currently enrolled in lessons or classes at Keylab receive 30% off single visits

Book a class

how it works

Songlab doesn't teach kids how to play their instrument. That's what private lessons are for!
Songlab teaches kids how to play with each other in a group setting
Students work organically, either solo or in small groups to learn parts, song sections, and whole songs
Songs are chosen by the instructor for the first classes, but the instructor may open up the class to student suggestions, including writing original material
Keylab's custom audio stations use creative mixing and headphone practice tools that allow each musician to isolate and learn their parts independently during class
Every class includes full-band rehearsal and performance exercises, giving your child the chance to develop listening skills, musical creativity, and confidence
Song Lab is an opportunity for your child to work collaboratively with other young musicians, make group decisions, and develop the kind of listening, communication, and social skills that only come from playing with others.

Flexible Scheduling & Great Location

Book a single class, multiple classes, or enroll for the full session — with maximum savings for full session enrollment.
Classes are held at Keylab's Carroll Gardens studio, five blocks from the F/G train at Carroll St. and Smith & 9th St. stations.

Participation Criteria

Songlab For Beginners ages 9 - 12 (experienced young beginners)

Beginner Songlab is a 90-minute ensemble class for younger musicians who know the basics of playing their instrument and are ready to try playing music with others.
Although this is a beginner level class, it is not for complete beginners, and it is assumed that students can play their instrument well enough to participate respectfully and collaboratively in a group setting.
If you're unsure of your child's skill level or you're not sure if they are ready for group music making, contact us with details and we'll help you figure out next steps for your child

Songlab For ages 12 - 17 (experienced beginner - intermediate)

This is an experienced beginner class for teens
Students must be able to play at least one song or piece on their instrument and be able to participate respectfully and collaboratively in a group setting.

For All Songlab Students

Guitar and bass players should have their own instruments, and should be at least familiar with tuning their instrument. Contact us if you need help purchasing an instrument.
Because the class depends on every musician being ready to contribute meaningfully, participation requires both musical readiness and the maturity to engage productively as part of an ensemble, where listening, supporting others, and contributing equally are just as important as individual ability
If we feel like a student isn't quite ready for Songlab, we'll work with the family to figure out the best path forward for their child's musical development.
If you have already purchased credits but we decide it's best for the student to develop some more skill before joining, we'll work with you to apply the credits to private lessons or another class.

Waitlist

If your child's instrument spot is full, you can join the waitlist.
When a spot opens up, families are notified by email.
The spot goes to the first family to complete their booking online.

Available Spots

Bass
Drums
Guitar (2 spots)
Keyboard / Piano (2 spots)
Other / Voice - We're open to including any young musician that can play! Contact us if you have a question about whether your child's instrument would not be a good fit for this class

Pricing

Single Visit - $65
- 30% off single visit pricing for families currently enrolled in Keylab classes or lessons. (contact info@keylab.nyc for discount link)
NEW! Class Credit Packs
- Class 8 pack (10% discount)
- Class 12 pack (15% discount)
How Class Packs Work
- Purchase a credit pack to add credits to your account.
- After purchase, click "use" on credits to book your classes.
- Credits purchased prior to mid-March are valid for 90 days from date of purchase.
- Credits expire 180 days from date of purchase or by June 11th 2027, whichever comes first,
- Credits do not roll over to the next school year, and cannot be applied to other services.
Songlab payments are non-refundable