PERFORMANCE COACHING

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Many musicians play well but find themselves unable to break through the barrier to becoming the performer they truly want to be.

 

A performance coaching session pairs you with an experienced musician to work through whatever is standing in the way — identifying technical issues on your instrument or voice, learning and creating arrangements, building memorization and consistency, singing while playing, or managing performance nerves.

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These sessions are focused, purposeful work on the gap between where you are and where you want to be — whether you're preparing for a specific performance, working toward a personal goal, or simply ready to take your playing somewhere new.​​​

WHO IT'S FOR

• Performance Coaching is open to all instruments and vocalists, and is designed to help adult musicians perform better no matter what stage they are at.

• If you have a specific goal you're working toward, or simply want feedback from a trained professional, this session is for you. You might be:

  • A singer or instrumentalist preparing for an audition, open mic, recital, or recording session.

  • A hobbyist or amateur musician who's plateaued and needs help identifying how to move forward.

  • Someone returning to music after years away, rebuilding confidence alongside technique.

  • An actively gigging musician looking to tighten up their confidence and live performance skills.

  • A songwriter who wants to perform their own material with feeling and conviction, free from nerves or self-doubt.

 

HOW IT WORKS

• Each session is one-on-one with a Keylab coach who will listen, assess, and work with you directly on your specific goals. There's no set curriculum — the session is built around you and what you need most that day.

• Sessions are available in person at our Carroll Gardens studio or virtually for musicians outside of NYC. You can book a single session to address something specific, or work with a coach regularly over time to make deeper, lasting progress.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Do I need to be an advanced player? Performance Coaching is designed to help adult musicians learn to perform better, no matter what stage they are at. If you have a goal you're working toward, or just want feedback from a trained professional, this session is for you.

• How is this different from a regular music lesson? A traditional lesson focuses on techniques and concepts specific to the instrument or musical subject. Performance Coaching helps musicians who can already play, but focuses specifically on helping them perform better — with more confidence, consistency, and presence.

• Can singers book a Performance Coaching session? Yes! Although instructors may not be professional singers themselves, they can coach you on improving your delivery, working on basic pitch and breath work, and generally helping you to improve your concept of how to use your voice better.

• What should I bring? Bring your instrument if it's portable, any sheet music or recordings you're working with, and a clear sense of what you'd like to work on. If you're not sure where to start, that's okay too — your coach can help you figure it out.

• Where are you located? Keylab is located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. We serve musicians across the NYC area for in-person sessions. If you don't live in NYC, you can book a virtual session.​

• How Do I Get There?

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

  • Bus: B57 or B61​

• How Much Does It Cost?

  • ​60 minute session $100

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How It Works

• Each class begins with a quick class introduction followed by the teacher announcing the day's project before students 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.

• The group then comes together for full-band rehearsal, and every class closes with a jam session — giving students the space to develop listening skills, musical creativity, and confidence.

• Class sizes are kept deliberately small so every musician gets real playing time and genuine feedback.

 

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 finally play with a group, or someone returning to music after years away, Songlab is one of Brooklyn's most unique adult music classes — designed specifically for working adults who want a real musical experience without the hassle of organizing it themselves.

 

Flexible Scheduling & Great Location

• Songlab works around your schedule. Book a single class, multiple classes, or enroll for the full session — with significant 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.

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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 and bass students should be at least familiar with tuning their instrument — tuning support is provided in class.

• If you're not sure whether you're ready, contact us to arrange a brief evaluation, or add a note when booking and we'll reach out to make sure the class is the right fit before confirming your spot.

 

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 are notified when you sign up.

• We check the waitlist daily and will reach out directly if a spot opens up — the spot goes to the first person to complete their booking online.

 

Available Spots

• Bass

• Drums

• Guitar 1

• Guitar 2

• Keyboard 1

• Keyboard 2

• Vocals are not listed as a bookable seat in class but mics are available for singers

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Pricing

• 2026 Spring Session Promotional Pricing

  • Full session enrollment: $35 per class, books all classes in the session from your chosen start date

  • Single class drop-in: $50 per class, can book one or more at a time, can choose specific dates