Testimonials

"Noah thanks you for all the support and said you were the best teacher ever. He hopes you

guys can work together again someday. It was such a positive experience for him as was

last summer with Bandworks. But this was even better because it covered so many weeks

and ended with a performance at such a great venue. His commitment to this group improved

his desire to practice and this was a GREAT thing to see every day. I have him scheduled for

summer sessions with his buddies and I’m glad it’s soon so we don’t lose the momentum. It

has been wonderful to see him fall in love with this instrument and with his new skills. He

wasn’t kidding when he said it has become like therapy to him. It makes me want to pick up

my guitar again so we can rock out together. Time to sign me up for Bandworks!

My family and friends really enjoyed the show and watching Noah play up there was one of

the coolest things I have ever seen in my entire life. Thanks for working so well with these

kids (I’m sure it can’t be easy) and keep up the great work!"

(Rebecca Hornick, parent)

"This was an awesome camp and it was WAY more than we thought it was going to be. Zack was really laid back and seemed to get a kick out of all the kids (even on the day when they, the kids, were fighting). They learned an impressive 4 songs and then even composed one. This camp really turned my kids on to music because they actually got to play music, not just learn chords. They definitely want to do this camp again. Thank you. Keep up the good work! "

(Lisa Gearing, parent)

“My son has had his best summer camp experience ever in all his 10 plus years at his last two sessions of BandWorks. So much so that we'd like to do another session. He has Asperger's and often has a hard time tolerating camp. This was the first time he's made it through a week of camp without a single meltdown. He loved the camp and couldn't wait to go back each day. He is now a total Beatles fan. Chris was an excellent instructor - he was calm and steady but also fun. He was also able to teach the kids a lot. ”

(Elaine Park, parent)

"Just to let you know that Jason is an amazing ambassador for BandWorks and music in general. He started this week with four rank beginners in a half day camp and today these young kids got up and played their hearts out. He was very encouraging and supportive, but above all he ignited the spark of enthusiasm in them. It was a week well spent and I thank Jason for making it such a positive first experience. "

(Anne Knudsen, parent)

“Our daughter had a great week and looks forward to doing this again next summer if not sooner. Us parents also really enjoyed the recital as well. We are very happy to have been turned on to BandWorks. Thank you. ”

(Erin Gomes, parent)

"My son loved this camp and he doesn't usually embrace summer camp. He liked the music selected and he felt like he was a "real" musician. The teacher was fun and patient...The "concert" at the end was great fun and I have shared the video with friends and familiy who thought it was terrific. He wants to do your 8-week session in the fall - he loved the camp that much! "

(Amy Huerta, parent)

“My daughter had a great time. She signed up for just a half day and was a bit reticent about it because she had not had experience playing music with other people, and because she didn't know what to expect...thought it might be "boring." (Also worried that she wouldn't be good enough to keep up with the others.) But after the first morning, she decided on the spot to sign up for the afternoon session. Rex was a great instructor - he encouraged her to try new things (drums, singing), made her feel that her contribution to the band was important, and overall created a fun and enthusastic experience for her. She is looking forward to doing it again next summer. ”

(Catharine K., parent)

"Gavin...was truly engaged in the camp and very involved in the music. The level was just right for his age level and experience, and I think it was nice for music-making to be so accessible to him so quickly. He was able to enjoy making music and performing without worrying about "getting things right," and the camp gave him a lot of confidence and motivation to continue on some kind of musical path. "

(parent)

“The day before camp started Aeden was saying things like: "it starts too early! Why do I have to do a camp anyway? why did you sign me up for both morning and afternoon? It's summer and I just want to hang out!" The second morning, he was out of bed of his own accord (at 7am!), prodding me to hurry up. By the third day of camp, Aeden was coming home and playing guitar until I made him to go to bed, while completely ignoring his video games - not his usual behavior. At the end of camp all he wanted was for it not to end! I can't imagine a better recommendation for BandWorks than that. ”

(Milton McClaskey, parent)

"I was blown away by what these 3 boys accomplished in a week...I thougth the teacher (Justin) was great and really got the kids enthused. At no point did my son seem frustrated (and he frustrates easily). We're looking forward to his next camp - Beatles - in a couple of weeks. "

(parent)

“We all loved Rex - what a great instructor!! It's amazing what the boys learned in just one week, and only in the mornings! My son had a wonderful time and learned a lot, really increasing his interest and undrestanding of music, musicians and instruments, as well as working together; I've told a lot of people about your Camp with rave reviews. I'm sure we'll sign up again in the future! ”

(Valerie R., parent)

"Clint had an amazing time! He loved everything about the experience and is interested in returning."

(Angel Murray, parent)

I'm still coming down off the high from last night. What a GREAT experience with you all - the past eight weeks have truly been a highlight in my life. To feel it all come together and to have so much fun last night and to connect with you all was truly special. There were some memorable/special moments . . . Laury and his killer Thunder Road and his great intros, John the Cockney lad grabbing Your Really Got Me by the throat and not letting go, my dropping a drum stick during I Need to Know and having my shoe come untied but still managed to get through (!), Jeff's awesome solos (including an extended one on You Really Got Me - :) - but we were so tight as a band we just kept ridin' it out and it sounded great!), Leslie holding down the awesome bass line and lookin' HOT in her cool outfit, Larry with that cool chill feel on Dead Flowers and that great strum at the end of Round Here that kept my voice in line . . . :)

(Chris Beynon)

"This camp was a surprise hit for us. My boys had very little prior music instruction, but they loved, loved, loved, this camp! Not only did they play new instruments, but they came home and continued playing and singing when camp was over. As a result of this camp, my son decided to take guitar lessons. The teacher was patient, calm, and he connected well with the kids...Thank you for a great experience."

(Susan Solomon, parent)

“Jack had an absolute great time in both weeks he attended BandWorks. All four of his instructors were great, as were the other kids in the various groups. This is the first time he's met so many kids that play music, and I think it was a bit enlightening. I'm sure that we'll be back. ”

(Michael Olinger, parent)

"We're so happy we enrolled our son in your program. He had a terrific experience! We plan on having him in again next summer. We're also interested in possibly signing him up for drumming and/or guitar classes during the school year. The teacher our son had was also just great. We'll definitely recommend your program to others."

(Jennifer Biddle, parent)

“My daughter loved this camp. It was her first experience in a band, and first experience improvising. She loved it. She was very excited every day when I picked her up after camp, and she has said it was her favorite camp ever. Her instructor was energized, knowledgeable, really engaged the kids. We, her parents, were very impressed and our daughter will attend BandWorks again.”

(Patricia Contaxis, parent)

"Ryan is a great teacher and wonderful with the kids---we were glad to see he was the instructor again. Now my son wants to continue with the bass!"

(Christensen family)

“My son Stewart and I thought Roger was a GREAT counselor/teacher. I really enjoyed the little performance at the end, and was VERY impressed with what Roger was able to have them do. Thanks very much!!!”

(Mittie Cuetara, parent)

"After the first day, my daughter said: I don't know, it's not so good, I'm the only girl! By the end of the session, she was having a great time and thought that maybe being the only girl was a good thing (ahem). Also at first she said: I suck at drums!!! But soon she was saying: I'm good at guitar, bass AND drums! So whatever was happening in the class was working; she's got a lot of confidence that she didn't have before. She had a really good time and wants to do it again."

(parent)

“I just wanted to let you know that Ben and Ned had an amazing week at BandWorks camp. Bret was a fabulous instructor and their band "Thunderbird" mastered and performed 6 songs for the performance today. Ben said at dinner that he wishes the band could stay together. I think that says it all. I think Ben is inspired to continue with his music after this week. I will write Bret personally to thank him, but I wanted to let you know what a great experience they had and how much they liked Bret. Thanks and we will definitely look forward to camp next summer.”

(Sue Weinswig, parent)

"BandWorks is great. We want to enroll the kids for the whole year...This is our third summer at BandWorks camp and it only gets better! Thank you for you and the work you do with these young musicians. "

(Kathryn Keats, parent)

"I just wanted to send a thank you to all of the great people at Bandworks. My son just had his concert debut last Sunday and he really loved it! He got so many compliments on his guitar playing from his band mates, teacher and the people in the audience. Someone even said that a Director from Bandworks said Matt was one of the best players he has seen at Bandworks. All of these compliments have made his confidence soar and we were very proud!

Thank you for having such a great company and giving him a safe place to learn about being in a band. It really pushed him to do his best and he liked working with the other musicians."

(Cindy Vance, parent)

"You guys clearly love what you’re doing and rightfully so. You are giving ordinary people like me the chance to live “the moment”. That instant when the nervousness fades, you forget the lights are blinding and hot, your sense of being expands and the music is flowing from you, out into the crowd…. Who is screaming their heads off and ….. is it true…. Are they…. They’re dancing!!!!!!! Suddenly you realize you’re rockin' the house and even though everyone in front of you is bound to you by a priest or a direct blood relative and required to pretend to have fun…. It looks like they actually are having fun…. And you’re playing music!!!!!! What a feeling!!!!! Giant, enormous, golden laced kudos to Andrew [our teacher]…. Without his patience and expertise we wouldn’t have survived!!!

I’m signing up again….."

(Dane Stark, guitar)

“I want to tell you how happy my son was this week. He has been a surly 13 year old all summer and even snarled at doing this camp. After the first day...he was fully committed and enthused about his comrades in the studio and his awesome teacher, Matt. It was a transformative experience for our boy, the new rock star. Thank you for offering such a unique and well executed program.”

(Jennifer Laporte, parent)

“BandWorks is the best way we can imagine to keep our kids engaged in music. My 13-year old lost interest in playing in her school band, and was ready to drop music entirely. But thanks to BandWorks, she regained her interest and love for music, which we hope will last a lifetime. BandWorks is a perfect way for someone who is “too busy” for music to play in a band. Jeremy and Steve take care of all the details, so you can just show up and play!””

(Linda Spencer, bass)

“Excellent! Well worth the fees. The experience renewed my son’s interest in drums and continuing on with lessons; provided him with experience playing in a band, which is something he had been wanting to do for a couple years when he first started drum lessons. As parents, we were so impressed with the progress and number of songs the group learned and played so incredibly well at the end of the session! It validated that all the lessons to date have been worthwhile.”

(Aime Shiovitz, parent)

“BandWorks did truly change my life, it gave me this newfound confidence and a whole new inspiration and sense of excitement. I thank you for the opportunity and the great experience.”

(Maggie Williams, vocals)

“We will definitely sign up for the next session. Nora cried the Friday after her Bandworks camp was over, she loved it so much. Chris, her teacher, was fantastic. Bandworks camp was a phenomenal experience for our daughter.”

(Karin Birch, parent)

“BandWorks kick-started my return to playing music after not doing so for most of my adult life. Jeremy and Steve are as kind as they are professional and this made it easy for me to just jump back into performing without feeling self-conscious. I now practice at least an hour a day, in large part because BandWorks has provided me with a practical opportunity to develop as a musician.”

(David Scharff, drums)

“Ben had a terrific time, even better than he’d hoped. He told me he wants to return next summer for two weeks and he wished he could stay at camp “all night and play music.” Thank you so much for giving him such a wonderful experience, and, most importantly, the confidence to feel and follow his passion. I greatly appreciate it.”

(Ilene Yasemsky, parent)

“I'd put my love of music on the back shelf for far too long--too busy and too complicated to organize a part-time, pickup band. BandWorks is the perfect answer! Jeremy and Steve are like “instant bands”...just add talent and we're ready to rock. Made some new friends too. Encore to these guys!”

(Paul Wudski, vocals)

“Bandworks...There is no where else that even comes close to providing the hands-on knowledge and inspiration to learn how to be a rock'n'roller like the awesome Bandworks experience that Jeremy Steinkoler and Steve Gibson have created. I continue to send many students their way!”

(Libby McLaren, voice and piano teacher)

“I remember the first band workshop I attended very well. Steve asked me to take a guitar solo while the band was jamming on one of the songs. I was real nervous in front of the band, but after I did it and it went well, I felt like I could do anything. My guitar playing was never the same after that. The band workshops, and particularly the performances at the end of the sessions, gave me so much confidence in my abilities. I never could have gained that confidence and experience playing alone.”

(Sarah Melfeld, age 18, guitar)

“I have grown to love playing with other people. None of us are very good, but playing with other people improves your skill pretty quickly. The cool thing is, we are learning together. Not only have I become a better player since I started in BandWorks, I have become more confident in what I play. Playing in a band has taught me to learn music in a positive way, and how to listen and consider other people's thoughts and feelings.”

(Suzanne Spencer, age 13, guitar)

“Our son Chris has been a participant in Bandworks for six years. It's been a thrill for our entire family and a great experience for Chris. Chris is a wonderful guitar player, who just happens to have developmental disabilities. His whole life, Chris has received lots of support and encouragement from those who serve people with disabilities, but he's desperately wanted to fit into society in general. The Bandworks community has enthusiastically embraced him for his abilities, not his disabilites. He's made wonderful friends and blossomed as a performer. He lives for the applause he receives on stage. Thanks to great teachers and a wonderful community of musicians and music lovers for enriching Chris’ life and ours.”

(Candace and Charles Brochard)

“Bandworks is, like, cool and stuff….The most fun I've ever had playing music.”

(Mike Ruby, age 15, guitar/drums)

“If you've ever dreamed of having a band of your own, BandWorks is a great place to start. Not only will you learn the “ins and outs” of how make music with other people, but you'll also meet a community of like-minded folks who may very well become life-long friends and/or future band-mates. It's a great experience on too many levels to list.”

(Julie Chervin, guitar & vocals)

“I have taken Steve and Jeremy's BandWorks workshop at least a dozen times and plan to do it again in the future. Both Steve and Jeremy are excellent musicians, equally inspiring teachers and their mastery of the musical genres we cover (mostly Rock and R&B) is amazing. I have learned a lot from them and enjoyed myself tremendously in the process. I did not know adults were allowed to have so much fun!”

(Ami Kronfeld, drums)

“I can't imagine what my son would have done with his teenage energy if we hadn't found BandWorks. He has always loved music, and was playing clarinet & saxophone in a classical orchestra and a jazz band since 4th grade, but played electric guitar by himself. Then we found BandWorks. His love of music exploded, he realized he could play guitar in a band and still keep up his other instruments at school. The BandWorks teachers are so patient, really giving the kids space to explore their musical talents while keeping them in line (and with teenagers, this is really a difficult balance!). The teachers treat the kids with respect and give lots of praise, really helping with self-esteem at this difficult time for adolescents. I joke that BandWorks is the best “anti-drug” for kids, but it's true! My son has no desire to stay out late at parties, he'd rather be in the basement with his BandWorks friends practicing their songs. And after school, instead of hanging out late, he'd rather get home to finish his work so he can play guitar. This bolstering of self-esteem has helped in all areas of his life. Also, the kids involved in BandWorks tend to be great, giving each other support, and developing friendships outside the class. And as a parent, I love watching my son perform at the concerts. With all the “extras” my child has done (soccer, after school classes, Little League, city sports leagues, art classes, enrichment classes, etc) this is by far the best thing we have ever enrolled him in, one that has made the biggest influence on my son's life. I can't thank Steve, Jeremy and the other BandWorks teachers enough for all they have done for my child.”

(Fran Wickner, guitar)

“Mom, my stoke meter is pegged!" [after his first BandWorks class]”

(Zachary Filler, bass)

“For anyone who has ever desired to perform in front of an audience, I would highly recommend a session with BandWorks. It's a great experience and I know I will participate again soon.”

(Neil McCumber, guitar)

“Playing music is a soul-nourishing pursuit; playing music with others adds another huge dimension. Jeremy and Steve are both tough and tender, and the kind wisdom that they share makes the experience truly addicting.”

(Gary Parsons, guitar)

“BandWorks is an awesome music experience with great teachers. This has really helped me learn to play in a band. The other kids are really fun to play with too.”

(Andrew Harris, age 16, guitar)

“Bandworks?...I think of fun times and broad smiles , and a bit of the sweat drop as you stand up on stage waiting for the word 'GO!' -- wouldn't trade it for nothing! Sure, some lessons are taught, but mostly, it's about gettin' in with the right bunch and makin' music you feel sounds sweet. And that my friend, is the 'why' of why I love music...they let you discover that elusive 'why'...that's priceless.”

(Jeff Clark, guitar)

"The bass guitar was a brand new instrument for me when I joined BandWorks. I quickly and comfortably learned about song structure, dynamic control and being a part of an ensemble. Now I'm playing drums again and I work more effectively with my other bandmates (new friends) due to my BandWorks experience. Way to go Jeremy and Steve!!"

(Andy Harman)

“All the coolness of being in a band (rehearsals, performing, learning new tunes), without the lameness (finding practice space, setting up a gig, finding band-mates).”

(Bob Cave, vocals)

"Other bass players don't kick sand in my face at the beach anymore."

(Stephen Clayton, bass)

“BandWorks was a marvelous opportunity to blow the dust off of my flute and use it! I was inspired and motivated to practice as much as my schedule would allow in order to learn the music Jeremy and Steve wrote personally for me. The music they wrote was at my level (basic) but just challenging enough. It was music I was familiar with - which is so fun to play!”

(Jewel Jauregui, flute)

“The weird thing about Bandworks is you work and work and then the show is just easy and fun. But it goes by so fast! I'm lucky cause I can do it again. I wish everyone could do it everytime.”

(Calvin Wright, guitar)

“Paul was daydreaming about going to BandWorks every day next summer. The program hsa really been great for him.”

(Cornelia Lee, Mom)

“I just wanted to let you both know what a great experience Bandworks was for Z. He felt really great about the music, the kids and especially Dave, his teacher. Prior to this experience, everytime Z got together with peers to jam, half of them wound up wanting to play computer games and well, let's just say not a lot of music resulted. You guys are providing a super valuable service for these kiddos (and for the parents too!:-). Thanks again, and hope to see you all again!”

(Deah Schwartz, Mom)

“Bandworks has been a fantastic experience and I must praise the great teaching I've received from both Andrew Griffin and now, Deirdre Lynds. They have both been excellent instructors and this is probably indicative of top quality instruction throughout the ranks. Bandworks is also extremely well organized and very responsive to the many requests that the bands and I have had over the last several sessions. Thank you for everything!”

(John Penny, drums)

“I want you to know that Bandworks opened Austin's eyes to a whole new world. He is on his bass guitar and (new) electric guitar all the time. And he wants drums for his birthday. This is definitely a new and exciting passion that genuinely makes him happy. We thank Bandworks for this wonderful musical discovery!”

(Jaleh Bisharat, parent)

“I must tell you, my son Evan has not stopped talking about playing in BandWorks. He has been doing summer “camp” for year…basketball, art, camping out, etc. Never have I heard him rave about camp before. Thanks again for a great week!”

(Celeste Mackall, parent)

“My son looked forward going to camp each morning and whenever I picked him up, he was still excited and loved talking about what the group did in class. It was such a positive experience for my 13-year old son, who has never played in a group (band). With the aid of the instructor, he learned how to work well with a group of students with different backgrounds and music abilities and was willing to share what he knew. The final performance at the end of the camp surprised us all because in one week’s time, the group did a great job putting together what they learned as a group and performing the Green Day songs in front of people they didn’t know. Even the kids, who were unsure if they would sing, got up in front of the audience and went for it and did such an amazing job! We had never heard my son sing at home because he would hide in his room and not let any of us listen to how he sounded, but when my son got up and played “Brain Stew” and sang a solo for it, we were shocked and so impressed that he got the nerve to perform in front an audience and also did such a fantastic job. We all felt this camp was the highlight of his summer and he looks forward to attending another one next summer. Thank you!”

(Parent)

“Loved the camp and gives it a perfect 10. I was pleased to see my son perform. He has been taking lessons for 1 year, but I never get to see the results. He got a great understanding of working together with others.”

(Tina Davis, parent)

“I just came back from the Bandworks/YMCA concert and it was terrific. The instructor did an amazing job with the kids and so many good lessons were learned about cooperation and support. The parents were very appreciative. We look forward to another fun week!”

(Kathy Chiverton, Executive Director, San Ramon Valley YMCA)

“The boys could not wait to get to BandWorks. They loved it and the opportunity to play the instruments they wanted to play. I could not believe how great the band sounded on the last day! It was amazing, the teacher has a gift.”

(M. Ahern, parent)

“My son had a great time at the BandWorks camp this summer. Even though he had only started playing the guitar a few months earlier he was able to participate fully. His playing has improved dramatically and he loved the experience of playing in a real band and trying out all of the instruments. We attended the end-of-session performance and we were amazed by the progress the kids made in only 5 days. Of all the day camps and workshops we have tried over the years (soccer camp, tennis, swimming, scouts, etc) this was by far the best experience and the only one in my memory that he would want to do more of next summer. Thank you and your staff for all of their work and patience.”

(Anonymous)

“Teacher (Chris) was awesome. We’re thrilled to have BandWorks in the TriValley area; it couldn’t have been more convenient. Please come back! My son only has about 1.5 years experience with guitar lessons and had never played in any sort of band. He was worried that he couldn’t keep up and wouldn’t fit in with the more experience musicians. The teacher was great about getting everyone to contribute at his ability level and be proud of their accomplishments. This was an outstanding experience for him. He wants to take another BandWorks camp this summer.”

(Dee, parent)

“Amazing results, especially considering how little time there was to learn so much. Thanks very much.”

(Valorie Keller, parent)

“My son and a friend both had a great time. They were very happy when I picked them up the first day, which is not what I expected because they tend to be a little critical and they are different in what they like and their playing is not exactly equal but they both seemed to have a great time all week. Thanks!”

(Oliner Family)

“Nick had a great experience at this camp and he is really looking forward to his next CD camp in a few weeks. He really enjoyed Mark as an instructor and learned so much from him. Mark did a great job with the end of camp performance. The boys played great together and they looked and sounded so professional! Thanks!”

(Janine Thomas, parent)

“I just wanted to thank Daniel from the bottom of my heart (cliche but true) for the work/play he has done with my son. I have never seen Z so comfortable, so happy, and so in sync before in his life. He is having so much fun and learning so much in BandWorks with Daniel, I had such a good time watching the show. We look forward to his next session. You guys are doing such great work with these kids, THANK YOU SO MUCH."

(Deah - Da Mom)