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Music Shop Calls on Kid Musicians to Band Together in Cobble Hill

 Musicians' General Store in Cobble Hill is conducting a music school of young and adult performers.
Rock'Scool
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COBBLE HILL — Kid musicians can band together this fall as a Smith Street music shop begins their new school year for performers.

“Rock’Scool” hopes to bring together intermediate young and adult musicians “wanting to play together in an ensemble,” said Mingo Tull, owner of the Musicians’ General Store who is conducting the course.

Now in its second year, Rock’Scool is a spin-off from Jack Black's movie, “School of Rock,” where a band of fifth-graders win a “Battle of the Bands” under the unlikely tutelage of rocker Dewey Finn, played by Black.

But unlike the film, Rock’Scool welcomes all genres of music from classical and pop to jazz and R&B, and also teaches lessons on musical theory. Next year, Tull hopes to add recording production classes, he said.

“It’s not just geared for Rock and Roll,” said Tull whose 177 Smith St. shop offers private classes, music accessories and equipment and instrument rentals. 

For most of students, who will be split into two age groups from 7 to 12 and 13 and above, Rock’Scool is their first experience playing as an ensemble, said Tull.

Tull, who is the bandleader of Metropolis Band New York City, saw the value in bringing together talented musicians and giving them a platform to perform, he said.

Depending on the size and instrument make-up of the class, one or two teachers will instruct the students who will rehearse together, learn new songs and prepare for a finale performance at the end of the course.

“We want to be able to create bands out of these groups,” said Tull, who hopes that the students will continue to play together after the course.

The two-month course will be conducted in Mirco Museum’s building at 123 Smith St. and is priced at $280 per student for a weekly 90-minute class.

Along with helping their group musical skills, the course also helps students develop a stage presence and overcome performance fears.

“I see a growth,” said Tull. “And ultimately, I see musicians.”

For more information, email info@musiciansgeneralstore.com.