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Dear Rock U. rockers, parents, friends, fans, and families:

We miss you!  And we send our hopes that you’re in good health and comfortable during this period of confinement.  Our deepest sympathies to all of you who are feeling ill or anxious, or who are dealing with loss.  It seems like a cliché to say we’re all in this together, but it’s true.

Here at Rock U., today was supposed to be the first day of our 2020 Spring Session.  We were pumped to enjoy a great Winter Concert at La Boule Noire last Sunday, and to spend this week sharing videos and photos and reliving our memories of the show, before starting up band practices again today and next week.

Well, as Mick and Keef famously said, “You can’t always get what you want.”

But don’t forget the next line: if you try sometimes, you get what you need.

So we’re here to announce that, starting now, we’ll be bringing Rock U. to you online until we can get back into the studio.  Many of you are currently involved in distance learning at school, but unfortunately it’s nearly impossible to play music together online.  Even the shortest latency (“lag”) times in internet connections result in musicians playing as much as a full beat off from each other, meaning it’s not possible to play together in time, something that’s hard enough to do already.  But there are a lot of other ways we can learn, progress, and have fun during this time, and we want to get back to rocking right away.

So, here’s what we’re gonna do.

Starting next week (or possibly even sooner for some of our Friday and Saturday bands), we will be resuming weekly band session for ALL of our youth and teen bands.  These will be conducted on Zoom, which works on all devices and platforms and is available for free download at https://zoom.us/

We realize each band will be different.  Some students may not have the right instruments at home.  Others may have more technical proficiency and independence than others.  But we’re committed to maintaining some continuity and fun for each band by at least conducting a face-to-face session each week.  Some may use this time to choose their songs for the next show, assign roles for the songs, play some musical quiz games, and learn some basic music theory tips.  Others may undertake more ambitious projects, such as making and sharing recordings of the songs they had learned for the Winter Concert, writing an original song, or other creative projects.  It may even be possible for some bands and students to begin instruction on their spring songs through short breakout sessions within the band chat so we can hit the ground running once Rock U. reopens.  And of course we can all share cookie breaks (BYOB = Bring Your Own Biscuits), a cherished Rock U. tradition. We’ve already tested out this meeting format with a few of our Rock U. bands this week, and it’s worked surprisingly well.

Our two main goals for the Spring Session will be to:

  • provide a way for the bands to perform the songs they had already learned for the Winter Concert (this could include some kind of live performances during the spring, video performances, or open band rehearsals for parents and siblings)
  • carry out as close as we can to a full spring semester of live practices once our studio can reopen (in addition to the online learning we’re offering now, this could include moving the June concert to a later date or finding ways to add additional practice time)

Here are some questions you might have:

What do I need to do for my child to take part? 
For those of you who are parents of our younger students, we’ll need you to facilitate the online meeting process for your rocker.  Please download Zoom on an appropriate device and provide a space for your rocker to participate in the online band session.  You will hear from your child’s band teacher before the meeting with a Zoom meeting ID or URL which will allow your child to join.  Make sure your child has any available musical instruments handy, and microphone-enabled earphones are a good idea if you have them.  And cookies.

For our teen students, most of you already have WhatsApp chat groups with your band and teacher.  Make sure you check these regularly for updates about your band’s plans.

How do I get in touch with my (or my child’s) band teacher? 
Here you go:
Matt Black: 06 19 69 25 74 matt@rock-u.fr
Rory Quinn: 06 59 99 51 63 rqdrums@gmail.com
Leander Lyons: 06 73 54 25 78 leandelan@gmail.com
James Dempsey: 06 98 20 04 40 jamesdempsey87@gmail.com
Jason Waters: 07 67 78 88 16 music.jasonwaters@gmail.com

When will the Rock U. studio reopen and what happens then?
None of us knows exactly what the future will hold, but we hope to be able to open our doors again to regular activity sometime by the end of April or beginning of May.  However, this is only a best guess.  Once we know more about the schedule for the resumption of activities, as well as any changes to the school year calendar and the availability of our performance venues, we will get back to you with more information.  We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding until then.

How much do I owe for the Spring Session? 
At this time, we’re not requiring any payment for the Spring Session.  We realize there are too many unknowns, and many of you may be dealing with financial uncertainties of your own as a result of the current situation.  We want to keep your rockers moving forward on their musical and social journeys with their bands despite this.

However, as you’re probably aware, Rock U. is a non-profit Association loi 1901.  We don’t collect more revenues than our projected expenses, and we don’t keep cash reserves on hand in the same way that a for-profit company might have.  Furthermore, all of our teachers and staff are independent contractors, for whom the level of relief expected from the government is lower and less certain than for salaried employees – in fact, many of us don’t qualify for any relief at all, as it’s currently been proposed.  Our teachers will be paid for the work they do during this time, so they can continue to make a living, feed their families, and pay their expenses.

So what are we asking of you?  As we said, we do expect eventually to be able to deliver nearly the full Spring Session of live practices, in addition to perhaps a full month or more of online activities before that.  We’ll be sending invoices for the Spring Session next week.  If you value what we do, and your circumstances allow you to support Rock U. through this difficult time by prepaying for the Spring Session, we will gratefully welcome any payments made now, partial or in full. If for some reason we’re not able to resume normal activities as we expect, you’ll be refunded or credited for any unused payments.

I’d rather not pay anything now, what does that mean for my child’s participation?
That’s okay.  Your child will NOT lose his or her place in the band for the Spring Session, and may still participate in our online activities until we reopen.  Payment will be due once we can get back in the studio.

Will activities stop during the April school holiday?
Nope.  You probably can’t go anywhere anyway, and neither can we, so we’ll use the extra two weeks to rock more.

Are you offering anything else to help students keep learning music for now?
Yes!  Starting next week, we’ll be posting daily free rock and roll content on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.  We’ll be sharing simple tips in our new One Minute Master Class series, more advanced Pro Tips for expert players, as well as features on how to play famous riffs, bits of music trivia and theory, artist appreciation, tours of the Rock U. teachers’ home practice spaces, and recommendations on online resources for rockers.  Like and subscribe to be notified as each new day’s post goes up.

We’ll also be offering some new online courses during this time, with different teachers providing personalized instruction in small online classes and some social and fun group activities as well.  Stay tuned for more information on these courses coming very soon.

And as our private lesson students already know, we’re continuing with online lessons during this period of closure.  If you want to start taking private lessons with one of our instructors via Zoom or Skype, now is an excellent time to begin.  You can sign up for private lessons here: https://forms.gle/C6n2pmQWcReGF5C99

We know this isn’t how any of us expected to be spending our time this month.  The irony of this situation is that togetherness and music are two things that could be really helpful to most of us during this period of isolation and uncertainty, and they’re two things we can’t have, at least not the way we’re used to.  Rock U. is built on the joy of sharing music together in the same physical space and in front of an audience, and that’s been taken away from all of us temporarily.  But we’re going to find ways to keep your musical journey moving forward, one little step at a time.

See you online soon, rockin’ and rollin’!

Stay chill, hang tough, make music,
Matt and the Rock U. Crew

We received new communications this afternoon from the Mairie de Paris and have again been in contact with the Santé Publique.  The Mairie has now instructed Associations in Paris to temporarily suspend all extrascholastic activities and all non-essential group activities beginning on Monday 16 March, even those involving very small groups.  Rock U. will remain open on Saturday 14 March for bands and private lessons.  We will then temporarily suspend all of our kids and teen bands, adult bands, and private lessons until further notice, starting on Monday 16 March. 

We will remain in consultation with public health and municipal authorities during this period of closure.  If it’s at all possible, we hope to reopen in time to begin our Spring Session on schedule on Friday 27 March.  We will update you as soon as any new information is available.

La Boule Noire, our wonderful concert venue, has also temporarily closed, and our Winter Concert for kids and teen bands on Sunday 22 March will be cancelled.  It really saddens us to deliver this news, as we can’t remember a Rock U. session when so many bands were absolutely crushing it in the studio.  We’re so sorry that they won’t have the opportunity to play onstage on 22 March and show the world what they can do.  We will consider every possible way to give these amazing kids another chance to perform when circumstances once again allow.

Clearly these events may necessitate other changes to our calendar for the academic year.  It is our goal to do whatever we can to minimize the disruption these events are causing to your musical life as we consider all the options, and we welcome both your input and your patience as we figure this out together.

If you take private lessons at Rock U., you may able to continue these lessons remotely via Skype or Zoom.  Please contact your lesson teacher directly to discuss whether this could work for you.

For the third time in 24 hours, we have the opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate your patience and understanding.  Many of you have expressed to us how much it means to be a part of this musical community, and it means very much to us that you’re part of it, too.  We also want to say how sorry we are that we’re not able to stay open during a time when good fellowship and musical inspiration are sure to be things we’ll all need more of in our daily lives.  We eagerly look forward to resuming this as soon as possible.  And while you’re stuck at home, pick up an instrument… and play some music!

Dear Rock U. participants and parents,

First off, we want to express our hopes that you are all doing well amidst the current climate of tension and uncertainty.  Music is a powerful mood adjuster, so apply it abundantly!  And of course we hope you are all in the best of health.

We wanted to let you know a bit about the status of Rock U. activities and our planning for whatever may come.

Bands and lessons:  Rock U. Bands and lessons will continue as normal until further notice, or until the situation changes.  We have been in direct contact with both the Mairie du 7ème and the Santé Publique, who have reaffirmed the guidelines listed below:

  • Due to our small group sizes, participation in Rock U. bands or lessons doesn’t pose any particular risk over any other activity.
  • Please exercise the same common-sense precautions you would before engaging in any similar activity, such as work or school.  Wash your hands frequently.  If your child is sick (or if you are), please keep him or her home (or stay home yourself).  If you’ve been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, or have traveled to one of the regions subject to travel limitations, please follow the appropriate guidelines.  If you have a medical condition that might make you vulnerable to COVID-19, seek the advice of your doctor before participating in any public activities.
  • As always, we will continue to have the kids wash their hands before touching any of the instruments, and use disinfectant wipes in the band room to clean microphones. We will also be regularly wiping down shared objects like doorknobs and drumsticks after each use.
  • To date, Paris schools remain open. We have been advised by the Santé Publique that a closure of the public schools would not necessarily apply to Rock U. bands and lessons.  However, in the event that schools do close, we will continue to seek expert advice and act accordingly.

Rock U. concert 22 March:  You may be aware that large public gatherings such as concerts have been restricted in many affected regions, and that some restrictions already apply in France.   Again, we have been directly in touch with health authorities and the venue to monitor the situation, and for the moment, smaller concert venues like La Boule Noire remain open.  If nothing changes, the Rock U. concert will take place as scheduled next Sunday 22 March.

  • As with Rock U. bands, please apply the same common sense you would to a similar activity. Please don’t attend the concert if you’re sick or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.  The concert will be livestreamed as usual, so you can watch from home!
  • If your child is unable to attend the show, or would prefer not to participate, we understand. Our talented staff and assistants are there to accompany the bands if kids are missing, so your child shouldn’t feel any pressure to avoid letting down his or her band.
  • You can stay up to date on any information about the concert on the event page here.

A final note:  We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we all navigate some unfamiliar territory.  There is a lot of information floating around out there, some of it inaccurate, and it makes sense for all of us to apply moderation and common sense in both our information gathering and our information sharing.  We at Rock U. will continue to follow the situation closely, consult appropriate health authorities, and follow the official guidelines and rules provided.  We will of course inform you of any meaningful changes to the status of our programs.

And now… let’s get back to rocking!  Stay healthy and make music!

Rock U. Student Bands in Concert!

Please join us at historic Paris music venue La Boule Noire on 22 March for our 2020 Winter Concert!  As always, admission is free and all are welcome.

*14h-20h, doors open at 13h30
*Eighteen student bands
*Hits by Michael Jackson, The Eagles, Black Sabbath, Radiohead, Tame Impala, 5 Seconds of Summer, The Strokes, John Mayer, Coldplay, Marshmello, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, and many more!

Join us for this school holiday rock music program!  If you already play an instrument or sing, or if you’ve always wanted to try drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and more, this program is for you.  You and your band will learn songs throughout the week, explore different music styles and instruments, and record your final performance!  All ability levels and all instruments welcome.

  • Two sessions: Feb 10-14 and 17-21
  • Two bands per session: 11h-12h30 (ages 8-11) and 13h30-15h (ages 12-15)
  • 195€ per week

Sign up here!  For more information, email matt@rock-u.fr.

What do these bands have in common?

All of the photos above were taken on the stage of legendary Paris concert venue La Boule Noire.  Each of these amazing bands, and many more – including Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, Phoenix, Linkin Park, Pavement, The Libertines, The Dandy Warhols, Two Door Cinema Club, and Coeur de Pirate, just to name a few – have performed here.  And now, on 15 December, the bands of Rock U. will step onto the same stage and become part of rock history!

Please join us at La Boule Noire on 15 December for our 2019 Fall Concert!  As always, admission is free and all are welcome.

*14h-20h, doors open at 13h30
*Seventeen student bands
*Hits by Queen, The Clash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Daniel Caesar, AC/DC, Muse, Beastie Boys, Imagine Dragons, Blur, U2, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Maroon 5, Boney M., The Cure, Aerosmith, Arctic Monkeys, Nirvana, and many more!

Rock U. is very proud to be nominated again by Expatriates Magazine as Best Afterschool Activity in Paris for 2019!  We won the award in 2017 and 2018, and we’re glad to have the chance to defend our crown.

Please click the button below to go to the Best Of Paris website and help us out with your vote.  It’s a very tight race right now, with Rock U. in second place just a few points behind the leader.  Voting closes on Friday 15 November at 13h Paris time.  Thank you for your support!

Join us for this school holiday rock music program!  If you already play an instrument or sing, or if you’ve always wanted to try drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and more, this program is for you.  You and your band will learn songs throughout the week, explore different music styles and instruments, and record your final performance!  All ability levels and all instruments welcome.

  • Two sessions: Oct 21-25 and 28-31
  • Two bands per session: 11h-12h30 (ages 8-11) and 13h-14h30 (ages 12-15)
  • 195€ first week, 160€ second week

To sign up, please email matt@rock-u.fr.

Summer’s almost over, and we are READY to ROCK.  If you’re ready too, click these links to learn more:

Kids and Teen Bands
Adult Bands
Private lessons

Enrollment opens online at 09h00 on Monday 2 September
•Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis
•Returning students who register before 4 September will receive priority band assignment

Still need more information?  Please email matt@rock-u.fr

We’ll see you in the studio soon!  Let’s rock!

What an unbelievable weekend.  25 bands.  More than 100 songs.  More than 12 hours of music.  Sunshine and breezes, good vibes and good times, great memories and GREAT music.  Thank you to all who performed and all who supported the performers!  Special thanks to:

  • Mark Heim and Dan D’Amato, the Rock U. Board of Directors
  • Doug, our Assistant Dean, Andy, and Rory, our wonderful teachers, and Jason, Andrew, Leo, and Noah, our great studio assistants
  • Anthony, Chris, William, and Vincent, our awesome “alumni” road crew
  • Kevin, Leander, and Jonathan, our fantastic lesson teachers
  • Valerian and Michel, the great sound engineers at Bal de la Marine
  • Fabien and his team at Bal de la Marine, who took great care of us
  • Aleks and William, our amazing videographers
  • My wife Becky, who helped out in more ways than I can remember
  • And so many more I’m probably forgetting!  Thank you all!
What a year.  So what happens now?
Relive the fun: The concert may be over, but you can watch it over and over again on the Rock U. YouTube channel within a week or two.  Subscribe now to get notifications when the videos are ready!   Livestreams from all three days of the show already have more than 1500 views.  If you post photos and videos of the concert on Instagram, don’t forget to tag @rockuparis!