Music

The Beacon Music supports the study of music in all its forms. Pop, hip-hop, R&B, EDM, jazz, metal, and punk are valued as much as Bach and Beethoven. Students learn songwriting, sound engineering, production, ProTools / Logic, mixing, and studio musicianship; receive guided instruction from professional musicians; and perform numerous gigs throughout NYC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLD2da6K4QM

What We Are About

The Beacon Music Program offers an enriching and engaging course of music study and performance, including classes in digital music production, sound engineering, music theory, instrumentation, and appreciation. Our philosophy is rooted in the principles of practice and hard work, with the goal of creating quality performance and learning opportunities. We make music education a fundamental building block in children’s lives through inspiration, guided instruction, and the creation of musical communities. We believe that music is essential and fundamental to the human experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4k_zz6a_jg

Drum Set Percussion

Drum Set Percussion is for students interested in exploring trap-set drumming principles and practice. The purpose of this class is to acquaint students with the fundamentals of percussion (rhythm, time, values, transcription, etc.) and to help them become steady rockers. This class teaches students how to transcribe and perform various drumbeats, learn independence, understand rhythmic notation, and sight-read. In this class you will learn to play all styles of music, including rock, hip hop, R&B, funk, disco, jazz, Latin, Bossa, and hardcore.

Songwriting for Guitar and Piano

Songwriting for Guitar and Piano is for students interested in learning how to rock on guitar. The purpose of this class is to acquaint students with the fundamentals of music (notes, chords, melodies, harmonic rhythms, etc.) and to then help them pursue music performance on the guitar. Students will learn techniques for practice, song writing, sight-reading, chord-chart writing, lyric writing, and performance. All students will write and perform various compositions throughout the semester. No previous music experience necessary and all are welcome.

The Freshman Music Rotation

The Fresh Music Rotation is for students interested in exploring the fundamentals of making and understanding music. Students learn basic step routines, how to play basic beats on the drums, learn piano basics (chords, intervals, a few songs), and receive the fundamentals of vocal production and ear training. To boot, students also learn beat-making and recording technologies within Pro Tools and Logic. Through analyzing, composing, producing, and mixing songs, students will gain a deep understanding of the ingredients of great tracks: form, harmony, melody, rhythm, beat and tempo, pads, bass lines, and groove. You will learn MIDI recording and editing, production design, effects processing, sound design plug-ins, software instruments, and mixing techniques. Students will also have total access to drum machines, trap sets, synths, guitars, basses, samplers, and microphones for use in creating their original tracks. No prior music experience is necessary. All are welcome!

Music Theory and Performance

Music Theory and Performance has been created for students who are interested in further exploration of music principles and practice. The purpose of this class is to acquaint students with the fundamentals of music and to help them pursue music performance with a deeper appreciation of the craft.

African Percussion

Digital Music Production

Digital Music Production (Beat Making & Mic to Mix) is for students interested in exploring music production and recording technologies—from inception to recording, production, mixing, and mastering. Students will learn engineering skills and how to use the tools of the trade, including digital audio workstations (DAWs), Protools and Logic, microphones, recording techniques, audio signal flow, editing, mixing, midi, songwriting, and chart writing. Students will learn how to operate and run a recording studio, including talent/schedule management, workflow, goal setting, sound design, production, and distribution. In doing so, students will produce several pieces of original work.

2 professional recording studios (Studio A tracks on a Mackie 32/8); 2 control rooms; 2 iso booths
13 production & practice suites — running Pro Tools and Logic, Scarlett AD/DA converters
1 Live Hall concert space — Midas 32/8
7 Steinway uprights & 1 Steinway 3/4 grand
Lots of professional guitars, basses, amps, drum kits, drum machines, African drums, keyboards, synths, drum machines, accordions, ukuleles, etc.
Open access to gear and equipment
Singer & Songwriter workshops
Countless gigs and performance opportunities!
Battle of the Bands!

Enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment, perform, and make music — and memories — in one of the best arts facilities in NYC.
Receive hands-on training — and learn how to produce, engineer, and mix records!
Enjoy access to recording facilities and equipment
Produce and engineer your own mix-tape!
Participate in The Grammy Foundation’s Annual Grammy Career Day and perform for major industry stars
Receive guided instruction from 5 professional musicians and producers!
Join one of our 25 after-school bands

Beacon Music awakens, inspires, and celebrates a love of music and community! Our music classes are fun, challenging, and fundamental to a healthy existence.

Your donations help us create an environment where kids can make music -- and long-lasting friendships. Your donation — however big — is an essential step in helping us create, maintain, and expand a program that touches countless lives — in perpetuity.

Be part of the movement — and be part of the positive vibrations!

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CONTACT

Brian Letiecq