Garage Band U Rock School in Hinsdale, Illinois for Pre-teens, Teens and Adults
The beat goes on at Garage Band U
By AMY DEIS adeis@pioneerlocal.com
Photos by Rob Hart
Article originally found at TheDoingsHinsdale
Member of Sun-Times Media
February 19, 2010
Although 12-year-old Jimmy McIlvain of Darien hasn't quite mastered the guitar solo in Guns N' Roses' classic "Sweet Child of Mine," he's well on his way to becoming a rock star.
McIlvain is one several students participating in Garage Band U at the Hinsdale Conservatory of Music. The program is "School of Rock" minus Jack Black. Pre-teens, teens and adults learn how to perform in a rock band in the 12-week course.
"It fulfills something private lessons can't do," said Oak Forest resident James Di Girolamo, the Garage Band U teacher.
Di Girolamo came to the conservatory because...
"GBU has given our son a great opportunity to fine tune his skills at electric guitar and performing in front of an audience. As for their director, James, he understands the style of music the kids want to play and encourages them to raise the bar on their music skills. It continually shows, they always get better at what they do."
Thanks James.
— Gary and Angie Kula
"James DiGirolamo was the best bass instructor I ever had. His passion for music and teaching not only shines through during lessons but in the passion he instills in anyone who learns from him. A dedicated student can become a true musician underneath his tutelage."
— Mike Peach
"Garage Band is a lot fun! I get to practice with a band on every Saturday for an hour and we get to choose what songs we want to play for the audience at the concert, which is really cool! Garage Band also helps me build confidence in myself when I play lead!"
— Logan
"Garage Band University has been a wonderful opportunity for my son to play rock music in a band setting with other kids and their instruments. He has been able to experience playing for an audience which is exciting as well! It's a fun addition to his instructional private lessons."
— Logan's Mom