Girls Rock! After School!

Learn an instrument. Form a band. Write original songs. Play a show. After school!

Now accepting applications for Spring 2022!

Girls Rock! DC After-School Program (GR!ASP) is a six-week in-person after-school music education program for young folks ages 8 to 18 in the DC area. GR!ASPers learn to play an instrument, form a band, write an original song, and perform it at a big concert! 

We teach GR!ASPers to play the instrument of their choice (electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, vocals, or drums) and offer guidance in songwriting, collaboration, and teamwork. Participants receive more than 20 hours of tailored, small-group instruction. No music knowledge is needed! We even provide the instruments for GR!ASPers to borrow and use at home during the program!

Apply for Spring 2022 GR!ASP Today!

Spring 2022 GR!ASP is IN-PERSON at 7DrumCity. We’re holding two sessions:

Tuition for GR!ASP is $540, available on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale.

Read more about the program below, and then apply today!

Apply to attend GR!ASP today!
  • A spliced up set of four images overlaid with a green filter. One image is shot in black and white. The images show GRASP participants performing on stage.

What you can expect at GR!ASP:

  • Get an instrument of your very own to use at home and in session during the program.
  • Learn to jam on electric guitar, groove on electric bass, kick it on keys, sing like a diva, or rock out on drums from local DC musicians. 
  • Receive more than 20 hours of tailored, small-group in-person instruction.
  • Form a band with your fellow GR!ASPers and collaboratively write an original song.
  • Hear from DC musicians, organizers, and creatives about how they do what they love and connect art to activism.
  • Spend quality time in workshops and conversation with other rad folks like you.
  • Perform on stage with your new band at a live show for a real audience. 

The GR!ASP schedule:

GR!ASP is held in-person on weeknights.

Our first Tuesday together, we have an opening party from 5:30-7:30pm. We’ll get to know each other, play some fun games, and review what GR!ASP will look like.

Every Wednesday or Thursday from 6-7pm you’ll have Instrument lessons. Wednesdays are Beginner lessons and Thursdays are Advanced lessons (you’ll pick one). You’ll receive tailored small group instruction from a local DC musician on electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, vocals, or drums. Instrument instruction sessions focus on building technical skills, confidence, and music appreciation. 

Every Friday, from 6-6:45pm we’ll alternate between private concerts from DC musicians and workshops led by DC community leaders. Concerts give GR!ASPers a unique, just-for-them performance and allow them to chat one-on-one with musicians about their art. Workshops bring together music, art, and activism, and help connect GR!ASPers into opportunities to express themselves and participate in their community.

Every Friday from 7-8:30pm, you’ll have Band Practice. You’ll meet with 3-5 of your peers to form a band and write original music together, supported by your personal Band Coach. Band practices emphasize collaboration, leadership, and creative expression.

Our last Saturday from 9am-2pm you’ll share your music at a live show! You’ll set the stage, rehearse, and jam out like a real rock star at a live performance for all your friends and family. 

So to recap: that’s two nights a week for six weeks, plus an opening party and ending show. Pretty great!

Answers to all of your questions:

When is GR!ASP?

Spring 2022 GR!ASP is IN-PERSON at 7DrumCity. We’re holding two sessions:

What is the program schedule?

Click the links below to view the program schedules:

Who can attend GR!ASP?

GR!ASP is available to all young people in DC, Maryland, or Virginia ages 8-18.

What is the registration process?

Ready to apply? Use this form to apply to GR!ASP. Applications for the teen session are closed. Applications for 8-12 year olds are extended to Feb 28.

This online application page is for GR!ASPers comfortable completing these forms in English. If you need help completing the application, please email us at info@girlsrockdc.org.

When is the Showcase?

For ages 13-18 the Showcase is on March 19. For ages 8-12, the Showcase is on May 28. Friends, family, and other fans are all invited! The show will be performed live and folks are welcome to join in-person. There will also be a livestream of the show available to watch online. Tickets to the show are $5-20 and can be purchased online or at the door. All the proceeds from this event go to supporting Girls Rock! DC’s youth programs, so we can encourage the next generation of rock stars!

How much does GR!ASP cost?

Tuition for GR!ASP is $540, available on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale (down to $0). Tuition will be paid online once a GR!ASPer is sent their acceptance email.

Where is GR!ASP?

GR!ASP is held at 7DrumCity, a local practice space and venue at 1506 North Capitol St NW. It is accessible by bus and metro. If the cost of transportation to and from GR!ASP is a burden that will prevent you from participating, let us know in your application and we can provide a transportation stipend.

Do I need to do anything virtually?

We will send emails each week with important information about GR!ASP. GR!ASPers will have access to a private program website where they can communicate with other participants, and a free program where they can record and mix music. GR!ASPers will not need to be online at specific times, but should expect to check their email and the program website at least once a week.

How physically accessible is the space?

There are stairs into the front and back of the building and stairs up to some of the practice spaces. We will provide folding chairs in practice and workshop spaces. We will be using several different rooms in the same building, and participants will walk between them. Restroom facilities in the building are small and may not be wheelchair accessible.

The Pocket (the venue for the Showcase) can only be accessed by staircase.

What language is GR!ASP held in?

GR!ASP will be held in English. If you would like to request support such as a live translator, please contact us at info@girlsrockdc.org by December 13, 2021.

Will there be food at GR!ASP?

Free snacks will be available for GR!ASPers at every session. We recommend that GR!ASPers have a small meal in-between school and GR!ASP if they need it so they’re ready to go. We’re happy to connect GR!ASPer families with free and low-cost produce and meal services if the cost of providing meals is a burden.

Is GR!ASP COVID-compliant?

Yes! We’re taking every precaution to make this a safe and healthy camp. The following protocols must be followed by all participants and volunteers. Anyone found not following these rules may be removed from the program.

  • All adult volunteers must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before GR!ASP begins. All youth participants are strongly recommended to be vaccinated, but are not required. 
  • All participants and volunteers will wear masks at all times while indoors, except when they are actively eating or drinking, or if they are a vocalist who is performing.
  • Temperatures are checked upon entering the venue at each session. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 will not be permitted to enter.
  • Workshops and concerts are held in a large room, and instrument lessons and band practices are held in small rooms. No more than 10 people at a time are allowed in a small room and no more than 40 people at a time are allowed in a large room. 
  • Rooms are sanitized and cleaned by the venue before and after each session. You are responsible for keeping your own equipment and self safe and clean.
  • If you feel sick, do not come. If you have new symptoms that aren’t related to an existing medical condition (including any of the following: fever over 100.4, intense shivering or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, muscle or body aches, unusual headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea), email us at info@girlsrockdc.org to let us know that you will be absent and do not come to the session. 

In addition to these protocols, our host for the Showcase, The Pocket, has the following guidelines:

In order to protect our staff, patrons, and traveling bands and comply with city-wide mandates, proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test result is required in order to perform at or attend a performance at The Pocket. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating, drinking, or performing. If a performer arrives without proof of vaccine or negative test, we will offer an at-home COVID 19 self-swab test for a fee.

These protocols and guidelines are subject to change based on public health guidance and best practices.

What happens to GR!ASP if COVID gets worse in DC?

Your safety is our top concern, and GR!ASP will be cancelled if any of the following occur:

  • The District of Columbia institutes new quarantine or stay at home orders;
  • District of Columbia Public School close and cease in-person learning; 
  • The venue (7DrumCity) further restricts the number of people per room or closes entirely; or
  • Other federal or local guidance is issued that restricts in-person indoor activities. 

In the event that GR!ASP is cancelled, we will let you know what happens next. We will attempt, but cannot guarantee, a shift to online instruction and activities.

If GR!ASP is cancelled before your session begins, you will be issued a full refund. If GR!ASP is cancelled after the session begins, no refunds will be issued, but you will be able to keep your instrument until the end of the scheduled session.

Do GR!ASPers need to bring anything?

All GR!ASPers will be given their instrument to borrow at the start of the program. They are responsible for bringing this instrument and the associated equipment (like cables, sticks, or picks) to each session. Other than that, they just need to bring their own radiant selves, their face mask, and their own water bottle/cup for drinks!

Do I need to have musical experience?

Nope! We welcome GR!ASPers of all experience levels, from “not musically inclined” to “sings in the shower” to “composes original rock operas”. The only requirement is a love of music!

How can adults get involved?

Volunteers lead GR!ASP and help our GR!ASPers have an amazing session. We have four different roles that volunteers can play at GR!ASP: instrument instructor, band coach, workshop facilitator, and performer. All volunteers are offered a monetary gift to thank them for their time. Applications are open until December 31, 2021. Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis. Apply to be a GR!ASP volunteer here!

I have another question!

Email us at info@girlsrockdc.org and we’ll be happy to find you an answer!

Join GR!ASP today! Applications extended for 8-12 year olds.

Give back to GR!ASP!

GR!ASP is led by volunteers! These are local DC musicians and community leaders who serve as role models for GR!ASPers and help them discover their inner rock star.

Performers, band coaches, instrument instructors, and workshop facilitators help us lead GR!ASP. Join us!

Learn more about volunteering
1234

Request GR!ASP at your school!

We love partnering with schools in all four quadrants of DC!

If you want to bring GR!ASP to your school, please have an administrator reach out to Frankie at Frankie@girlsrockdc.org.

GR!ASP costs a school $3,500-$8,500 per session, depending on length and size of program.

Request GR!ASP

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Girls Rock! DC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, body type, physical ability, gender expression, or other individual identities in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarships, and other Camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer policies and activities. All Camp activities will promote and maintain the personal and emotional safety of all campers and staff. We do not tolerate racism, homophobia, sexism, or other discriminatory behavior or expression.