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

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!

For students: To request GR!ASP at your school, contact us today!

For schools: Learn more about being a school partner here!

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. 

Answers to all of your questions:

When is GR!ASP?

Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 GR!ASP dates will be announced shortly.

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?

GR!ASP applications will open shortly.

What is the Showcase?

The Showcase is the culmination of GR!ASP, where GR!ASPers get for perform their original songs live on stage. 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?

Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 GR!ASP details will be announced shortly.

Do I need to do anything virtually?

We will send emails each week with important information about GR!ASP. 

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 mark this on your application.

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. 

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 program site 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. Volunteer application will be available at girlsrockdc.org/volunteer when they open.

I have another question!

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

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!

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. Learn more about being a school partner here.

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.