Girls Rock! After School!

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

All young folks ages 8-18 welcome at GR!ASP.

Girls Rock! DC After-School Program (GR!ASP) is a 6-8-week 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 30 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!

Check back soon for Spring 2022 dates!

  • 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’s it like at GR!ASP you ask?!

GR!ASP has three pillars:

  1. Instrument instruction: On Tuesdays, GR!ASPers 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. 
  2. Workshops and Concerts: On Thursdays we 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.
  3. Band practice: On Thursdays after our workshop/concert, GR!ASPers meet with four of their peers to form a band and write original music together, supported by their personal Band Coach. Band practices emphasize collaboration, leadership, and creative expression.

Then, at the end of our last week, GR!ASPers share their original music at a concert for all their family and friends.

an image of illustrated instrument icons: Voice with a microphone, a Guitar, a drumset, a speaker, a bass, and a Keyboard

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
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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.