Youth Sessions

Get ready to make some noise.

Youth Summer Sessions

BRPM’s Youth Summer Session is wicked-awesome, week-long programs for girls and gender-expansive youth ages 8 to 17. Youth receive instrument instruction (guitar, bass, drums, vocals, or keyboards), form a band, write an original song, and perform at a sold-out, Boston-area music venue. 

Daily workshops also focus on self-awareness, peer relationships, collaboration, and community building. No musical experience is necessary to attend our programs; BRPM provides all instruments and equipment.

*********Our 2025 July Youth Summer Session application for youth participants is officially CLOSED! Check our website for upcoming info on the youth showcase this year and plans for programming next year*********

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

Youths ages 16-18 can apply to volunteer at the summer sessions! Teach instruments, lead activities, be a mentor, and jam with your fellow volunteers.

LEARN MORE

Youth Summer Session

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

  • BRPM had a wonderful and safe 2022! For 2023 we are confident that we will be able to create the happy and healthy environment for youth to rock again!

    To protect the most vulnerable in our community, masking is required at all youth sessions (unless actively eating or drinking)

    We are following the latest Covid-19 trends and guidelines from the CDC, the City of Boston, and public health professionals when we make decisions around:

    • The number of participants we admit into the program.

    • Social distancing.

    • Masking policies.

    We will continue to post updated information as the Covid-19 situation changes.

  • We know that everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to masking, and we will issue guidance in accordance with local regulations and public health recommendations.

    For a week youth will be closely working together to practice instrument, create music and build friendships! Above all, we foster an atmosphere of mutual respect in which all participants can feel safe and comfortable.

    With that said, masking is required at youth summer programming as of right now. Any updates to this policy will communicated to guardians of youth confirmed for the summer session.

  • BRPM will be consistently monitoring federal, state, and city guidelines to develop safety measures that will allow for us to safely gather in person this summer, including providing PPE, sanitizing equipment, and requiring vaccinations. Since the conditions of the pandemic are ever evolving, we will continue to keep our community informed as we determine policies and protocols. Updates to our covid policy will be known to the guardians of youth that are confirmed to participate in the summer session.

Covid-19 Protocols

Applications & Fees

  • BRPM is for girls and gender-expansive youth ages 8 to 17. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports and welcomes a wide range of marginalized gender identities and expressions. If you believe this space is right for you, it likely is.

  • This year applications will open on APRIL 9, 2025.

    Youth will know if they are accepted before MAY 1, 2025.

    The application process has two steps that must be completed before your application will be considered. This information is detailed within the application:

    Step 1: Complete the online Program Application. (Contact us if you wish to apply by mail.)

    Step 2: Pay the $20 non-refundable Application Fee. (Application fee can be waived; see details within the application.)

    The application will be available on this page then.

  • If you need help, a printable application, or work with youth/families who need assistance with applying, please contact us. We’re happy to help!

  • Tuition for BRPMs Summer Sessions utilize a “pay what you are able” sliding scale model from $0 to $1000 because we know that some families face financial challenges, and that all families’ access to resources look different.

    Please indicate the tuition amount that is most appropriate for your family’s situation, given your financial resources. At the same time, please be generous in paying what you are able — we rely heavily on tuition to run our programs and ensure they are accessible for all.

    Any amount over $1000 is a tax-deductible donation that will continue to help BRPM thrive!

  • Our capacity is 35 youths per session. We will review applications to foster fairness and diversity rather than simply admitting applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. We often receive more applications than we have spots, so we are not able to accept everyone who applies. We typically have a Wait List.

  • If our spots are full, you will be placed on our Wait List. While we cannot guarantee that spots will become available, they sometimes do. We will contact you with any changes in your youth’s application status.

  • In the effort to cut down on costs of our programming as we operate as fully volunteer run this year, we are currently working to provide special lunch meals on 1-2 select days of program for the summer session this year (more information to come). On the days we are not offering lunch, participants will need to come with a packed lunch.

    We will continue to provide snacks and water throughout all program days for participants. If you are unable to provide lunch for your youth, please contact us to make arrangements prior to the session in the event that we are unable to secure lunch for all participants. We’re happy to help!

Music & Sessions

  • The 2025 Youth Summer Sessions will take place at The Record Co., 960 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118. The showcase location is to be announced in the coming weeks.

  • We offer instruction for five instruments, which make up a youth band: guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keyboard.

  • Nope! While “Rock” is in our name, we support all the ways youth want to “Rock!”... whatever that means to them! We listen to, teach, and love all sorts of music including rock, hip-hop, jazz, folk, pop, punk, etc.! Youths are encouraged to explore and create any kind of music that they feel passionate about!

  • Each of the five instruments (guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keyboard) are evenly divided into three age groups to ensure that we have an equal number of bands (with these five instruments) in each age group: ages 8-10/grades 3-5; ages 11-12/grades 6-7; and ages 13-17/grade 8 and above.

    Youth participant in an activity that allows them to find peers in their age group that want to play the same genre.

  • The Monday through Friday schedule runs from 8:30am-5:30pm. To ensure group and band cohesion, youth participants are required to be at BRPM all day, every day, including the Saturday “Showcase” performance.

    Sample Day

    8:30-8:45am Drop Off

    9:00-9:30am Morning Assembly

    9:30-11:30am Instrument Instruction

    11:30am-12:30pm Lunch & Visiting Guest Performance

    12:30-2:00pm Workshops

    2:00-2:45pm Quiet Band Practice & Songwriting

    2:45-5:00pm Band Practice

    5:00-5:30pm Afternoon Assembly

    5:30pm Pick Up

  • The Showcase is when all of the week’s youth bands perform the original songs they have been writing and practicing during the week. The show takes place on Saturday afternoon at a nearby Boston music venue and runs approximately two and a half hours; participants must arrive at least an hour and a half before the show begins.

    Please note: this is a ticketed event for guests and supports our Summer Sessions financial aid and operating costs. BRPM believes all supporters of youth are able to see them. We have limited tickets we can offer if you feel you need them. When details about getting tickets will be given after a youth is confirmed for the summer.

  • Summer Session Youth Volunteers are youths, ages 16 to 18, who demonstrate exceptional maturity and commitment to the mission of BRPM, and are interested in developing their mentoring and leadership skills. While most of our Youth Volunteers have previously attended BRPM for two or more summers, if you have not previously participated in BRPM programs, you are still welcome to apply. A phone interview is required and a reference must be provided.

    We review applications to foster fairness and diversity rather than simply admitting applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

    To learn more about Summer Session Youth Volunteers, please visit our Youth Volunteer page.

  • Yes! Our volunteers are instrumental (!) to the success of our Summer Sessions programming. Learn more on our Volunteers page.

  • Contact us! We’re happy to help!