At Rockness Music, Every Student Is With The Band

Rockness Music. Photo by Audrey Blake Photography

Picture this: The stage is set for the band. The audience is in their seats. The emcee says, “Presenting…the Rockness Music.” Then the curtain opens revealing your little superstar and the other tiny bandmates. To thunderous applause, the children begin their “mini” show. Michael Napolitano, the band’s founder, begins playing live music. The kids then join in by beating their drums: some play air guitars, others sing. They dance, and, of course, they shake.

The feeling that Napolitano and his staff try to create in every class at Rockness Music is one that makes everyone feel like a member of the band and part of the show — including the parents! Each class feels like a jam session where babies and toddlers get together to learn musicality, discover instruments, and create music with the help of their parents. The program is infused with Napolitano’s passion for music—he’s a multi-instrumentalist from a family of musicians—his high energy, and his desire to create a dynamic musical learning environment for children. This, coupled with intelligent, engaging material, is the recipe for a fun kids’ rock party where music is the gateway for learning.

Napolitano founded Rockness Music—a family-run, interactive music experience for children up to age 4—about 10 years ago because he was dissatisfied with the music programs that existed when he was taking his daughter to music classes. For Napolitano, those classes “were a little too controlled for babies and toddlers.” He desired a program that allowed kids to have the freedom to explore organically instead of having a teacher “direct where it is supposed to be going.” He also wanted a program with “a rock theme, louder music, and drumbeats that were easily recognizable for children to move their bodies to.”

So, based upon his experience with the Blue Man Group organization and as a pioneer of the music program at the Blue Man Creativity Center, the Blue School, fused with his musical background, Napolitano created POR.

[gravityform id=”15″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

“[POR’s music] is rhythm based where the drums lead a lot of the songs, which is really rock-n-roll,” Napolitano says. And it seems likes the kids love the high energy songs. “There’s a song called ‘Shake It’ that they really like. It’s a rock song,” Napolitano adds. The children also love “Safari Song,” which is all drumming with a tribal rhythm. When the kids hear it, they grab their imaginary binoculars and search for animals.

POR, which has locations throughout the Tri-State Area, hosts both Parent & Me classes and an Enrichment Program. The 10-week Parent & Me program focuses on, as Napolitano says, “how to prepare kids for preschool and to be the next generation of music makers.” Here, children learn how instruments such as the djembe make music, and how those instruments are made utilizing STEM principles on a weekly basis. They also learn how to clap to the beat, sing, say “hello” and count to 10 in different languages, and play a drumming pattern. And they investigate uncommon instruments like the vibratone, which is a big hit with the kids. “It’s a big cylinder that vibrates,” Napolitano points out while playfully humming. “Children can feel the vibrations with their hands.”

While the kids are grooving to the beat, they also learn basic life skills, build confidence, learn to share, and how to put things away. The children learn socialization by working with each other and parents. The classes are also comprised of different ages, which makes for a nice mix. “The babies work with the toddlers and the toddlers work with the babies,” Napolitano notes.

The Enrichment Program combines music appreciation with a STEM-based curriculum for kids up to second grade. Children learn basic notes, sight-reading, how to clap to the beat, and the conductor’s role. Toddlers also examine unique instruments, learn about their characteristics and how they play.

By next year, Napolitano hopes to reach more kids with his dynamic program through selective licensing opportunities, fresh programming content (including new fitness and art programs), and a new CD. He also plans to partner with more schools.

After 45 minutes, the “show” must come to an end. The band wows the crowd one last time with their drumming skills while adding a few wiggles. Afterward, your little superstar and their bandmates bow to a standing ovation.

 To learn more about Rockness Music, visit rocknessmusic.com.

Save

Save

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Future Stars Summer Camps

<p>The Ultimate Summer Camps Experience!  For over 40 years, Future Stars has helped campers build skills, character, friendships, and lasting memories. We offer flexible weekly scheduling in over 40 Sports, STEAM Education, and Specialty camp programs for boys & girls entering grades K-10.  TRAIN – PLAY – BELIEVE </p>

Beth Sholom Day Camp

<p>Beth Sholom Day Camp, located in Roslyn Heights, NY is a Summer Camp for children aged 3-15 years old, serving Nassau & Queens. Their program encourages children to try new activities, build friendships and develop skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Activities include music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports, an adventure park, and pedal go-karts.  American Red Cross swim instruction is offered in their three heated pools. This summer, camp will be 8 weeks long with a scheduled start date of June 28th through August 22nd. A minimum of 4 weeks is required. For summer 2023, their program includes a hot Glatt Kosher lunch, an afternoon snack, door to door, air-conditioned bus transportation and New for 2023 - Towel Service!<br /> <br />BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth-eighth graders participate in a camp and trip program. They also have a C.I.T. program for 9th and 10th graders. Their camp staff implements an engaging curriculum, with intentional games as well as age-appropriate activities. Beth Sholom Day Camp pride themselves in their ability to know each child as an individual and facilitate positive relationships through team building and group activities. They are proud to offer a dynamic summer experience where children can play, learn, and grow.</p>

OASIS DAY CAMP LIU POST – Long Island

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Give Your Child A Lifetime of Memories At A Beautiful Summer Oasis</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>25 AMAZING SUMMERS, LIFELONG FRIENDS!</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A traditional day camp in every way, Oasis prides itself on quality programming at parent-friendly prices with the most well trained, caring staff in the industry. Oasis LIU Post Beautiful 300-acre campus, over 90 activities for kids 3-16, Sports, Daily Swim, Enrichment + Teen Travel,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>air-conditioned indoor facilities, and the great outdoor green shady fields and athletic facilities! Daily hot lunch, snacks and transportation options.</p>