Band Program.
AGES 7 – 8:
Debut
AGES 9 – 18:
Creative Music Industry “CMI”
DEBUT AGES 7 – 8
A First Band Experience
Designed for younger musicians taking their first steps into ensemble playing. Debut combines a weekly 30-minute private lesson with band rehearsal, helping students build foundational skills and having fun while learning to make music with others.
CMI AGES 9 – 18
Creative Music Industry
Our core band program combines small-group instrument labs, band rehearsals, live showcases, and progressive opportunities designed to help students grow into confident individuals, skilled musicians, and well-rounded artists.
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GUITAR
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BASS
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DRUMS
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VOICE
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KEYS
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MUSIC PRODUCTION
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COMPOSITION & SONGWRITING
. GUITAR . BASS . DRUMS . VOICE . KEYS . MUSIC PRODUCTION . COMPOSITION & SONGWRITING
About CMI.
Through three progressive levels, students build greater independence, take on new creative challenges, and access increasingly advanced performance and real-world opportunities.
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LABS BUILD
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BANDS APPLY
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PERFORMANCE REFINES
. LABS BUILD . BANDS APPLY . PERFORMANCE REFINES
How CMI Works.
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With up to four students per Lab, instruction stays personal while giving students the benefits of learning alongside other musicians.
Students build technique, musicianship, and confidence on their primary instrument, then bring those skills into the band.
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Students are grouped based on level, age, musical interests, and compatibility.
Through LIVE!’s collaborative design-thinking process, bands choose their music together and learn from charts arranged for their specific lineup and level. As they progress, students learn to chart their own songs.
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Students work toward live performances each term, building confidence, stage experience, and their own identity as musicians onstage. As they progress, students take greater ownership of the show—from creative expression on stage to assisting mentors with production, setup, sound, and more.
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Build the Foundation: gaining experience in instrument skills and playing as part of a band.
60-min instrument lab
60-min band rehearsal
3 annual performances
DEVELOPMENT:
Basic technique and rhythm
Instrumental / vocal fundamentals
Introduction to repertoire and musical structure
Listening and group awareness
Comfort playing in an ensemble
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Develop Your Sound: More independence, stronger technique, increased ensemble responsibility.
60-min instrument lab
60-min band rehearsal
3 annual performances
DEVELOPMENT:
Expanded technique and musical vocabulary
Repertoire growth
Regular live performances
Introduction to recording and music production
Increased responsibility within ensembles
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Perform at a Higher Level: Taking musicianship beyond the stage through deeper creative study, real-world industry experiences, and opportunities to travel and perform.
60-min instrument lab
90-minband rehearsal
Monthly performances
Recording opportunities
Summer travel experience
Berklee summer scholarship opportunities
DEVELOPMENT:
Completion stage of the CMI program. Students intentionally finalize a documented portfolio and prepare for next steps.
Recorded performance audition
Comprehensive repertoire list
Portfolio & career pathways
A solo or duo performance set
Foundational music production literacy
Play with purpose.
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We thoughtfully group students based on age, instrument, experience, musical interests, personality, and scheduling to create bands where each member can contribute, grow, and feel part of the group.
Once a band is formed, students help shape its musical direction. Through a collaborative design-thinking process, band members explore their musical tastes, share ideas, and choose songs together—helping break the ice while building ownership and connection from the start.
What we consider:
Age & experience
Instrument & skill level
Musical tastes and interests
Group dynamics
Scheduling compatibility
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Performing is integrated into the learning experience. Over the years, LIVE! students have performed for real audiences across Miami—from local restaurants and music venues like Magic 13 to Family Fest at the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Miami Children’s Museum Gala, the YoungArts Jewel Box, GroundUP Music Festival, and more.
Each experience brings a different audience, environment, and challenge—giving students the opportunity to become more adaptable, confident, and experienced performers.
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As part of the Berklee City Music Network, students may access special experiences and scholarship opportunities that broaden their perspective on where music can take them.
Meet Your Bandmates!
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![Live School of Music]()
Why us
An innovative, hands-on approach to music education where performance, creativity, and collaboration build both stronger musicians and real-world interpersonal skills.
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![school of music]()
Gain Practical Skills
Develop musicianship and performance skills while building creativity, communication, teamwork, confidence, and independence.
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![music lessons near me]()
Build Community
Build lasting connections with fellow musicians, alumni, mentors, and Miami’s creative community.
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![piano lessons near me]()
Years of Experience
For almost 20 years, we’ve refined the LIVE! experience, learning from our students, community, and the team we’re proud to work alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Labs focus on building instrument and vocal skills in small groups. Ensembles bring students together to rehearse and perform as bands. Industry Training covers songwriting, recording, stagecraft, and other real-world music skills. Together, they give students a complete music education.
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School bands focus on ensemble playing, while private lessons focus on individual skills. CMI combines both — students collaborate in Labs and Ensembles, perform regularly, and also learn songwriting, recording, and production. It’s a complete pathway that prepares young musicians for real-world opportunities.
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Yes! CMI students get one-on-one guidance with repertoire, stage presence, and audition skills. Many use the program to successfully audition for Miami’s top arts schools, YoungArts, and even college music programs.
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Yes — we’re a StepUp-approved school and offer scholarships to qualifying families. We also partner with Berklee City Music for advanced opportunities.