Our professional staff is experienced with beginning through advanced instruction and enjoy working with kids as well as adults.

Classes

workshops, group classes, rock camp for all ages, band coaching, guitar theory, band jams, performances...

New classes - FALL 2025

 

Groove Garden with Charlie Smith - Jam sessions for Grown-ups

A weekly gathering for adult musicians of all ages to play rock, folk, country, and R&B from the 1960s, '70s, & '80s. Over the fall, the band will learn a variety of songs and play two concerts at local music venues.
Bring your guitars and voices and join the band! Keyboards, amps, and drums are provided. Advanced beginners and up — parts can be tailored to your level. 

Fall 2025 Sessions Dates

Session 1: September 8, 15, 22, 29
Session 2: October 6, 13, 20, 27
Session 3: November 3, 10, 17, 24
Session 4: December 1, 8, 15


Band tuition
Sign up for one session at a time or for the whole fall.
Sessions 1-3: $140 each
Session 4: $110
All fall sessions together: $500 (Save $30)
Save $10 if you sign up for two sessions at the same time

Performance

Groove Garden Halloween Showcase
Saturday 10/25, 1:30-4:30pm, Bryant Lake Bowl

 

Groove Garden Fall Showcase
Saturday 12/6, 1:00-5:00pm, Uptown VFW


Charlie has a special place in his heart (and record collection) for music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s and has played it extensively in several Twin Cities cover bands including Hannah and the Dangertones (rock/funk/soul), All Tomorrow's Petty (Tom Petty), Eleganza plays Exile on Main St. (Rolling Stones), Boot Cut (country), and Sunshine Committee (rock/soul).


To inquire or register, email Charlie@Smith-Music.com or call (612) 234-1770.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2025 bands for ages 9-18 with Charlie Smith
Join a band, rock out and make friends! Students meet together in the garage at the Lake Harriet House of Music for practice one evening a week to learn songs from a variety of modern and classic rock artists. Over the fall session, bands will put together a set of songs and play two concerts at local music venues.

Performances
Rock U Halloween Showcase

Saturday 10/25, 1:30-4:30pm, Bryant Lake Bowl

 

Performances
Rock U Fall Showcase

Saturday 12/6, 1:00-5:00pm, Uptown VFW

 

Rock U 101
Grades 4-8
Mondays 6:00-7:00pm
September 8th-December 15th (15 weeks)
Tuition: $630

Rock U 301
Grades 9-12
Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm
September 2nd-December 16th (15 weeks)
No practice: 11/25 (Thanksgiving break)
Tuition $630

Rock U 201
Grades 5-12
Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm
September 3rd-December 17th (14 weeks)
No practice: 10/15 (MEA break), 11/26 (Thanksgiving break)
Tuition: $590

Rock U 201
Grades 5-12
Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm
September 4th-December 18th (14 weeks)
No practice: 10/16 (MEA break), 11/27 (Thanksgiving break)
Tuition: $590


To inquire or register, email Charlie@Smith-Music.com or call (612) 234-1770.

Bands are open to guitar, bass, drums/percussion, keyboard, vocals, and horns. Singing and trading instruments is encouraged. Space in each band is limited to 6 members. Contact Charlie if you have questions about which band is right for your child. Registration is complete once the non-refundable band tuition is paid in full.

Teacher Charlie Smith has played with dozens of bands in the Twin Cities, performed at notable venues like First Avenue and on national television, and toured the country. He has a B.A. in Music and has taught at the House of Music since 2011. Visit smith-music.com to learn more.