GRA After School

In order to ensure the safety and health of all our campers, staff and volunteers, we have transformed our award winning, in-person experience to an online platform so your child can feel like a rockstar from the safety of their own home.

The GRA After School sessions (for ages 8-17) will include weekly live instrument instructions, collaborative workshops on Thursdays and a livestream showcase the Sunday following end of each session. As always, GRA will still provide musical instruments and necessary gear for any Austin-area campers that need them.

September Session: Thursdays, September 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th. Showcase: Sunday, September 27th
October Session:  Thursdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd. Showcase: Sunday, October 25th

GRA After School is an online program for girls, genderfluid/non-binary and trans youth ages 8 to 17. Experienced instructors teach campers guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards, or vocals. No musical experience is required and we love beginners! Each student is placed in a band of their peers to share their ideas and collaborate to write original songs as well as participate in enriching workshops designed to cultivate discussions about topics relevant to them. The Session ends with a performance livestream song showcase online where the campers will debut their original songs, artwork and perform in a “Live Music Video.”

Each camper will have their own profile on GRA’s Mighty Network, our online platform (The Mighty Network) and Soundtrap, which is what the campers will use to create their original song. The Mighty Network has  its own internal chat social media (no outsiders, only campers, staff and volunteers) where they can share pictures, videos, links on topics they’re interested in and chat with their instructors, band managers and producers (band coaches) as well as other campers. All chats and threads will be monitored and moderated by our staff to ensure conversations are appropriate and to prevent any bullying (including self-deprecation).

Tuition for GRA After School is $400/session. We understand that every family’s financial situation is different. GRA firmly believes financial, physical, and social barriers shouldn’t prevent anyone from gaining the self-esteem that comes from creative expression, and thus scholarships or financial aid to anyone who needs it. We highly encourage parents and guardians to apply for full or partial financial assistance if needed (the amount of tuition they’re able to pay neither increases or decreases their chances of getting accepted into any programs). If you would like to apply for financial aid, you can fill out an application here.

GRA is also aware that a stable family dynamic is not always the case for many of our campers. In this vein, we provide full scholarships to any child in foster care and have long established relationships and bridge programs with the Settlement Home for Children, Austin Children’s Shelter, Refugee Services of Texas, and SAFE.

Girls Rock Austin is much more than a rock camp — it is a mentorship and social justice organization. We believe that creativity, positivity, and community are key elements of personal and collective empowerment and positive social change. Dedicating time and safe spaces for discussions relevant to campers increases their sense of support and reiterates the importance of creative expression. Additionally, they get to learn more in-depth facets of the independent music creation process in songwriting, screen printing, recording, and history of women in music workshops.

Past workshop examples include:

Songwriting
Women Who Rock
Healthy Relationships/Communication Skills
Image & Identity
DJ skills
Recording
Band Art
Music Technology
Music Video
Music Criticism

Alumnae and their parents report that the unique experience changed their lives, and after camp they feel more inclined to try new things; creatively, academically, and socially. Participants are more confident and expressive, have better teamwork and collaboration skills, and are better prepared to navigate life’s challenges. Many girls come away from camp with adult mentors and peer bonds that continue years after camp.