LEARN ABOUT HARRY & LAVON WEBB

The Harry and Lavon Webb Youth Enrichment and Arts Education Center houses our Music Lab, practice spaces, and other important educational facilities where students are able to take advantage of inspirational learning by professional instructors and state-of-the art technology. Our facility offers our students access to multitrack recording studios, practice rooms, performance opportunities and what is most unique is the proximity to world-class artists that perform on Shaftman Performance Hall stage as part of Jefferson Center’s incredible programming!

MUSIC LAB
PRIVATE LESSONS
OuTREACH OUT LOUD
MASTERCLASSES
FINANCIAL AID
RECORDING
All City Jazz Band
Music Lab Logo

MUSIC LAB 2023 FALL SEMESTER

We are now enrolling for our Fall Semester that began August 28th!
This semester's curriculum includes: Basic/Advanced Music Business, Music theory, Music production, Songwriting, Recording techniques, Mixing and Content Creation. We are also excited to share we have updated studio equipment in the Main Studio and Studio B!
‍
Music Lab is for students 6th-12th Grade.
The regular weekly schedule is below.

ENROLL ONLINE NOWPAY MUSIC LAB TUITION - FULL YEARPAY MUSIC LAB TUITION - ONE SEMESTER

Please note: The Music Lab always follows the Roanoke City Public Schools calendar for holidays and closings. We also follow their decisions for closings due to inclement weather.
Their calendar can be found here: Roanoke City Public Schools Calendar.

Monday 5:00-6:00pm – MUSIC BUSINESS

Monday 6:00-7:00pm – OPEN LAB

This course provides an introduction to the music business and its key players, revenue streams, and industry trends. Students will learn about music publishing, record labels and A&R, artist management, music licensing and sync, live performance and touring, as well as marketing and promoting music. The course also features a guest speaker from the music industry and a Q&A session with the speaker. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the music industry and its various facets.

After class, Music Lab will have an hour of Open Lab to work freely on their projects.

TUESDAY 5:00-6:00pm – MUSIC THEORY FOR SONGWRITING

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to music theory for songwriting. Students will learn about notes, chords, scales, and keys, as well as time signatures, rhythms, and rests. The course covers major and minor scales, intervals, the circle of fifths, triads and seventh chords, chord progressions, and popular chord progressions in modern music. Additionally, students will learn how to analyze the chord progression of a popular song and gain an understanding of song analysis.

WEDNESDAY 5:00-6:00pm – MUSIC PRODUCTION

WEDNESDAY 6:00-7:00pm – OPEN LAB

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to FL Studio, a popular digital audio workstation used for music production. Students will be introduced to the fundamental tools and techniques used in FL Studio, starting with basic controls and gradually moving towards more advanced topics such as sound design and synthesis. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of FL Studio basics and be able to create their own music production projects. Later in the semester, students will also learn about ProTools. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced musician looking to expand your skills, this course is ideal for anyone interested in music production with FL Studio.

After class, Music Lab will have an hour of Open Lab to work freely on their projects.

THURSDAY 5:00-6:00pm – Recording Tech: Vocal & Instruments

Students will learn about music technology for studio production (recording) as well as live audio (concert) applications.
No prior experience necessary.

FRIDAY 5:00-6:00pm – Content Marketing Basics

FRIDAY 6:00-7:00pm – OPEN LAB

This course is perfect for artists and bands who want to learn how to create high-quality video content to reach thousands or millions of users online through content marketing. DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that allows you to edit, color grade, and add visual effects to your footage. In this course, you will learn the basics of DaVinci Resolve, how to use its tools to enhance your video content, and how to deliver your content to different platforms. You will also learn how to collaborate with others and share your projects. By the end of this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to create professional-grade video content for your marketing campaigns and reach your target audience.

After class, Music Lab will have an hour of Open Lab to work freely on their projects.

HiGHLIGHT REEL

For additional info:

musiclab@jeffcenter.org
540.685.2309

ENROLL ONLINE NOWPAY MUSIC LAB TUITION - FULL YEARPAY MUSIC LAB TUITION - ONE SEMESTER

LESSONS AT
MUSIC LAB

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

photo of leah howard holding a violin

Asherah Capellaro – VOCALS

Asherah Capellaro is a soprano, conductor, and teacher who believes that music breaks down social barriers and empowers people to speak their truths. In her lessons, singers find the tools needed to access their authentic voices, establish a strong technical foundation, and incorporate mind-body awareness practices. Asherah completed her M.M. in vocal performance from Westminster Choir College, and a B.M. in piano. She has also studied musicology at the University of Arizona and conducting at Temple University. In addition to an active performance career, Asherah is a choir director at a number of schools and places of worship. In conducting and in private lessons, she is committed to an emphasis on vocal health, believing that a healthy, happy singer is more than just their instrument, and giving equal time for personalized attention to life experiences, personality, beliefs, and self-reflection. Asherah is a certified YogaVoice® teacher, which is an integrative method combining yogic principles and vocal science.

photo of leah howard holding a violin

ADAM CLARK – GUITAR, PIANO, BASS, DRUMS

Adam Clark has been teaching guitar, piano, bass and drums/percussion for close to 20 years and has recently moved back to the Roanoke area from Boston, MA. He is currently teaching at Virginia Tech as Adjunct Faculty of Percussion specializing in drumsets, and regularly performs with Master Guitarist Redd Volkaert.

Growing up in a family of musicians, Adam had his first musical training on piano, guitar, and bass. In grade school, he gravitated towards drumming and spent the next 15 years diving deeply into the rhythm universe. This culminated in a degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in Contemporary Improvisation in 2005.

Adam co-founded Ostinato Sound Works and developed an iOS music education app called ProJammer. He currently spends his free time “woodshedding” electric guitar and studying the history and language of the early electric bluesmen including Freddie King, Slim Harpo, Magic Sam, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix.

photo of willis greenstreet playing a saxophone

P.J. GEORGE – Piano, Drums/Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle

P. J. George is a multi instrumentalist/singer/producer/engineer based in Nashville, TN. Since relocating to Nashville after college, he has toured nationally and internationally with various artists and bands including Lindsay Lou, Billy Strings, May Erlewine, The Wooks, The Sweetback Sisters, The Stray Birds, Nora Jane Struthers, Bearfoot and many others. He has performed at music festivals including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Blissfest, Wheatland Music Festival, Stagecoach, Delfest, Merlefest, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, as well as international festivals in Mexico, France, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to touring, George works in the studios in Nashville, frequently hosting sessions on upright and electric bass, piano and organ, drums/percussion and whatever else is needed. He has played on well over 100 songs for various artists and appeared in many videos performing over the years.

During the pandemic, George started spending time learning to tune pianos and he continues to pursue that skill. Nonmusical activities and interests include golf, juggling, motorcycling, and ice hockey. George is well versed in many styles of music, plays multiple instruments proficiently, and carries a degree in Music Education from Radford University in Radford, VA.

photo of willis greenstreet playing a saxophone

WILLIS GREENSTREET – Saxophone, guitar, clarinet

Willis Greenstreet grew up playing all sorts of instruments at his father's church in Roanoke, Virginia. At age eight, he began learning how to play the guitar. He studied with Cyrus Pace over the course of approximately two years. Willis played guitar with Judi Jackson, the French Jazz band Djangabond, and several other various bands over the years. Annually, he is contacted to play with the Cave Spring High School branch of the Jazz Café. He began playing saxophone when he was eleven years old (finishing his education under the guidance of Linda Pasquarell), played with his middle and high school bands, and has significant exposure in the Roanoke Valley. Willis works with bands such as The Color J, Hoppie Vaughan and the Ministers of Soul, and Runaway Jones, and with musicians such as Ben Trout, Jonathan Barker and Elmer Coles. When he began playing the saxophone, Willis also took up other woodwind instruments like the clarinet and the flute. He has performed in productions for Roanoke College, Ferrum College, and Attic Productions. Willis enjoys teaching guitar and woodwinds at the Jefferson Center.

photo of willis greenstreet playing a saxophone

RYAN RATLIFF – Saxophone, guitar

A native of the Alleghany Highlands, Ryan developed an affinity for music at an early age. After learning saxophone he began learning guitar by ear and later with a teacher. Ryan was active in school music programs and played with bands, at church, and community events. At 16 Ryan began teaching guitar at Music Unlimited in Covington, Virginia. While earning his associate's degree he led the house band at the Golden Arrow Plaza in Wrightsville, Virginia with the help and expert advice of proprietor and mentor Dr. Calvin McClinton. He passed his audition and was accepted by the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music into the Music Production and Recording Technology program. Immersed in a nurturing and talented musical community that inspired him to play more than ever, Ryan decided to switch his major to Jazz Studies with an emphasis on saxophone performance and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in spring 2012. While at the conservatory Ryan played with several bands, most notably Ambrose and Jumptown. Ambrose consisted of music majors from Shenandoah and played regularly in Fairfax, Virginia. Jumptown where a rock and blues revue a la the Blues Brothers and still play and record in Hamilton, Virginia. About a year after graduation, Shenandoah invited Ryan back to play as an alumni guest for the Jazz Ensemble tour of the Republic of Ireland. Ryan taught saxophone lessons briefly at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy in Winchester, Virginia. Ryan can be seen (and heard) on stage and in the studio with area bands that include Mountain Walrus, the Ben Trout Band, Music Road Co., Appalachian Space Train, Charissa Joy and the High Frequency, and many more.

GET STARTED

For additional info:

musiclab@jeffcenter.org
‍540.685.2309

Outreach Out Loud is a community-based program for 3rd-12th grade students that focuses on expression, literacy, self-esteem, and collaboration through music. This program relies on our partnerships with 21st Century and other area youth-based organizations and community groups like Boys and Girls Club, West End Center, Gainsboro YMCA, and the Noel C. Taylor Academy.
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This program delivers the opportunities of the Music Lab directly to students who otherwise would not have access to our program. The creation of original music through Outreach Out Loud proves to be an effective means for children to address challenges like bullying, acceptance, and cultural differences. 

Sponsored in part by Member One Federal Credit Union.

Financial aid is available for any students that may require it.

ANY QUESTIONS?

musiclab@jeffcenter.org
‍540.685.2309

MASTERCLASSES

Masterclasses and Workshops are offered to our students prior to many of our performances. Previous years' classes have included instruction from Branford Marsalis, Melissa Aldana, and Maceo Parker. This innovative program no doubt provides unforgettable experiences to our students. Those participating in arts education programs throughout our community such as public school band programs, The Roanoke Youth Symphony and The Roanoke Children’s Theatre are also invited to attend sessions each year.

Chris Keaton

Music Business Workshop

We are thrilled to invite you to an incredible event that will empower aspiring musicians and industry professionals to thrive in the ever-evolving music industry. Join us for the Chris Keaton Music Business Workshop, featuring renowned music publisher, artist management consultant, and industry executive, Chris Keaton.

READ MORE

Cimarron Music and Dance Workshops

Fun and Learning for the Whole Family

Jefferson Center and the Harry & Lavon Webb Education Center are bringing the world renowned llanera music ensemble “Cimarrón” to Roanoke to lead local students in TWO FREE once-in-a-lifetime workshops, followed by a must-see, theatrical public performance of music and dance in the Shaftman Performance Hall!

READ MORE

Sammy Miller and the Congregation

Free Community Concert and Student Workshops

This seven-piece group is a community of adventurous and charismatic superstar musicians who are conservatory-trained but who have not lost their childlike wonder and awe for playing music. They pull people out of their solitary lives and put them in the moment with a bracing dose of joyful jazz performed with infectious theatricality. In addition to the free community concert, Sammy Miller and the Congregation will be leading TWO workshops with local students on the same day.

READ MORE

SONGWRITING CAMP WITH MARGARET GLASPY

In June, 2022, well-renowned singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy did a three-part songwriting workshop with some of our active Music Lab students. Margaret proved to be a very insightful and adept teacher for the students and they each were able to finish the workshop with some great new tools for writing songs. Watch the video to hear key take-aways from students as well as some insights from Margaret herself.

READ MORE

Orchestrating Beats with 808-Ray

On July 5, 2021, Grammy award-winning producer 808-Ray (Rayshon Cobbs, Jr.) returned to his hometown of Roanoke, VA to work with local high school students for a week-long residency at the Music Lab at Jefferson Center.

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Nate Smith Songwriters Project

In October of 2017, drummer and educator Nate Smith worked with students from our Music Lab during a multi-day residency. Smith, who also performed in our Jazz Club later that week, worked as producer, interacting closely with students on their original compositions, yielding three songs to be released in the summer of 2018.

READ MORE

Additional educational programs have included Sisters of the Circle and There’s a World of Song. For additional information on any of these or the above programs, please contact our Education & Outreach Coordinator, Jordan Harman via jharman@jeffcenter.org.

FINANCIAL AID

OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE

Part of our mission is to ensure The Music Lab is accessible to all students regardless of their financial situation. We have tried to set tuition at a rate that is affordable for many, but we understand everyone has a different situation.  For an annual membership fee of $300 or semester fee of $175, teens in grades 6-12 can attend the Music Lab at Jefferson Center’s Music Lab program to learn music production & recording, performance skills and music business. If this tuition is not affordable for you, please email musiclab@jeffcenter.org and state what rate is possible for you.  Our priority is that students have access to the resources at Jefferson Center.

RECORDING AT THE
‍MUSIC LAB

The Music Lab at Jefferson Center serves the music community as one of the premiere state-of-the-art recording facilities in Southwest Virginia.  The studio boasts up to 26 simultaneous inputs, a vast collection of microphones and preamplifiers, four isolation rooms, a spacious live room, and years of experience in both recording and mixing.

BOOK A RECORDING SESSION

EQUIPMENT LIST

MICROPHONES
Outboard Equipment/Preamps
CONTROL SURFACE
INSTRUMENTS

4     Shure SM57
2     Shure SM58
1     EV RE20
1     Shure SM7b
1     Sennheiser 441
3     Sennheiser 421
1     Audix D6
1     Shure Beta 52
1     Beyer M88
1    EV 635 A2     Audix SCX 25A (pair)
2     Neumann TLM103 (pair)    
2     Earthworks TC 25 (pair)
1     Earthworks SR25
1     Beyer M500 Cardioid Ribbon
2     Peluso R14 Ribbon (pair)
1     Peluso SR14 Stereo Ribbon
1     Yamaha Subkick
2     Cascade Fat Head II Ribbon
4     Neumann KM184 (2 pair)1    Bang and Olufsen Beomic 1000 Dynamic
1     Peluso 2247 Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser (Neumann U47 Clone)
1    Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser (AKG C-12 Clone)
1    SE Electronics SE 5000 Cardioid Condenser (AKG C-12 Clone)

2 Channels   A Designs Pacifica
2 Channels   API 512c    
8 Channels   Focusrite Octopre (ADAT to system)
8 Channels   Mackie Onyx (ADAT to system)    
1 Channel     Presonus Eureka    
4 Channels   RME (onboard interface)
1 Channel     Universal Audio solo 610

2 Euphonix MC Mix
1 Euphonix MC ControlDigitalMac Pro 8 Core 3 GHz, 8 gigs RAM
Logic Studio 9
Many Plug-Ins including Antares Auto Tune EVO and iZotope Ozone 4
Hearback system with 6 hubs (independent headphone mixes for 6 players)

Nord Electro 2
Roland XP-30      
Taye Studio Maple Kit
Grestch Catalina Maple Kit
Bosphorus Master Series Cymbals
G&L SB-2 Bass
Bosphorus Gold Series Cymbals  
Taye Double Braced Drum Hardware
Peavey 412 4 Ohm Guitar Cabinet
Marimba
Yamaha Upright PianoGibson J-200
Fender Custom Shop Robert Cray Stratocaster        
Danelectro '56 Single Cutaway (reissue)
Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 22
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Gibson Les Paul Studio w/ EMG active pickups
Mesa Boogie Subway Rocket    
Egnater Tweaker 15w Head
Peavey Ultra Tube 212 Combo
Wurlitzer Upright Piano

READY FOR THE
NEXT STEP?

BOOK A RECORDING SESSION

For additional info:

musiclab@jeffcenter.org
540.685.2309

DO YOU HAVE THE CHOPS?

The ALL CITY JAZZ BAND is a group of the best high school jazz musicians in the Roanoke Valley.
Check here for when the next round of auditions will begin!

DO YOU HAVE THE CHOPS?
UPCOMING AUDITIONS FOR
JEFFERSON CENTER's
‍ALL CITY JAZZ BAND

We are looking for the best high school jazz musicians in the Roanoke Valley to play with their peers in an all-city jazz band.
All activities will take place in the Music Lab at the Jefferson Center.
The Instrumentation will be:
Drums
Bass
Piano
Guitar
Trumpet (4)
Trombones (4)
Tenor Sax (2)
Alto Sax (2)
Baritone Sax (1)
Vocal

REHEARSAL/AUDITION LOCATION

Music Lab at Jefferson Center
Sunday, Feb 26. 2:30-4:30

AUDITIONS

Sunday, MAR 12, 2:30-4:30

The audition will consist of sight-reading, playing an excerpt from the music downloaded through the button below.

DOWNLOAD AUDITION MUSIC

STUDENT SELECTION

Once students have been selected, rehearsals will be every other week on Sundays 2:30-4:30 pm
The fee will be $200 per student. Financial Assistance is available for any student that requires It.

PERFORMANCE REHEARSALS AND EDUCATORS

There will be 6 performance rehearsals before the final performance led by Kyle Hopkins, Cyrus Pace, and additional guest artists for instrument-specific training.

FINAL PERFORMANCE

JUNE 16, 2023 at the end of Jazz Institute
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

For any additional information, please contact musiclab@jeffcenter.org

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