Scholarship Spotlight:
Kaitlyn Taylor
The Rockit Live Foundation makes our elite program available to any aspiring artist at every level of economic status through scholarships.
Kaitlyn Taylor, a high school senior, has been a bassist at Rockit Academy for over a year. Originally self taught, Kaitlyn’s talents have grown exponentially in her year at Rockit.
Kaitlyn explains, “RockIt was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me. Not only has Rockit helped me become a better musician, but it has helped me grow as a person. When I first started playing bass, I never imagined that I’d be the player that I am today, and RockIt helped that become a reality for me. RockIt is a huge part of my life now that I didn’t have a year ago, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Jolee, Kaitlyn’s mother, discusses how the scholarship has affected their family, “Kaitlyn being a scholarship recipient has made it possible for our family to provide her with the lessons she needed to improve her skills. Without the scholarship, Kaitlyn may not have been able to participate in Rockit or as many bands as she’s been able to due to the cost of gas and tolls, particularly when inflation started to raise the prices of everything.”
Jolee explains how Rockit has taught Kaitlyn life skills beyond music education, “Rockit has taught Kaitlyn how to manage time and multiple responsibilities. It has given her better collaboration skills as well; working with so many different people is a valuable skill as you have to adjust expectations with each group’s different skills and personalities. Bruce is always talking to the students about being ready for anything and I believe it has helped her to make sure to understand to expect the unexpected in any situation and how to navigate situations where things can change quickly.
As an added bonus, Jolee mentions, “…and we’ve gotten to meet so many talented and wonderful children and their families! We can’t wait to see all the Rockit students succeed!”
Rockit Invited to Perform at Monmouth County Fair
June 30th, 2023 – Rockit students amazed Monmouth County Fair goers during their 45min set on the main stage. Fair organizers, stage hands, fellow performers, and participants were blown away that the professional quality music coming from the stage was performed by student musicians! Check out some of our performances on our Instagram story highlights.
“Classic Vinyl” Concert Series
Rockit Academy students performed “CLASSIC VINYL” (featuring ’70s Rock & Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ in its entirely) to sold-out audiences at House of Independents, Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, and our NYC home, The Cutting Room.
Students performed 70s hits from Queen, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and more. The show ended with a performance of the entire “Dark Side of the Moon” album with seamless transitions.
Summer session Rockit Academy students continued the vinyl concert series on August 20th at House of Independents with the performed “CLASSIC VINYL” including Led Zeppelin’s “I” in its entirety. This full length show was rehearsed in six short weeks; each student prepped by Rockit’s dedicated, phenomenal teachers.
The Rockit Live Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help develop, nurture, and inspire young musicians to reach their full artistic potential through music education offered in partnership with Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. The foundation’s defining focus is outreach, music education, scholarships, and to reach all aspiring artists at every level of economic status.