The Rock & Roll Institute is partnering with Hard Rock Casino Rockford LIVE to provide local youth with immersive music education and performance opportunities.
The partnership includes a Winter Camp on Jan. 2, 2026, according to a community announcement. The camp will be held on the LIVE stage, offering aspiring artists and production crew members a chance to gain real-world experience in sound, lighting, video engineering, stage management and the creative arts.
“This partnership is more than just a music show — it’s about giving Rockford youth a stage to discover who they are, to be creative, gain confidence, and learn valuable vocational skills to support the growing live entertainment community of Rockford,” Jessica Dobson, executive director of Rock & Roll Institute, said in the announcement.
The Rock & Roll Institute, a nonprofit organization, has been empowering youth ages 12-20 through music education and performance for over 21 years. Its “Start a Band on Monday, Play a Show on Friday” model fosters creativity, confidence and collaboration among young people, according to the announcement.
The partnership with Hard Rock Casino Rockford LIVE aligns with the casino’s Love Amplified motto and its mission to serve people and the planet, according to the announcement. It also brings Hard Rock’s Love All, Serve All philosophy to life, inspiring youth to pursue their dreams and providing a real-world proving ground for future careers in sound, lighting, video engineering, stage management and the creative arts.
In the future, the Rock & Roll Institute has plans to launch a Vocational Track in Production, offering hands-on training in various aspects of the entertainment industry. This initiative aims to equip Rockford-area youth and young adults with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the region’s growing entertainment industry.
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This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rock & Roll Institute expands youth programs
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