Band Together
From the Office to the Stage
There’s no better way to build a team than to start a band
The Program
There’s no better way to build a team than to start a band. The program encourages employees to step out of their comfort zone and learn new things, while also providing an opportunity to interact with colleagues from different departments.
Participants take weekly 30 minute in-office lessons, on an instrument they've never played before.
We form the participants into bands and help them rehearse.
Bands perform at a Battle of the Bands company event.
For more specifics check out our FAQs.
Benefits
Band Together emphasizes that learning new skills takes time, practice, patience, and teamwork. We encourage participants to use these methods beyond the program, adding value to their company experience and promoting a positive and productive company culture.
Benefits include:
Band Together provides a clear return to office incentive.
According to a 2020 report by LinkedIn Learning, 94% of employees said they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. The program shows a clear investment from the company in their employees.
Offers disciplined personal development alongside group collaboration.
Band Together helps bridge the gap between employees of different age groups and backgrounds, as well as bringing together employees from different departments who usually wouldn’t interact.
Better relations between management and employees.
Offers a platform to test teamwork and leadership while remaining in a semi-competitive environment.
According to a 2009 Gallup poll, 85% of adults who do not play a musical instrument wish they had learned to play one.
Who we are
Band Together co-fonders Mark Sidney Johnson and Will Haywood Smith met while studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After working together in numerous ventures since moving to New York City in 2010, the two Brits founded Band Together in 2017.
A highly skilled musician and songwriter, Mark has an impressive track record as a guitarist. He has recorded for major labels such as Interscope, Atlantic Records, Sony Music, and Warner Bros. Mark is also a masterful Musical Director, having helmed live events for renowned entities like Google, YouTube, and Conde Naste. Under his direction, these events wowed audiences at iconic venues such as the 3 Arena in Dublin, ExCel Arena in London, and the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Will Haywood Smith is a sought-after musician based in New York City. Currently drumming for Maude Latour, his performance skills have taken him on exhilarating journeys across the globe, performing at esteemed festivals like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Firefly, and Parklife in the UK. Will has also performed on prominent media platforms, including appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, CBS Saturday Morning, as well as on BBC Radio and Television.
Testimonials
“There’s nothing that teaches people how to learn better, than learning an instrument. People think they can go to a webinar and learn something and that’s just not true. It takes practise, it takes focus, it takes doing something over and over again.”
Heather Tenuto - VP, Shoretel
“When you bring your colleagues together to celebrate a huge personal and professional accomplishment, like learning to ‘rock’, learning to code, or project manage, you really tap into the essence of what can be great and satisfying about a work experience.“
Dan Hoffman - CEO and President, M5 Networks
Contact Us
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FAQs
Q: What instruments do you teach?
A: We focus on the standard instruments of a 5 piece band: Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Bass and Drums.
Q: Do you provide instruments?
A: Yes we do!
Q: How big are the bands?
A: Band size can vary depending on the number of participants in the program and instrumentation available. Typically we aim for 4 or 5 per band.
Q: How long does the program run?
A: We recommend a 6 month program to reap the most benefits though the duration can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The overall program cost can vary based on many factors, particularly the number of participants. We suggest employees contribute to the cost of lessons as a demonstration of their commitment to completing the program.
Q: What is a 'Battle of the Bands' event?
A: Each band performs 2 or 3 songs and a panel of judges decides the winner. Depending on company culture and budget, the 'Battle of the Bands' event can be as large or as small as you want it to be. One previous client rented out Terminal 5 in New York City (capacity 4000), however the event is equally effectively in more modest venues.
Q: What is the time investment for employees?
A: Typically participants take one 30 minute lesson per week and rehearse with their band twice a month for 2 hours.
Q: Are lessons during work hours?
A: Lessons can be during or after work hours, though we suggest during work hours to show company commitment to the program. Band rehearsals are typically outside of work hours.
Q: I already play an instrument, can I still benefit from this program?
A: In order to focus on learning new skills we ask that participants take up an instrument they are unfamiliar with. This ensures a level playing field throughout the program and will undoubtedly add to your abilities as a musician.