Welcome to The Downtown Music Lab

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* The Music Lab is moving to the Jefferson Center on September 1st 2008. Our phone number, email address and website will stay the same. Thank you for you cooperation while we improve the opportunities for our student members. On Thursday October 9th at 7PM there will be a CD release party and concert to celebrate the release of our newest album, Volume VII.*

The Downtown Music Lab is a non-profit, after-school music and recording studio for students grades 6-12 in Roanoke, Virginia. Student summer hours are Monday-Friday 2:00PM - 6:00PM and Saturdays BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.. Please call us (540) 342-7625 to make an appointment.

To get started, students enrolled in school fill out an application to join as a member of the Lab. After paying the annual fee of $125.00, or making financial arrangements, new members get an orientation to the Lab and get set on a course to acheive their goals in music and technology. Studios are reserved by the hour and reservations are usually made a day in advance.

The Lab offers five state of the art studios for writing, recording and rehearsal. Singers, rappers, bands, and soloists are all welcome at the Lab. We have many fine instruments, such as Korg Triton keyboards, Roland electronic drums, Pearl acoustic Drums, Shure, Electro Voice and Audio Technica microphones, Gibson and Fender guitars, Marshall and Crate Amps, plus a full blown PA rehearsal room for bands.We also feature the latest computer recording on PC and Macintosh G5's. Digital Performer, Cakewalk, Cubase, Wavelab, Fruity Loops, Acid, Vegas, Cool Edit Pro are some of the programs we use. The Lab is the place to be if you are into music. You can be a beginner or a pro at the Lab; our staff is here to help students reach their goals and dreams.

The cost is $125.00 per year for students. There are scholarships available for students who cannot afford the fee. The Downtown Music Lab WILL NOT TURN AWAY ANY STUDENT BASED ON THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. In addition to middle and high school students, the Music Lab also partners with other local non-profit organizations.

Alot of people ask if the Lab is for real, or "whats the catch?". There is no catch and we are for real - the Downtown Music Lab was formed in 1999 to reach kids from all backgrounds who are interested in pursuing music and technology for fun or as a career. It is a safe place for kids to be after school, and there are positive mentors and role models to work with the student members. Our rent, expenses and wages are raised through grants, fundraisers, dontions and member fees. The Lab is 501 (c) 3 non profit and counts on the community to help sustain it. For more information on donating, please see the column to the right.

Call for more information or a tour at (540) 342-7625.

Jazz Guitarist Rodney Jones performes with students in the Barlow Theater. Music Lab members Ellis and Calvin perform a guitar duet. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine recently toured The Downtown Music Lab. The View Towards Downtown Roanoke, Virginia from The Dumas Building. Another Look at The Newly Renovated Barlow Theater which is conveniently located on the second floor of the Dumas Building, right below the Downtown Music Lab.