THOR-NYC
THOR-NYC, since 2009!!
584 8th Ave (bet 38/39 St), Mezzanine Level, NYC
With a Basic THOR-NYC Membership, students choose one Main Weekly Program and enjoy many membership privileges (including the Band Time Program, which is FREE rehearsal-space time). Students can then choose as many other programs as they want (additional Main Weekly Programs, Band Coach Programs, Private Lessons with our expert staff, summer intensive programs, etc.).
Click on the program names in the calendar or scroll down to read full program descriptions.
* NEW PROGRAM * THOR Jam (Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM)
THOR Jam will be run by Stephanie Sanders, who has a history in the Jam-Band world, as well as working with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall. This program will focus on music outside the realm of popular song. We will explore different time signatures, new scales, longer forms and complex harmonies. This will be a platform for improvisation and a chance to get outside your comfort zone. There will be an emphasis on “jamming”; building melodies and themes based on communication. There may also be elements of music theory, scales and chord structures. Taking our inspiration from jazz, blues, funk, jam afro beat and more, we will work toward creating our own unique sound. This will be an opportunity to think outside the box and explore the possibilities of music.
Alt-Indie Program (Monday, 4:30-6:30PM)
Focusing on, but not limited to, the worlds of Alternative and Indie Rock, students create “sets” of music to be performed at top NYC venues for THOR shows and events. This is not a semester-based program, but rather a constantly developing and evolving work in progress with ongoing performance opportunities. Each member chooses a song that embodies and challenges their individual creative path to add to the setlist. The Alt-Indie Program is run by Tomato and Stephanie Sanders, who constantly focus on each student’s musical and artistic growth to help guide them further towards their goals. A skill level of intermediate-advanced and in the 14-18 age group is required to participate, with exceptions for younger highly advanced students. If you are into Alt, Indie, Punk, Post-punk, Outsider-rock, New Wave, Lo-fi, Electronic, Grunge, or any of the alternate forms of Rock Music, this program is for you.
House Band Program (Thursday, 4:30-6:30PM)
Focusing on the many genres of Rock, students create “sets” of music to be performed at top NYC venues for THOR shows and events. This is not a semester-based program, but rather a constantly developing and evolving work in progress with ongoing performance opportunities. Each member chooses a song that embodies and challenges their individual creative path to add to the setlist. The House Band Program is run by Tomato and Miranda Inzunza, who constantly focus on each student’s musical and artistic growth to help guide them further towards their goals. A skill level of intermediate and in the 14-18 age group is required to participate, with exceptions for younger highly advanced students.
Friday Metal Program (Friday, 4-6PM)
Focusing on the worlds of Metal, students create “sets” of music to be performed at top NYC venues for THOR shows and events. This is not a semester-based program but rather a constantly developing and evolving work in progress, with ongoing performance opportunities. Each member chooses a song that embodies and challenges their individual creative path to add to the setlist. The Friday Metal Program is run by Tomato, who constantly focuses on each student’s musical and artistic growth to help guide them further towards their goals. A skill level of intermediate-advanced and in the 14-18 age group is required to participate, with exceptions for younger highly advanced students. If you are into Classic-metal, Death, Thrash, Extreme, Prog-metal, Alt-metal, etc., this program is for you.
Friday Rock Program (Friday, 6-8PM)
Focusing on all facets of Rock, students create “sets” of music to be performed at top NYC venues for THOR shows and events. This is not a semester-based program but rather a constantly developing and evolving work in progress, with ongoing performance opportunities. Each member chooses a song that embodies and challenges their individual creative path to add to the setlist. The Friday Rock Program is run by Tomato and Stephanie Sanders, who constantly focus on each student’s musical and artistic growth to help guide them further towards their goals. A skill level of intermediate-advanced and in the 14-18 age group is required to participate, with exceptions for younger highly advanced students. If you are into Classic, Alternative, Prog, Punk, Grunge, Hard Rock, or any other the forms of Rock Music, this program is for you.
BAND COACH PROGRAM (Times Accommodate Individual Band Needs)
The Band Coach Program is individualized for a small group of students who have formed a band. Tomato works with the band directly, nurturing their unique skills and sound by building, arranging, recording, and performing their own original songs. Together they set goals to accomplish as a real band in the real world, learning all facets of the music business along the way. The Band Coach Program carries the band as far as the students’ passions, imaginations, and abilities can take them.
PRIVATE LESSONS (See Schedule for Times)
THOR offers private lessons from a myriad of accomplished, professional working musicians, including vocal lessons from the legendary Ellen Foley (Meatloaf “Bat Out Of Hell” female vocalist, The Clash, Hair, and more), vox/key lessons from Hawk And Dove’s Stephanie Sanders, guitar lessons from Rake’s Progress’ Stuart Klinger, drum lessons from The Alex Skolnick Trio’s Matt Zebroski, and more — including private lessons from Tomato himself.
BAND TIME PROGRAM — FREE REHEARSAL-SPACE TIME (Saturday, 1-5PM)
All THOR students are welcome to reserve time on Saturday afternoons, between 1-5pm, to rehearse on their own for FREE as part of the THOR Band Time Program. Both of THOR’s main rooms are available for time slot reservations. While there is no structured class or mentorship, Natalya Matushkina, who runs the program, will be present at all times to make sure the rehearsal slots are used for creating or practicing only. To book a time, email Natalya Matushkina at fitnataly@gmail.com.