Guitar Group Classes for Women

Typical Girls logo by Rose Turtle Ertler, Video by Kirsty Letts

Typical Girls: Merri-bek’s Punk Conglomerate is an opportunity for women and gender diverse people over 40 to form punk bands, write songs, rehearse & put on a live show, no previous experience required!

There are many reasons why women and gender diverse people over 40 don’t form bands, and this super supportive program aims to build the confidence, skills and networks to overcome them all.

Punk is about expressing yourself with minimal technical skills, a DIY ethic & stripped back music arrangements, so ANYONE can take part! In a culture that prizes technical excellence, this is a radical act….

Typical Girls Round One took place from April to June 2024, with an awesome live gig at the Post Office Hotel on June 1st. The video above captures some highlights.

Typical Girls Round Two will run from Jan to March 2025, culminating in a show at the Coburg RSL as part of the Brunswick Music Festival!

This is for you if you:

have always wanted to play in a band but haven’t had the confidence, time, music lessons etc
have never played an instrument but love music and are keen to learn
have some instrument skills and want to learn to play with others
played music in the past and want to get back into it
play one instrument pretty well and are keen to learn a new one

Over 7 weeks, you will take part in songwriting, instrument and performance workshops, and have weekly band rehearsals with the support of a mentor. Our team have years of experience as musicians, teachers and community music leaders and are led by Rachel Wilson from Typical Girls Guitar Group, and Kirsty Letts from Amplified Victoria.

Fees are $150 per participant, free for First Nations people and those in hardship. Guitarists and bass players will also need to bring their own instrument and amp – we can help with this if needed.

As this is a short, intensive program, we want to start with a commitment to 100% attendance. Our simple application process will prioritise people who are available for all the dates listed below, and have limited or no previous experience playing in bands OR are willing to try a new instrument.

We are currently full for this round, but if you’re keen, please get in touch in case a place becomes available.

“Honestly, the whole experience end-to-end blew my mind. Having the opportunity to try something new, set a crazy goal (learn a new instrument, form a band, write 3 brand new songs, rehearse in a real-life music studio and perform a real gig to a packed out, super excited crowd) in the space of 7 weeks is something I never thought possible. The piece that struck me the most was the community it created & the incredible end result. It was a once in a lifetime experience, a joy and a privilege to be part of and one of the most challenging and fun things I’ve ever done… It was AMAZING. THANK YOU!“

Typical Girls Round Two Program Dates

Orientation Session	Sat Jan 18	4 – 6pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Songwriting Workshop	Sun Jan 19	4 – 6pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Instrument Workshops – each participant to attend one night	Mon Jan 20 Tues Jan 21 Wed Jan 22 Thurs Jan 23	6.30 – 8.30pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Band Rehearsals – each participant to attend one night	Mon Jan 27 Tues Jan 28 Wed Jan 29 Thurs Jan 30	6.30 – 8.30pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Band Rehearsals – each participant to attend one night	Mon Feb 3 Tues Feb 4 Wed Feb 5 Thurs Feb 6	6.30 – 8.30pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Band Rehearsals – each participant to attend one night	Mon Feb 10 Tues Feb 11 Wed Feb 12 Thurs Feb 13	6.30 – 8.30pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Band Rehearsals – each participant to attend one night	Mon Feb 17 Tues Feb 18 Wed Feb 19 Thurs Feb 20	6.30 – 8.30pm	Feminista Vinyl, Coburg
Performance Workshop	Sun Feb 23	3 – 5pm	Soundworks Music Studio, Brunswick
Band Rehearsals	Sun March 2	One hour each band between 12 and 5pm	Soundworks Music Studio, Brunswick
Final Rehearsal	Friday March 7	6 – 9pm	Soundworks Music Studio, Brunswick
Live Show	Sunday March 9	1 – 5pm	Coburg RSL