NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – The School of Rock isn’t just a way for children and teenagers to learn about music, but also a way to give them a great project a stay off the streets.

LISTEN: WCBS 880′s Sophia Hall reports

“This program really is a one-stop shop for not only everybody’s music needs with other activities but the kids can kind of build their self-esteem and their personalities through this program,” general manager Patrick Castania said.

The school recently moved to Farmingdale, Long Island, and teaches every instrument from guitar and bass to keyboards and drums.

There is a fee to participate, but Castania said he works with parents to make sure all kids can join.

“Every situation is different so we normally like to take each case on a personal level and do whatever we can to not only get them into the building but for them to share this great program,” he said.

The students have played thousands of concerts at venues such as CBGB’s, The Roxy, and BB King’s Blues Club in Times Square, among others.