Jim Love Music Director/Drums/Guitar/Bass/Vocals Instructor
Jim is a very active performer, studio musician, educator, and clinician. He can be seen performing regularly on the east coast with his own jazz/funk group Jim Love & The Blue Groove, funk/blues-based rock Laura Cheadle, singer/songwriter Valerie Oswald(Dreamscape Records), Philly-songsmith Adam Monaco, VH1 soul artist Joshua Hill, and free-lancing in a variety of different musical situations. He has performed/toured with such groups and artists as the Celtic/folk Grammy-nominated group Wyndfall, the electric jazz trio Spectrum, modern rock band Needlejack, Shania Twain, DJ Dstar, Don Liuzzi (Philadelphia Orchestra), the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, the Gretna Theatre, the Bainbridge Band, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, the Harrisburg Men's Chorus, the H.S.O. Swing Band, et. al., He is currently the tympanist/principal percussionist with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, and was previously the tympanist/principal percussionist for the Hershey Symphony Orchestra from 1992-2002.
In 2001, Jim released his debut solo CD, The Way of the Drum, on Dreamscape/Wyndfall Records. In 2003, The Blue Groove released their first disc, Gather ‘Round, and subsequently Guerrilla Groove in 2005, all three of which were met with critical and fan acclaim. Jim can also be heard on recent releases by other diverse artists such as Chris Laugherty, Valerie Oswald, Joshua Hill, Laura Cheadle, Some Days are Lovely, and others.
Jim’s performance schedule can be found at www.myspace.com/jimlovemusic.
In addition to his performing, Jim is a very active educator. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Elizabethtown College, and has studied drums and percussion with Dr. Robert Brosh, Clyde Lucas, and Gary Luckenbill. He has been teaching privately for 15 years, maintaining a full student roster of approximately 70 students. For 10 years he served as Percussion Instructor/Arranger for the Elizabethtown Area H.S. Marching Band, and has worked with several other schools. In 5 years of T.O.B. marching band competition, his percussion sections won 11 High Percussion Awards. He has done several clinics and camps in the Lancaster area and at area schools/churches, and has a teacher endorsement from Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets. He was one of the founding members/directors of the Lancaster County Percussion Ensemble, and has taken many school-taught ensembles to perform at venues/festivals such as the P.A.S. Day of Percussion and the P.A.S. Percussion Ensemble Festival. Jim also taught a course entitled “Rock School 101” at Montgomery County Community College in suburban Philadelphia. Jim was named to the prestigious Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2005 and 2006.
Rik Alison Guitar Instructor
Rik has over 20 years of professional performing experience and has maintained a teaching schedule of at least 65 students a week for over 15 years.
From traveling the midwest in a road cover band, to playing his own music in some of the top venues on the eastern seaboard, including the Middle East in Boston, CBGB's and the Continental in N.Y.C., the Trocadero, the TLA and J.C. Dobbs in Philadelphia, Rik has played thousands of gigs and brings this real world experience to the classroom.
As an Alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he majored in Performance and Music Education, Rik has devised a program to solidify student's understanding of harmony, arranging and ear training as it pertains to their instruments and the music they love.
In addition to all the road work and studying, Rik as also logged hundreds of hours of studio time in everything from 8 track demo studios to fully automated 48 track facilities and uses this experience to help prepare students for the different situations that can arise in live performances and studio sessions.
Rik believes in continuing education and is always trying new things and looking for time to study new concepts. His main goal is to help people increase the amount of beautiful music in the world. Rik has a lovely wife and two beautiful boys, so his performance schedule has slowed down a little these days, but he can be seen playing with his wife's band The Cowgirls From Hell. They do country versions of 80's rock songs...
All for fun.
You can check out the Cowgirls here: http://cowgirlsfromhell.com/
You can listen to some of Rik's music here: http://theemisfittoys.com/
Wally Smith Keyboard Instructor
Wally Smith’s experience covers over 30 years of live performance and recording session work in the Philadelphia and New York areas. He studied piano & Hammond organ as a child, continuing into his twenties with some classical studies at the Russell School of Music in Cherry Hill NJ, and some private jazz studies with Terry Haverty. He recorded & toured with CBS recording artists Quincy and LuLu Temple in the early 80's. Throughout the 80's and 90's he was house keyboard man for JC Dobbs legendary Last Minute Jam band. They backed up Ace Frehley (Kiss), Scott Henderson & Gerald Veasly, Frank Gambale (Chick Corea), and Bo Diddley, along with many other guest artists.
Wally was also a member of Johnny O's Classic Dogs, having performed at last year's DeBella DeBall backing up 80's new waver Greg Kihn. Other artists he has performed and/or recorded with are: Essra Mohawk, Living Color's guitarist Vernon Reid, Philadelphia 76'rs House Band, Soul Survivors, Mike LeCompt, Hooters members Andy King & Fran Smith, Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Will Lee (Fab Faux, Letterman House Band), Cutting Edge, Laura Mann, Dukes of Destiny, and Kenn Kweder. As a member of the Philly All Stars he performed for Electric Factory's 20 year Anniversary concert held at the Spectrum. He also made numerous trips to Europe as a backing musician for singer-songwriter Joseph Parsons and blues guitarist Stevie LaRocca. Recently he recorded a CD of children's music with Brian Bricklin of the Music Training Center. Throughout the 80's and 90's Wally was the keyboard session man for David Ivory Productions at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios.
Currently Wally performs in the Philadelphia area with jazz-rock organ trio Crosstown Traffic, which he formed with Beru Revue guitarist Greg Davis in 1991. Crosstown Traffic has a TLA concert video release and a CD recorded live in Osaka, having completed four mini-tours of Japan
Dave Whiteman Bass Instructor
Dave has over 17 years of experience playing bass guitar in a variety of styles and situations. For the past four years he has anchored the low end with Drop Dead Sexy, one of the Northeast region’s best cover bands. With a performance schedule that averages 175 shows annually, Dave has played in top clubs to sell-out crowds from Maine to Florida and everywhere in between, including such high-profile venues as The House of Blues, The Pickle Barrel, Seacrets and Sloppy Joe’s. His bass playing has also appeared on hundreds of recordings spanning dozens of albums, including several national and international releases. Dave holds a BA from Penn State University and brings to his students an unusual combination of formal education and real-world experience.
http://www.myspace.com/dropdeadsexybandDarren Ellis Drums Instructor
Darren has been playing drums for a little over 20 years. He has studied drums and percussion in college and his experiences encompass a wide variety of styles with many different people and bands in Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey, and New York. Some artists in which he has performed with include the Dave Landeo Band, Stonewater Groove, Jagstar, Jason Allen Phelps and Donald Brown. Darren has recently spent much time over the last two years studying at The Drummers Collective in New York City where he continues to study and is currently working on scheduling gigs in the Philadelphia area.
Drums are his primary focus, however, beginning in 1998 he worked as a systems technician for a pro concert sound company in the southeast. During this time he gained valuable experience in the music industry that he applies not only to his playing but everyday life as well. He has been fortunate to have been a technician on a long list of shows varying in genres and artists that include the Black Crowes, Sister Hazel, Slayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Nickelback, Johnny Lang, Moe, Wilco, Old 97's, Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, Keb Mo, James Brown, Rascal Flats, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker/Herbie Hancock, Cassandra Wilson, as well as many others. Darren holds a BSC in audio production from Ohio University.
Chris Caulder Drums/Guitar/Bass/Keyboards Instructor
Chris Caulder is a musical jack-of-all-trades. Starting his career out as drummer for the underground rock band Downside (later Down Inside), Chris went on to play guitar and sing for several hardcore bands in Florida, including Signal 13 and No Way Out. Most recently, he played guitar, bass, and piano in downtempo electronic-based duo Beauty's Confusion.
Currently, Chris is busy writing and recording music. He is working on his 14th solo project CD, currently entitled The Surcharge. To date, Chris has self-released thirteen solo music CDs of various styles and sounds, all of which are available from his own upstart record label Ousted Records (www.oustedrecords.net).
In addition to Chris' live band and recording experience, he co-wrote a book about computer recording with author Michael W. Dean entitled
"Digital Music DIY Now!", a copyright-free, Creative Commons-licensed e-book, which is freely downloadable from www.diynow.org. Chris has also served as technical editor for several music-related how-to books.
Furthermore, he has provided music for several video games, independent films, and has collaborated with and remixed countless indie artists including Bitstream Dream, Buck 65, East Hundred, and Lovespirals.
Chris listens to and loves every style of music under the sun, and some of his favorites include Jets To Brazil, Van Halen (only with David Lee Roth!), The Misfits (Danzig-only!), Queen, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Eat World, Azure Ray, Juliana Hatfield, Minipop, Nada Surf, The Smiths, and Metric.
http://oustedproductions.net
Robin Hallman Vocals teacher
Robin has been singing professionally for 23 plus years primarily in the Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey areas. She has been involved with various cover band projects, singing musical styles of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and now. Her vocal range and style spans vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett, Patty Smith, Patty Smythe, Pat Benetar, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, & Gwen Stefani and more. She started singing seriously at the age of 14 and was in her first rock band at the age of 16. Her 6 plus years of vocal training was through private instruction with Harold Singer and Roy Wilde of Philadelphia.
Most of Robin’s singing experience comes from singing professionally in a variety of musical projects from 3 years singing lead vocals with a 9-piece, cover band playing night clubs, fundraisers, weddings, banquets and other formal events throughout Philly and Wildwood, NJ, to 3 years as lead vocalist with a fully booked wedding band based in Lansdale, Pa. After a brief break to focus on her family Robin tried out a few musical projects which led to her most recent Rock cover band called Slant 6. Based out of the King of Prussia area, she sang lead vocals with and managed Slant 6 for the last 6 years, playing club venues in Philly, Delaware and New Jersey. (2001-2007) Recently, she has worked with the New Jersey-based party band, The Juliano Brothers, at Trump Plaza Casino in Atlantic City and other popular clubs in the New Jersey and Delaware areas. Currently, Robin and some musician friends are growing a new Rock cover band project which is scheduled to debut in Spring of 2008. Robin also performs as a soloist for wedding ceremonies and other private events.
Robin has taught vocal technique out of her home for the past 6 years. She strives to update and contour her teaching to match the style of music being sung and to the individual talent she encounters. Robin brings to the School of Rock her enthusiasm for music and her desire to share her years of hands-on experience and knowledge with young people who are eager to perform and carry on the Energy and Soul of Rock and Roll.
Luke Cleary Guitar/Bass instructor
Luke has been a dedicated musician for the past 12 years. His musical path began with his love for the music of classic rock bands (particularly Queen and Led Zeppelin.) Over time his tastes expanded and he now plays variety of styles including Rock, Jazz, and Classical. He and his former band, ZX9, moved from Philadelphia to L.A. where they played a multitude of venues including the Knitting Factory.
In 2007, he received a Bachelors Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Temple University where he studied under Allen Krantz. His classical playing can be viewed at the website www.lukecleary.com . Though proficient in many other styles, classical music is certainly Luke’s forte. This is very influential on his teaching style as he values the importance of truly understanding music theory as well as other skills of basic musicianship that are often overlooked in rock guitar lessons.
Luke is also working on a songwriting project under the title of Lunatide. This project unites his roots in rock music and love for classical guitar playing. The songs from this project are available at www.myspace.com/lunatide .
Will Alpers Drums Instructor
Will Alpers has been playing drums and percussion for 16 years, has studied with Jim Love and Dr. Chris Hanning, and holds a degree in music business from West Chester University. He has been teaching privately for 8 years, and is currently the Percussion Instructor at Elizabethtown Area High School.
He is currently working with the Dylan McGuire Band, a pop rock band out of Philly, who recently released a CD called Another Chapter. He also plays in a new fusion/jazz trio called ConFusion. Will is a life-long 'student', always looking to improve himself as a player and educator. He also enjoys working on his 'guns'.
Virus Guitar/Bass Instructor
Virus is a singer/songwriter/producer, who has specialized in guitar instruction and composition, for over twenty years. He is recognized worldwide for his lead guitar duties for the band Dope, which has released four albums(Epic/Flip/Artemis), sold 650,000 copies worldwide, and is now gearing up for their fifth release, "No Regrets" due out in Fall 2009 on Koch Records. Also, look for Dope on Guitar Hero 3, with their bonus song, "Nothing For Me Here."
Virus also specializes in custom music production and soundscaping. His company, Audioscape Media, has provided music for Sony Playstation/X-Box/Wii video games such as "Hotwheels," "Disney Skate," "Wakeboarding," and "Motocross," and has placed numerous songs for clients like ESPN, MTV, VH1, and WWE.
Virus is a firm proponent of hard work, practice, and an over all belief that anything is possible; a philosophy he instills in his students, one kid at a time.
Mike Vlaanderen Bass/Vocal/Guitar Teacher
Michael has been a professional musician for nearly 20 years, playing many styles of music including, blues, jazz, contemporary and alternative rock. After graduating high school, he continued with his musical education, and obtained several certifications including music production and engineering, while still furthering his own musical abilities in voice, guitar and bass.
He most recently attended Philadelphia Community College, where he expanded his knowledge in music theory and performance, all the while maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment field, performing consistently with many of the region's most respected musicians. He is currently performing with the bands The Zone & Monkey Bus. Michael has a passion for entertaining, and is thrilled at the opportunity to not only teach, but to also share his vast experience with others.
Check me out at http://www.myspace.com/mikevbass
Ryan Hickey Keyboard instructor
Ryan Hickey is a fresh, talented musician with an array of styles, instruments and experience. His devotion to understanding all types of music and eagerness to play live, transcending, music for audiences has set him apart from many others.
Ryan Hickey has toured the East coast with some appearances in the Midwest. He has played many venues and festivals including World Cafe Live (Phila), BB Kings (NYC) Zanzibar Blue, House of Blues (AC), Red Square (Burlington, VT), Stratton & Killington Mountains (VT), Kalamazoo Island Fest (MI), Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (OH), and The Outer Banks Brewing Station.
Ryan is a composer and impromptu live player who has recorded and played with artists such as Junior Marvin (Bob Marley), Tony Coleman (BB King), Michael Jay (Slide), Mike Tyler (LL CoolJ) and Stevie Culture. Notably, he has shared the same stages with bands like The Meditations, Badfish, Dark Star Orchestra, Carlos Jones, Fully Fullwood (Peter Tosh), Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Ekoostik Hookah and many other stellar artists.
You can never put a finger on what Ryan Hickey's particular styles might be. From a classically trained background, through a self-taught understanding of jazz, folk, and bluegrass, to a Grateful Dead/Allman Brothers way of playing, Ryan mixes all types of styles and sounds to bring you the latest buzz for your ears. He currently plays organs, keys and synth for the reggae Band "Mystic Rebel"
Ryan plays organs, keyboards, synthesizers, pianos, acoustic and electric guitars, melodica, clavinet, mouth organ/harp and vocals. Ryan has also studied French Horn and Bassoon and has dabbled with Trombone, Mandolin, Ukulele, Flute and Tenor Saxophone. Ryan has studied orchestral music, classical and jazz ensemble.