Alexandria
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Alexandria

START YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH A FREE TRIAL
Map
School of Rock Alexandria
3260 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-376-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Alexandria combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

School of Rock Alexandria is proud to serve the Alexandria community and surrounding areas with a revolutionary education approach. With lessons from our expert instructors, students can learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals across genres. By jamming in a band together with friends while learning to read and play music by ear, students gain the confidence to truly be a rock star. Our students perform at community-based events and regularly play at local venues! Join the band and visit School of Rock Alexandria today!

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Alexandria for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Alexandria's top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in Alexandria have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in Alexandria are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Alexandria who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in Alexandria
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Alexandria is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock Alexandria Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Alexandria music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock Alexandria's music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a Alexandria music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Alexandria
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Alexandria, our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock Alexandria, younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Alexandria
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Alexandria our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock Alexandria, toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock Alexandria, songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in Alexandria is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Alexandria who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Adult music program in Alexandria for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Alexandria's Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock Alexandria is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Alexandria.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock Alexandria Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in Alexandria.

House Band program for gigging at local venues in Alexandria
House Band
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock Alexandria House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock Alexandria's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at VA rock venues throughout the year.

What To Expect
  • A GIGGING MUSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE
  • FREQUENT LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COMMUNITY

The Path to Take the Stage

Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. Therefore, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout Alexandria and the rest of VA. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in Alexandria

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Alexandria

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Alexandria, we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock Alexandria is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Alexandria guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock Alexandria's beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock Alexandria, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Alexandria venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock Alexandria offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our Alexandria guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Alexandria

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Alexandria is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock Alexandria we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Alexandria, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock Alexandria, our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in Alexandria. Unlike other Alexandria drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock Alexandria, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Alexandria drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock Alexandria

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Alexandria offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock Alexandria, our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock Alexandria teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock Alexandria, our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in Alexandria.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Alexandria

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Alexandria offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in Alexandria and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock Alexandria, our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach Alexandria students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock Alexandria, our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock Alexandria

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Alexandria. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock Alexandria, our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Alexandria area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock Alexandria Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Alexandria area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local Alexandria music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock Alexandria, our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in Alexandria, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock Alexandria’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

Owner Steve McKay
Steve McKay
Owner
Steve McKay is our Owner and Rhythm Coordinator at School of Rock Alexandria. After 28 years as an IT Project Manager and Systems Engineer in the fast-paced Washington DC area, Steve decided to mix his skills learned running major IT projects with his love of live music to open School of Rock Alexandria in Alexandria, VA.

Along with his extensive management skills, Steve has been playing drums and managing events for 30+ years. This lengthy span of performing in bands has given Steve immeasurable experience with band management, event management, promoting and marketing skills.

One of Steve’s proudest moments in drumming actually occurred in a high school jazz band. What should have been a brief drum solo during his high school holiday concert turned into a several-minute drum solo, which caused the auditorium full of students to erupt in chaos and school faculty to rush the stage. Apparently, Steve was the most popular guy in school after his extended drum solo. Steve has since become an advocate for the arts, music education, small business/franchising, and has even spoken on Capitol Hill on the importance of music education in our communities.
General Manager Andrew Kroepel
Andrew Kroepel
General Manager
Andrew is a Michigan transplant with a BMus in Education and an MA in Music with an emphasis in composition. Since 2008, he has been dedicated to music education, sharing his passion for performance and creativity with students of all ages. Outside of teaching at School of Rock Alexandria, Andrew composes video game music, blending his love of interactive storytelling with his background in classical and contemporary styles.

A tuba player by training, he also hopes to one day pick up the bass guitar. His musical tastes span genres from Beethoven to The Black Keys, reflecting his belief that great music comes in many forms.
Music Director, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher Daniel Batres
Daniel Batres
Music Director, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Daniel’s love for music began when he was just a child. He started playing piano when he was nine years old. When he finished high school, he began his music studies at CENAR, National Arts Center, there he discovered Beethoven, Chopin, Strauss, and his favorite Johann Sebastian Bach.

After completing his studies at National Arts Center, he continued at ESARTE now with a focus on contemporary music such as rock and pop. It was in ESARTE where his love for teaching music was born. In ESARTE Daniel learned the art of band ensemble, choral conducting, and he developed as a music teacher.

With extensive experience teaching young children and adults, Daniel has a passion for education. At School of Rock, he is motivated and enthusiastic, with a strong desire to provide excellent instruction. In his free time, he really loves outdoor activities, like walking and running. He also loves sports like football and soccer, and his free time he favorites thing to do is spending time with his family watching cartoons and anime.
Studio Coordinator Lillian Ding
Lillian Ding
Studio Coordinator
As Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Alexandria, Lillian ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the school, including class scheduling and event logistics, as well as front desk support to students and parents. Lillian earned her Master degree in Fine Arts specializing in ceramic sculpting.

At home, she enjoys singing and bird watching. At work, she is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all music lovers ready to ROCK!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Jorge Flores
Jorge Flores
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jorge was born in Lima Peru, started as a drummer first in his high school years, then his grandfather gave him his first guitar and lessons, that’s when he discovered that guitar had to be his main instrument from that moment on.

After many years of studying and playing different genres of music (from rock to metal, funk, prog rock and all in between) he decided to share his knowledge and started working for School of Rock Alexandria. It's been over five amazing years so far. His main influences and inspiration are Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Santana & Billy Sheehan.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Shahin Sharifi
Shahin Sharifi
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Most of Shahin Sharifi's experience has come from live performance. Both on stage as an artist and behind the scenes as a technician, Shahin has consistently played in working acts for over 30 years with very diverse musical styles and interests. He is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Alexandria.
Vocal Teacher Jamie Moore
Jamie Moore
Vocal Teacher
Jamie is a vocalist with experience in songwriting, vocal production, audio engineering, and artist development. The start of her music journey was singing with family and playing woodwind instruments in school. She later worked as a background vocalist and performer, bringing passion to a variety of genres, while also teaching music to students as young as two years old. One of her favorite parts of teaching at School of Rock Alexandria is teaching the basics in a creative way that will leave an imprint on her students, all while making everyone smile and laugh.
Malerie Gamblin Vocal Instructor
Malerie Gamblin
Vocal Teacher
Malerie is a dynamic vocal teacher who brings a unique blend of real-world rock experience and professional teaching expertise to the School of Rock Alexandria. As the lead vocalist and co-founder of a nationally touring pop punk/alternative band, Malerie knows firsthand what it takes to own the stage. With experience performing at genre-focused events and beloved venues like Baltimore Soundstage and Jammin Java, she specializes in pop punk and easycore vocals, from powerhouse belts to emotional clean harmonies.

Whether you're just finding your voice or ready to level up your vocals, Malerie combines genre-savvy performance coaching with healthy vocal techniques that ensure your sound is strong, sustainable, and stage-ready. She’s excited to work with passionate students who want to grow not only as vocalists, but as confident performers.
Drum Teacher Randy Greer
Randy Greer
Drum Teacher
Meet Randy, a high energy teacher that uses positive vibes to make learning fun and memorable. Randy's last 30 years have included several concert tours, playing all over the US and United Kingdom. He plays drums for the album "Twist of Fate" by Joss (Independent) and was an early pioneer of the "Open Handed" drumming style. Influences include: Kenny Aronoff, Billy Cobham and Neil Peart. You can find Randy enjoying Earth Wind and Fire, Incognito and Rage Against the Machine.

A Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Randy's love and loyalty to his country is only equaled by his loyalty and dedication to his students and School of Rock Alexandria family. If you see Randy, give him a motivating fist bump!
Drum Teacher Cristiano Rice
Cristiano Rice
Drum Teacher
Cristiano began his musical journey as one of the very first drum students at School of Rock Alexandria when the school opened its doors in 2019. As a dedicated student, he grew not only in skill but also a passion for music, becoming an integral part of the School of Rock community. Outside of music, Cristiano is a soccer referee and is pursuing his college degree in kinesiology.

Today, Cristiano is a proud School of Rock alumnus who continues to pursue his love for performing. Along with fellow alumnus Chris, he is a member of the band Spunt!, where he brings his energy and talent from the rehearsal room to the stage. His story reflects the School of Rock mission, turning students into confident, lifelong musicians.
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jim West
Jim West
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jim has been teaching drums for over 20 years and studied with the legendary drummer Alan Dawson. With more than two decades of professional performing experience, he brings energy, expertise, and a love for music to every student he teaches. In addition to drums, he also teaches keyboard + piano at School of Rock Alexandria, providing a well-rounded musical foundation for students of all ages and skill levels.
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher Joe Jordan
Joe Jordan
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Joe has been teaching at School of Rock Alexandria since 2022, specializing in drums, guitar, and bass. Outside the classroom, he is the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for the progressive alternative rock band JJX, based in Philadelphia, PA. His career has taken him on tour across the U.S. with Oxymorrons and onto the stage with the legendary punk band Pure Hell. Joe is passionate about sharing his love of music with students, making every lesson fun, inspiring, and full of energy. His enthusiasm, humor, and big smile always create a positive and engaging learning environment.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Eric Forthman
Eric Forthman
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Eric Forthman, a musician and teacher, began playing guitar at age 13. His early influences were diverse, including classic rock, folk, and bluegrass. He has played in a wide variety of bands, mostly lead guitar with an affinity for intuitive and improvised playing. He has also studied guitar, piano, music theory, and jazz composition at the college level. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Eric currently provides instruction in guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard + piano at School of Rock Alexandria.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Charlie Verderame
Charlie Verderame
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Charlie is a guitar and bass guitar teacher and has been at School of Rock Alexandria for six years. Charlie has been playing music his whole life. Charlie took piano lessons for ten years as a kid, played alto saxophone in his junior high and high school band, and has been playing guitar in various groups around the country for fifteen years. Charlie enjoys playing metal, rock, blues, jazz, country, classical, electronic, hip hop, and many other types of music.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Chris Tuttle
Chris Tuttle
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Chris started as a guitar student in 2022 and has since grown into a teaching musician while pursuing a college degree in Music Education. A proud School of Rock alumnus and great addition to the School of Rock Alexandria team, Chris brings both passion and dedication to our community, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Alongside fellow alumnus Cristiano, he is a member of the band Spunt!, where he showcases his artistry and dedication to his craft. His journey is a shining example of how passion, education, and community can come together to shape not just skilled performers, but inspiring role models for future generations.
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jack Darnell
Jack Darnell
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jack Darnell is a privately trained saxophonist with over fifteen years of playing experience. He is also a privately trained pianist, and a self-taught guitarist and singer of over ten years. He studied classical and jazz saxophone and music theory under Jared Metzger, a graduate of the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University. Jack is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he was a four year member of the Band Of The Fighting Irish, playing in the university’s marching, concert, jazz, and varsity hockey bands.

After graduating, Jack moved to Washington, DC in 2022 and started the independent rock band Fake Radio, in which he sings and plays guitar, piano, and saxophone. As an advanced player, he has helped teach and lead his peers throughout his time in each band. Jack’s teaching philosophy is informed by his broad musical background. He has played a wide spectrum of music throughout his journey, including classical, jazz, rock, soul, folk, and pop. His exploration of these diverse musical traditions has led him to pick up multiple instruments, including saxophone, guitar, piano, and singing.

Jack strives to create an empowering and creative learning space at School of Rock Alexandria, guiding students to develop and follow their own musical instincts, while equipping them with the essential theory and techniques they need to flourish. He believes the heart of any good musical education is musical appreciation and aims to inspire a lifelong love of music in each of his students.
Vocal Teacher Galen Henderson
Galen Henderson
Vocal Teacher
Galen Henderson is a dynamic singer-songwriter who has been performing since a young age, nurtured by a deeply musical upbringing. With a father who was a successful songwriter and musician, Galen developed a strong foundation in music early on, shaping a distinctive artistic voice rooted in storytelling and emotional authenticity.

Galen has been featured as a spotlight artist with the Songwriter's Association of Washington, showcasing original work that blends heartfelt lyrics with her memorable melodies. A dedicated admirer of Taylor Swift, Galen draws inspiration from her narrative-driven songwriting, bringing that same sincerity and connection to every performance.

Galen specializes in working with younger children, having had an extensive background in childcare and teaching, and loves nothing more than helping students unlock their own voice at School of Rock Alexandria.
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Mika Green
Mika Green
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Mika Green is a guitarist and vocalist known for blending metalcore intensity, pop-punk energy, and electronic textures into a sound that’s both powerful and dynamic. She performs with Kick Rocks, an electronic rock band pushing genre boundaries with their high-energy performances and bold sonic style.

Originally from Marlton, NJ which is just outside Philadelphia. Mika grew up immersed in music, taking lessons from a young age and developing a deep connection to guitar-driven sound. Before stepping fully into performing and teaching, she worked at WSOU, a renowned metal radio station, where she gained firsthand experience in the heart of the heavy music scene.

When the pandemic hit, Mika adapted by teaching guitar, helping students stay connected to music during uncertain times. Outside of music and teaching at School of Rock Alexandria, she’s a passionate visual artist who enjoys drawing, jewelry making, and is currently learning the art of tattooing.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Toti Garcia
Toti Garcia
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Toti Garcia began playing bass and drums at a young age, developing a deep appreciation for rhythm and musical expression early on. In addition to his passion for music and production, Toti is an avid soccer player and coach, bringing the same sense of teamwork and discipline from the field into his musical work at School of Rock Alexandria.

Influenced by artists such as Deftones and inspired by genres like funk, indie, and house music, he values the way music connects people and helps them find comfort and confidence in their creativity. Based in the DMV area, Toti is familiar with the communities of Woodbridge, Springfield, and Washington, D.C., and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

Reviews

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

By submitting your email address you are verifying that you are 13 years or older.