Andersonville
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Andersonville

Map
School of Rock Andersonville
5600 N Ridge Ave
Chicago, IL 60660
872-810-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 11 AM - 3 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM - 3 PM

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

Programs we offer

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

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Andersonville'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 Andersonville 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 Chicago are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Andersonville 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 Chicago
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Andersonville 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 Andersonville Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Chicago 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 Andersonville'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 Chicago music venue.

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

At School of Rock Andersonville, 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Andersonville 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 Andersonville, 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 Andersonville, 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 Andersonville is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Andersonville 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.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock Andersonville, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

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

School of Rock Andersonville'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 Andersonville 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 Chicago.

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 Andersonville 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 Chicago.

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

The School of Rock Andersonville 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 Andersonville's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at IL 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 Chicago and the rest of IL. 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 Andersonville

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Chicago

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Andersonville, 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 Andersonville is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Chicago 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 Andersonville'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 Andersonville, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Chicago 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 Andersonville 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 Chicago guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Chicago

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Andersonville 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 Andersonville we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Chicago, 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago. Unlike other Chicago 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 Andersonville, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Chicago 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 Chicago

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Andersonville 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 Andersonville, 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 Andersonville 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Chicago

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Andersonville 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 Chicago 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Chicago. 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago 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 Andersonville Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Andersonville, 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 Chicago, 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 Andersonville’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, Music Director Jim Sellers
Jim
Owner, Music Director
With a music career spanning more than three decades, pianist Jim Sellers has performed with many of today’s jazz luminaries, including trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonists Frank Catalano and Richie Cole, and bassist Bill Yancey. Chicago Jazz Magazine says, "Sellers uses his virtuosity and eclectic knowledge to excellent effect…[with] novel approaches and notable musical surprises." The Jazz Institute of Chicago has praised Jim's "…unambiguous attack of the piano and witty arrangements."

Prior to School of Rock, Jim taught at the Bloom School of Jazz for 17 years, St. Barbara High School, and Oak Brook Academy of Music and Art. He is an accomplished guitarist, bassist, and composer, and earned a bachelor's degree in music from Northern Illinois University, and a master's degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from DePaul University.
Music Director, Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher Luke
Luke
Music Director, Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Luke is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who mainly performs and creates in the genre of progressive rock and metal. He has been playing guitar for nearly two decades, and since his start, he has built and refined skills as both a technical lead and rhythm player. Luke fronts his own band, The Untold, on lead vocals and guitar. He also writes most of the music for the band which has been releasing songs and playing shows since 2017.

In 2018, Luke graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in contemporary, urban, and popular music, with a focus on guitar performance. Even though Luke is mostly a rock and metal player, he has experience studying and playing in various genres of music including jazz, fusion, r&b, funk, acoustic finger-style, blues, and more. Luke is always pushing himself and constantly honing his sound, technique, and songwriting. Becoming a better musician is a lifelong and joyous process, and there is nothing he would rather be dedicating his life to.
Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Manuel
Manuel
Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Manuel is a guitarist and vocalist born and raised in Chicago. He has performed in multiple original and cover bands over the course of the past decade, playing shows at places like Double Door, Lincoln Hall, Bottom Lounge, and House of Blues, and touring the Midwest.

Manuel started learning guitar at the age of 13 while also learning saxophone as part of his education, and dabbled in other instruments like keyboards, bass, and any other instrument lying around with strings on it. While mostly focused on performing rock and indie music, he has experience playing many genres of music, including soul, funk, and jazz, winning the Berklee College of Music's Judge's Choice Award in 2011.

Manuel has also recorded with Sean O'Keefe and has recorded and mixed original music. Currently, he leads a cover band and an original project called j a b o b o.
Drum Teacher Rachel
Rachel
Drum Teacher
Rachel aka “Chop Suey” is a professional drummer and live performance teacher who believes that rhythm and music are an extension of who we all are in the world. She is a working musician who studied performing arts throughout high school and studied for her BA in Music Performance and Music Education at the Detroit Institute of Music Education, with a personal interest in music therapy and music psychology.

Rachel strives to make an impact by nurturing musical development in a supportive, inclusive, and positive way.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher Izzie
Izzie
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Izzie is a pianist, songwriter, producer, and DJ native to the Chicago area. As a former School of Rock student, she is no stranger to the joy of performing with an ensemble and bringing the works of legendary bands to life. During her time as a School of Rock student, she was a keyboardist in the House Band and performed at Summerfest and the Rave in Milwaukee. Her fondest memories include playing a Frank Zappa tribute show and music by the Big 4 of Thrash Metal.

Izzie is a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she earned her B. Mus. in Piano Performance. Her specialty there was contemporary classical music and works for piano and electronics. This interest turned into producing her own music for her solo project Ar1adn3, under which she’s released three EPs and several singles. Izzie is an active performer and DJ in the Chicago area and has performed at Chop Shop, Undercoast, Bourbon on Division, and Bookclub. A performer with a passion for teaching, her pedagogy training has informed everything she does with her students.
Guitar Teacher Quinn
Quinn
Guitar Teacher
Quinn is a Chicago-based guitarist and educator specializing in jazz, funk, blues, R&B, and rock. Following resistance to piano lessons, Quinn’s parents bought him a guitar for his ninth birthday and he started guitar lessons. Early on, he studied privately with Larry Baker and Duke Tumatoe.

Quinn played in the jazz band throughout high school, getting to meet Emmet Cohen and Bob Mintzer as clinicians. Along with this, he gigged in a cover band with other students from his school.

Quinn recently completed his bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music studying under Dave Stryker. In his time at the Jacobs School of Music, Quinn performed in ensembles led by Sean Dobbins, John Raymond, Brent Wallarab, Wayne Wallace, and Tom Walsh.
Drum Teacher Tom
Tom
Drum Teacher
Tom's journey as a drummer has been a lifelong passion fueled by the vibrant alternative rock scene of the early 2000s. Bands like Green Day and blink-182 became the soundtrack to his formative years, igniting a fire within him to pursue drumming as more than just a hobby.

Tom's musical voyage began in middle school when he formed a band with close friends in class. They played gigs at local venues and house parties, sharing their love for music with anyone who would listen. Those early experiences laid the foundation for Tom's musical path, teaching him the value of live performance and the connection it can forge with an audience.

Tom took a significant step in his drumming journey in 2012 when he became a student at School of Rock. The School of Rock environment offered Tom not only a comprehensive education in music theory and technique but also a platform to perform alongside talented musicians. It was at School of Rock that his progression as a performing drummer accelerated, and he discovered the true power of collaboration and the joy of sharing music with others.

Currently, Tom is a member of a punk rock band called Superkick, where he continues to channel his passion for drumming into dynamic live performances and recording sessions. Playing in a band has provided Tom with invaluable experiences, from writing and arranging music to working with other talented musicians, all of which he brings into his teaching.

Tom is thrilled to be a part of the School of Rock Andersonville community and to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for drumming with students of all ages. Teaching is not just a job for Tom; it's a true love. He looks forward to helping you discover the joy and creativity that drumming can bring to your life. Let's rock!
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher Ben
Ben
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Ben is a musician specializing in bass guitar and background vocals. He has his degree in jazz studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Ben has appeared in musicals as an onstage musician at Drury Lane and the Royal George Theatre. Since then he has been working with touring artists including The Tom Fuller Band, Boyband Review Chicago, Jeanette King, Pistol Pete and most recently filling in as Paul McCartney for American English. Ben also has taught music since 2011 and continues to write his own music.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher Sam
Sam
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Sam is a keyboard player, bassist, singer, and songwriter based out of Chicago. Growing up in Milwaukee, Sam began taking piano lessons at the age of 12. In college, he majored in music, with a focus on composition and production. During this time Sam also participated in the Cherry Street Combo, the top jazz combo at Knox College. He also acted as a teacher’s assistant for music production classes at Knox.

During the summer of his junior year, Sam worked as an intern for the Casterbridge Music Development Academy in Mbombela, South Africa. In this role, he taught piano lessons and acted as a musical advisor for a multitude of students.

More recently, Sam helped form the indie rock collective Kent Avenue Carpool. The band performs at venues across the Midwest, including High Noon Saloon in Madison, Cactus Club in Milwaukee, and Cobra Lounge in Chicago. Sam is dedicated to improving himself as a musician and helping others along their musical journeys.
Bass Guitar Teacher Meriah
Meriah
Bass Guitar Teacher
Meriah began learning bass at the age of 15 and spent weekends in Chicago to pursue her love of music as a School of Rock student. She graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Music Business in 2024.

Meriah plays bass in the band Aisle Five and has played at venues such as Metro, Subterranean, and Bottom Lounge. When she is not playing with her band she helps to promote the work of local and touring musicians through her music publication Amplified Chicago.
Vocal Teacher Ayana
Ayana
Vocal Teacher
Ayana is a vocalist, songwriter, and visual artist based in Chicago, Illinois. She has loved music from an early age and grew up playing violin, acting, singing, and dancing in school musicals, and singing in church and school choirs.

After graduating from Ohio State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Ayana returned to her hometown of Cleveland to launch her career as a musician and begin her teaching journey. She gained performing and recording experience fronting the five-piece alternative rock outfit Goldleaf and currently performs as one-fourth of the glam folk-pop band The Prom Queens.

Ayana helps students become well-rounded musicians in a nurturing, inclusive, and creative environment that enables students to take pride in their strengths, improve their weaknesses, and grow more confident in finding their own voices.
Drums Teacher Ethan
Ethan
Drums Teacher
Ethan, a drummer and vocalist from Fryeburg, Maine, discovered his passion for rhythm early on. Guided by NYC-based drummer Bill Mead, Ethan honed his skills before venturing to Chicago for a Bachelor of Music degree at Columbia College. Immersed in the city's diverse music scene, he showcased his versatility by collaborating with various artists and bands, including Aisle Five, Kahil El’Zabar, Anessa Rivera, Kacie Brown, and Mara Luna. Ethan's electrifying performances graced renowned venues like The Metro, Bottom Lounge, Raven Room, and Martyrs. Having just graduated from Columbia in spring 2024, Ethan looks forward to leaving his unique imprint on the music industry.
Vocals Teacher Izzie R
Izzie R
Vocals Teacher
Izzie is a vocalist who began performing as early as preschool. Throughout her many years of singing in choirs, musicals, at School of Rock, and in her own band, she has found her niche in indie rock genres.

After graduating from the School of Rock in St. Louis, Izzie moved to Chicago where she completed her BA in journalism at Columbia College Chicago, class of 2024. In her free time, she writes, records, and performs with her band and passion project, Blush. She also combines her love for music and writing through the independent music publication Amplified Chicago.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, and Vocals Teacher Eric
Eric
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, and Vocals Teacher
Eric is a guitarist, bassist, and songwriter, native to the Chicago area. Becoming the leader of the rock band Daisy Estate in 2020 has been a great joy and fueled his day-to-day passion for music. He is a graduate of DePaul University and loves to share the knowledge he has gained over the years from practicing and playing with a variety of musicians.
Vocal Teacher Grace
Grace
Vocal Teacher
Grace is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter specializing in pop, jazz, folk, and musical theatre. As a music major in college, Grace performed as a soloist at school-wide events and taught music theory as an assistant instructor. She was a featured soloist for her a cappella group, “The Amateurs,” earning second place in the semi-finals for the International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella (the “Pitch Perfect” competition).

In lessons, Grace focuses on embracing one’s unique voice and finding emotional connections to each song alongside practicing proper vocal techniques. Grace creates a welcoming environment for all students, encouraging everyone to try new techniques, take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Grace loves writing folk-pop music and essays about music and pop culture. She is currently working on writing and recording her first album.
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!

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