Laura Bollettino
Owner & Executive Director
After running three schools for over 16 years, Laura Bollettino has seen the transformative power of School of Rock programs literally manifest in the thousands of students who have crossed our threshold. Not only the owner, Laura has been a School of Rock parent and knows that feeling of amazement as you see your child blossom on stage. She also saw her girls grow in confidence, leadership and teamwork skills as they developed into amazing musicians throughout their School of Rock years and is so grateful they got to have this experience. In college she studied International Relations and Business and spent over 20 years in the corporate world until she and her husband Jeff heard the call of School of Rock. Now she gets to say her job is inspiring the next generation of musicians to find their voice and express themselves on stage and in life. To know Laura is to see her energy and passion for helping her students and staff grow not only as musicians, but as people too. She adores her "kids” and finds each of them to have their own special sparkle.
Jessica Flores
Studio Manager
Jessica Flores is the Studio Manager who keeps our school running smoothly and oversees the customer experience. In addition to her managerial skills, Jess has been a vocal teacher at a couple of Schools of Rock for many years and has also directed many shows at both School of Rock Silver Spring and School of Rock Vienna. She is well-versed in our programs and understands the School of Rock experience on a deep level and is always delighted to meet new students and their wonderful families.
On the music front, Jess began singing in elementary school, where she gave her first solo performance at the Pageant of Peace with her school choir in DC at age eight. In high school, she was always active in multiple choirs and the musical theater department. She then began classical voice training at Montgomery College, under the guidance of Molly Donnelly, and gained experience in a variety of styles ranging from classical to Latin jazz through multiple collaborations with the Montgomery College World Ensemble and Metropolitan Orchestra at MC. While at MC, she helped institute an outreach program with Wheaton High School, bringing the experience of performing with a professional band to kids who were just starting out in choir. She has also performed with the National Philharmonic Chorale and interned for their Summer High School Choral Program. Jessica is currently finishing up her undergrad at UMBC in Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Education. She performs regularly with her band, Tesla's Cat, where she gets to practice being a rock star. She believes that studying music is an integral part of building stronger communities and well-rounded citizens.
Travis Adams
Music Director
As Music Director, Travis is in charge of all student programs, lessons, live performances, and both student and teacher development here in Vienna. Using his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and experienced teacher, Travis strives to build our students' confidence not just in music but in their every day lives. He holds degrees in both Entertainment Business and Recording Arts from Full Sail University (Orlando, FL). Travis's experiences and endless desire to become a better musician allows him to dig deep to bring a high level of energy and fun to all our lessons and groups at School of Rock.
Travis's journey through music started on the piano at age three, and by nine he had moved on to teaching himself guitar while taking private drum lessons from Bill Richards (Section Leader for The United States Army Band). Throughout high school, Travis marched in the snare line as well as sitting in on various instruments with his friend's bands as much as possible. He has since written, performed and recorded with a number of artists and has held various positions within indie record labels, radio, booking agencies and studios around the US.
Kevin Dickel
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Kevin Dickel grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia playing guitar in his school’s jazz band and playing guitar and screaming in South Jersey’s hardcore band, Davy Crockett. When he’s not rigging amps and speakers together like Dr. Frankenstein, he can be found trapped in a never-ending game of fetch with his dog. Kevin’s favorite artists include Alkaline Trio, Dillinger Escape Plan, Queen, Black Sabbath, Sleep and SUNN O. Kevin currently plays bass in local cover band Earls of Kent. He provides material support for Philadelphia-based artists Holy Mountain and Hafsol, and publishes music under the moniker Church of Pain. He is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Ashburn.
Nate Ihara
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher
Nate comes to School Of Rock Ashburn with over 20 years of professional experience in the music industry. Beginning his journey with voice & piano at a young age, he quickly moved to saxophone, guitar, bass, and an array of other instruments.
Since then, Nate has performed for crowds numbering in the tens of thousands on some of the best stages around the country alongside acts such as Maroon 5, 311, Lifehouse, Billy Idol, Toto, and Reel Big Fish to name a few. In addition to his live performance experience, he has released multiple albums of his own and has both written and produced material with Papa Roach, Hollywood Undead, and members of SHAED.
Nate joined the team at School of Rock because (as he puts it) “The teaching model and the people here are so inspiring, and I get to use my experience from years of performing and recording to teach the next generation of musicians. Nothing feels better than to be able to give back to the music community and the future of music. I wish School Of Rock had existed when I was a kid!”
When he isn't teaching at School Of Rock, Nate runs a songwriting and music production company where he composes for TV, film, and commercials. When he isn't doing that you can likely find him on a nature walk, checking out some really cool bugs with his son.
Manuel Medina
keyboard teacher
Manuel is a Peruvian artist that has been living in the Washington D.C. area for the last 15 years. He began taking piano lessons in Peru at the age of 11 and majored in Music and Music Technology with a minor in Jazz Studies from George Mason University. He has been teaching music for the last 12 years. Besides composing and teaching music, he also writes short stories in Spanish and practices creative drawing.
Kevin Caldwell
Guitar Teacher
Kevin Caldwell was born in Alaska and grew up the son of a U.S Army service member. He began his musical journey playing snare drum in grade school. Kevin moved to Italy in his 20s and created the #1 cover band “Sara’s Band” in Tuscany. After joining the U.S. Army in 2001, his cover band CX11230 won the U.S. Army’s MWR Battle of the Bands in Europe. Kevin became the lead sound engineer and a performer in the U.S. Army Europe Band & Chorus, performing all over Europe and other places from Moscow to Morocco. He has played in local cover bands in Maryland for the last 4 years. His favorite guitarist is Prince and he plays everything from ACDC to Elvis, and more.
Karl Kriemelmyer
Drum Teacher
Karl is a music industry veteran with 40 years of experience playing and recording. He started taking drum and piano lessons at the age of 7 and was playing drums professionally by age 15 with a Maryland-based Top-40 dance, soul, and funk band. He then ventured into the world of alternative rock bands and electronic dance music and has recorded and performed at many legendary venues including CBGB, 930 Club, DC Space, and Fever.
Karl has played drums in many bands and recording projects over the years as well as being a resident DJ at 930 Club and keyboardist. He has experience with drums, percussion, analog and digital synthesizers, MIDI, drum machines, electronic drums, sampling, and DAWs. Drumming remains his primary focus. He became interested in teaching through a rock & roll summer camp. Karl looks to ignite creativity and forge the paths to performance excellence in his students.