Bentonville
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Bentonville

Map
School of Rock Bentonville
700 SE Walton Blvd
Ste 8
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-250-9600
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 1 PM - 8 PM

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

School of Rock in Bentonville proudly serves the local community and surrounding areas like Rogers, Bella Vista, and Centerton with a revolutionary music education approach. Our quality music lessons are taught by real, practicing musicians and students can learn to rock out on guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, across many genres. At School of Rock, students can jam together, perform live music, and develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Our students perform at community-based events like First Fridays, Bike Fest, and Square to Square Bike Ride. Our students also regularly play at local venues like George's Majestic Lounge, The Meteor, and JJ's Live! Join the band and visit School of Rock Bentonville today!

Programs we offer

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

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

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

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

At School of Rock Bentonville, 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 Bentonville, 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.

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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Bentonville'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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville.

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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Bentonville

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Bentonville

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Bentonville

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Bentonville. 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville, 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 Bentonville’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, Bea
Bea
Owner
Bea has called Northwest Arkansas home for over 18 years. Coming from a rich musical heritage, Bea recognized the unique needs of NWA students seeking a performance-based music education. With a blend of over 25 years of successful corporate experience and a business degree, Bea launched the School of Rock in Fayetteville in 2016 and expanded her musical vision by acquiring the School of Rock in Bentonville in 2021.

According to Bea, owning a School of Rock is the most rewarding and successful endeavor she has ever undertaken. Her schools are constantly filled with laughter, music, and joy, making them much more than just businesses—they are vibrant communities where students thrive and find their musical voices.
General Manager Jen
Jen
General Manager
Jen brings a unique blend of artistic creativity and passion for music to her role as General Manager at the School of Rock in Bentonville. From a young age, she has cultivated a deep love and connection to music, which complements her talents as an artist and painter.

At the School of Rock in Bentonville, Jen finds fulfillment in enhancing the lives of young musicians, merging her artistic skills with her dedication to fostering musical growth. She channels her creativity both on canvas and through her work, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Jen's commitment to creating a supportive and enriching environment for students reflects her belief in the transformative power of music and the arts. Her role as General Manager allows her to combine her passions effectively, ensuring that the School of Rock in Bentonville continues to be a place where creativity flourishes and musical talents thrive.
Music Director Eric
Eric
Music Director
Eric began his musical journey at the age of 13 in Arkansas, quickly immersing himself in the local music scene. Inspired by the local acts he admired as a kid, Eric embraced the opportunity to seriously study music, including theory during high school, and expanded his repertoire to include vocal music, setting the stage for his future in music education. Eric pursued vocal music education at both Arkansas Tech and the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith, participating in multiple choral groups and jazz ensembles.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Eric has played in rock and roll bands ranging from heavy metal to pop-punk, showcasing his love for all genres of music. He currently plays bass and tours with the progressive metal band Terminus. He takes pride in his ability to blend theoretical knowledge and technical skills from various genres and apply them to his current projects.

At the School of Rock in Bentonville, Eric brings this diverse expertise to his students, catering to their varied musical tastes. His passion for music is evident in everything he does, making him a dedicated and inspiring instructor who continuously shapes and enriches the lives of his students.
Vocal Teacher Amanda
Amanda
Vocal Teacher
From LA to Amsterdam, Amanda's musical journey has spanned every genre imaginable, from country and R&B to rock, classical, and even Tejano. Her diverse repertoire and remarkable talent have led her to share the stage with iconic R&B and pop legends, including Destiny's Child, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. For a period,
Amanda performed as a replacement member of the legendary girl group En Vogue, bringing her extensive experience both on and off stage to new heights.

As an accomplished actress, Amanda has graced the stage in productions such as Ain't Misbehavin', Anything Goes, and Dream Girls, along with numerous successful gospel and off-Broadway plays. Her versatility and talent have earned her rave reviews, particularly for her 18-song symphonic tribute to Whitney Houston, performed with countless symphony orchestras across the country.

Amanda's online presence is equally impressive, with over 130 million views collectively on Facebook and more than 10 million on YouTube. At School of Rock, Amanda's wealth of experience and passion for performance inspire and empower her students, making her an invaluable part of the team.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Matthew
Matthew
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Matthew brings a wealth of expertise and passion to his role as a guitar and bass guitar teacher at the School of Rock in Bentonville. He honed his skills at McNally Smith College of Music, specializing in guitar performance. Over the years, Matthew has played a diverse range of genres, including rock, Latin, and blues, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Currently, he channels his creative energy into his metal band, Endfall, where he not only performs but also records and mixes the band's song demos.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Matthew has a keen interest in photography, videography, and video editing, adding another layer of creativity to his repertoire. His multifaceted talents and dedication to his craft make him an inspiring and engaging instructor, always ready to help his students explore and expand their musical abilities.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum, Vocal Teacher Max
Max
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum, Vocal Teacher
Max's musical journey began at the age of 5 when he first picked up the guitar, igniting a lifelong passion for music. In seventh grade Max joined School of Rock, introducing him to singing, a newfound passion that he continued to cultivate through his high school's Chamber Choir and later in Schola Cantorum at the University of Arkansas. In 2022, Max earned a bachelor’s degree in music business with a focus on classical voice training, reflecting his dedication to both practical and artistic aspects of music.

Max's musical adventures have taken him to prestigious venues across the globe, including performances in England, Scotland, Serbia, and most notably, Carnegie Hall in New York City. Drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of genres, Max emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse musical styles to nurture a well-rounded musical perspective.

Outside of his academic and performance pursuits, Max is an active member of his band, Pillar Reef, with whom he released an EP of original music in 2021. His dynamic experiences and deep passion for music enrich his teaching at the School of Rock in Bentonville, where he inspires students to discover their own musical journeys and embrace creativity in all its forms.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jenny
Jenny
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
A Fayetteville native, Jenny is a versatile musician and educator who teaches keys, guitar, bass, and drums at the School of Rock in Fayetteville, with a special emphasis on keys. Her musical journey began with an impressive start, ranking number one in the state on xylophone during her high school years.

Jenny's musical path evolved as she pursued classical training and later transitioned into a singer-songwriter role in recent years, showcasing her diverse talents. Alongside her musical pursuits, Jenny holds a doctorate in natural health, specializing in musicians and children's health. Her holistic approach integrates a love for music with a commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a positive mindset among musicians of all ages.

Jenny's passion for teaching is evident in her dedication to inspiring students to explore and excel in their musical endeavors. Let her expertise and enthusiasm guide you on your musical journey at the School of Rock in Bentonville.
Drum Teacher Erin
Erin
Drum Teacher
After 44 years in California, Erin embarked on a new musical journey, moving to the South to embrace both fatherhood and a teaching career. His passion for playing drums and performing began at the age of 12 and has been a cornerstone of Erin's life ever since.

Since 1988, Erin has been actively involved in the music scene, jamming and touring across the western and southern states, performing at clubs and festivals. Throughout his career, Erin has had the honor of sharing the stage with numerous legendary bands and musicians, including collaborations with members of The Grateful Dead and saxophonist Martin Fierro.

Erin's musical influences span a wide spectrum, encompassing rock, funk, soul, metal, Latin, groove, jazz, reggae, disco, dance, country, bluegrass, and hip-hop, among others. His diverse background fuels his goal of bringing joy to people's lives through music and passing on his extensive rhythmic skills and knowledge accumulated over the years.

At School of Rock, Erin inspires his students with his passion for music and dedication to nurturing their musical talents, ensuring they develop a deep appreciation for rhythm and musical expression.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Sarah Hughes
Sarah
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Sarah has been a working (live) musician in NWA for over 15 years. While she is strongest on guitar and vocals, Sarah is also proficient on bass, piano, harmonica, and drums. She signed on as an instructor at the School of Rock in Bentonville, Arkansas in November 2022 to share the skills learned during her music career with the next generation of musicians.

Sarah was enrolled in private piano lessons from the ages of 6 to 12, where she learned the fundamentals of music theory. She strummed a guitar for the first time in the ninth grade; once her father taught her to play some chords, she never put it down. After graduating from Hendrix College, Sarah migrated to New York City, where she performed weekly in the East Village. Soon, she relocated to Austin, playing legendary locales, including The Continental Club, Saxon Pub, The Cactus Café, Momo’s, and Austin’s annual SXSW music festival. Finally settling in Fayetteville, Sarah quickly gained recognition throughout the region.

After winning a total of five Ozark Music Awards and 11 Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA), Sarah earned a spot in the NAMA Hall of Fame. So far, Sarah has released four albums of original music. As a music instructor, Sarah is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students are comfortable with the material they are learning, confident in what they have been taught, and most importantly, having fun!
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Sarah-Marie
Sarah-Marie
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Hailing from Hot Springs, Sarah-Marie is a dedicated music teacher specializing in keys, beginner bass, and beginner guitar at the School of Rock in Bentonville. She embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5 as a classically trained pianist and has since cultivated a deep passion for music education.

Sarah-Marie holds a bachelor's degree in music from Hendrix College and brings over five years of teaching experience to her role. At the School of Rock in Bentonville, she guides groups such as Little Wing, Rookies, and Rock 101, providing students with a nurturing environment to explore their musical potential.

Her teaching philosophy centers around providing students with a creative outlet for expressing their emotions and discovering their unique identities through music. Sarah-Marie believes in fostering a sense of self-confidence and creativity in her students, empowering them to embrace their musical journey with enthusiasm and purpose.

Outside of teaching, Sarah-Marie enjoys spending time with her cats and diving into novels, finding inspiration and relaxation in literature and the companionship of her pets.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Luke
Luke
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Luke is a dedicated and versatile musician with over 12 years of experience, mastering guitar, vocals, bass, and keyboard.

Luke's musical journey began at the age of 9 but it wasn’t until he became a School of Rock student and joined his school's House Band that his hobby became a passion. After attending School of Rock for five years and graduating high school, Luke continued pursuing his passion for music by studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Luke studied under and received mentorship from world-class musicians such as Victor Wooten, Tomo Fujita, Scarlett Keys, Christopher Wares, and Abigail Aronson-Zocher.

Some of Luke's accomplishments include being certified as a professional guitarist by the Berklee Guitar Department, having over 80 hours of studio time at Berklee’s multiple recording studios, and performing at the Boston Symphony Hall. Currently, Luke is earning a degree in professional music studies with a minor in music business.

Luke’s musical background and history with School of Rock allow him to provide a teaching experience that is unique to him. He strives for his lessons to have a balance between positive words of encouragement and direct critiques.

“The goal is to get there, not to get there today.”
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Megan
Megan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Megan grew up listening to her dad improvise blues guitar solos, and she sang along to artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Foreigner. Megan took guitar lessons in her teen years but ultimately decided to pursue the trumpet to get into higher education. She is a classically trained trumpet player, with two degrees from the University of Arkansas in music education and trumpet performance.

During her undergrad, Megan realized that her true love for music lay in the less formal approach of the rock genre, so she came to School of Rock. Since then, she has found joy in helping students find their connection to music. Megan believes that any engagement in music, regardless of instrument, has a positive and lifelong impact on students.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Tyler
Tyler
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Tyler’s passion for music was sparked on a fateful Christmas Day when, at the age of 12, his dad gifted him his first Led Zeppelin album. Two years later during a vacation, he picked up a guitar—and never put it down. These pivotal moments set the course for his lifelong journey in music. Tyler began teaching himself to play his favorite songs, devouring guitar tabs and new music while honing his ear and technique. Over the years, Tyler has played in various bands spanning multiple decades and genres, which helped shape his diverse musical tastes and style. He currently performs with Gone Country, a local '90s country band, as well as in an original music project. Tyler's goal is to share the joy of listening to, appreciating, and experiencing music on a deeper level. For him, playing music with others creates a sense of connection and bliss that is unmatched, and sharing that joy is what motivates him every day.
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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