Simone Bushard Studio Coordinator
Born in Santa Clara and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains, Simone Bushard is a college student, currently enrolled in community college. She is in the process of obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Music Production, and her hope is to one day own a recording studio. Simone’s interest in music was sparked by her exposure to the music of grunge, punk rock and classic rock artists like Audioslave, Green Day, Queen and The Doors. While Simone was very much inspired by these types of artists, she writes her own lyrics that take on a style similar to the blues. While finishing her degree, Simone is currently attempting to compose, record and produce her first album. She is the Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Berkeley.
Owen Adair Kelley Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Owen Adair Kelley is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Berkeley, and a ukulele teacher and performing guitarist and bassist in the San Francisco Bay Area. He began playing guitar at age 11 and went on to study Jazz and Classical Guitar at Capital University in Columbus, OH. He moved to Oakland in 2010, and has been performing locally and internationally ever since. He is a member of Cash Pony, Sleepy Sun and his own solo group. His first album, "Even Still," was released in 2016, followed by "Full Alpine Lace" in 2018.
Owen specializes in all forms of rock and pop music, primarily modern rock, blues and jazz, as well as classical guitar technique. His lessons are interactive and fun. New concepts and techniques are explored through thoughtful music selections. Sight reading, music theory and scales are introduced, as well as improvisation and experimentation to broaden the student’s abilities and develop musical instincts.
Cairo McCockran Drum Teacher
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Cairo McCockran has devoted his life to the study of rhythm. His studies began in East Oakland under the instruction of master percussionist E.W. Wainwright and as a performer of the African Roots of Jazz Youth Drummers. Cairo continued his musical studies at the Berkeley Jazz School and completed his high school studies in instrumental music and performance at Oakland School for the Arts. Upon completion of his Bachelor's degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs at the California Maritime, Cairo performed and toured with local blues, rock, jazz, zydeco and R&B outfits in Oakland. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Berkeley.
Joe Lewis Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher
Joe Lewis has been a full-time musician since age 17. He fell in love with music growing up and played in the East Bay jazz/gospel/R&B/soul church community, as well as in the SF Fillmore district jazz community, primarily playing upright bass and electric bass. Performing locally three to six times a week, Joe had the opportunity to play with many of the Bay Area's finest jazz, R&B, Latin, Eastern European, soul, rock 'n' roll and pop artists and producers from 1997-2010. Since 2010, he has been touring full-time, seeing the world with various original artists. For the last three years he has worked as a bassist, band leader, harmony vocalist, and booking and tour managing. For Joe, it has been a great adventure traveling all over, connecting with people through music. It feels great to be home and he is so thrilled to work at School of Rock Berkeley as a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher and piano teacher.
Lisa Light Bass Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher
Soon after earning her degree in Biology at Stanford University, Lisa Light found her true calling as a musician. She dropped out of SF State while pursuing a second degree in Classical Violin Performance in order to go on tour and record with her first band, The Lovemakers. They enjoyed an international following and released four studio albums, including the critically acclaimed "Times of Romance" on Interscope Records. She has lent talent to many other musician's records as well.
Lisa released "El Elle," her first solo LP, in 2011, and has continued to collaboratively perform under the El Elle moniker with rotating musicians and dancers. She also performs in Material Girl, a Madonna tribute band, and founded dream pop band Garlands, who released their LP in 2013. When she is not making music, she is dancing to it, or contributing big data about it to Pandora Media as part of the music analysis team. She is currently releasing a single a month with producer Jim Greer. Lisa is also a voting member of The Recording Academy, and founder of AudioDawgs, a recreational club at Pandora devoted to recording arts. She is a bass guitar teacher and vocal instructor at School of Rock Berkeley.
Derek Burle Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Derek Burle has been a passionate player for going on 20 years. From garage bands in his early years through his current music projects, he's been heavily inspired by the titans of guitar such as Page, White and Zappa, and bass like Jamerson, Claypool and Thundercat. He has been teaching music since 2014 and loves inspiring students to learn their favorite songs while emphasizing technique, theory and good fundamentals. In addition to teaching guitar, bass and ukulele, Derek tours with his swing punk band, Van Goat. When not playing, you can find Derek riding his bike, shooting photos or at a local show. He is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Berkeley.