Our Experienced Music Teachers
All of School of Rock Brick’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. School of Rock Brick proudly serves the Toms River, Howell, Wall, Brielle, Manasquan, Ocean County and Monmouth County areas.
Andrew Karlin
Owner, General Manager
Andrew Karlin is the Owner and General Manager of School of Rock Brick. A devoted musician since the age of five, Andrew left a long and successful career as a pioneer in video and Internet technology to pursue his passion project - working with kids, music and the community to enrich lives and have fun. Andrew is a proven entrepreneur who applies the experience of three previous business start-ups to establishing School of Rock Brick in underserved Ocean County.
Allie Weiner
Studio Coordinator
Allie Weiner was drawn to the piano at the age of 4 where her love of music began. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, she appeared in numerous theater productions and concerts. Allie toured the tri-state area singing in the original rock opera, “Day After Day”, which was written to raise autism awareness. She also had the honor of auditioning and being accepted into the Broadway Artists Alliance where she trained with New York’s top vocal coaches and worked alongside Broadway performers. Allie has performed on prestigious stages such as Red Bank’s Two River Theater and New York City’s New World Stages. In addition to performing, Allie has over ten years experience working in and managing music schools leading up to the Studio Coordinator role at School of Rock Brick.
Samantha Neal
Music Director, Singing Teacher
Sam Neal has over two decades as a touring and recording singer-songwriter and guitarist. A psychology student and mother of three, she has extensive experience with child development and brings a unique and positive perspective to School of Rock in Brick, New Jersey. As our Music Director, Sam is responsible for show theme, song selection, and the casting process, and ensuring excellence in all of our programs. Sam is thrilled to be the Music Director at School of Rock Brick and to enrich young people's lives through music education.
John DiGiulio
Drum Teacher
John DiGiulio is a drum teacher at School of Rock Brick. He has been a School of Rock drum teacher for over 10 years and has taught in several area schools. John's experience takes him back to being a young, enthusiastic learner and player in school bands and in local bands with friends. His high school teacher encouraged him to try out for the McDonald’s All-Star American Band, where he was accepted as one of two musicians representing the state of Rhode Island. That experience earned John a full scholarship to an arts and academic school of his choice. John chose Berklee College of Music in Boston. John has been an active touring and recording drummer, working with Paul Simon, Joan Osborne, Elvis Costello and many more. John is currently the drummer for Gloria Gaynor, traveling the globe playing sold-out shows. John likes to use his knowledge of music and the music business to show his students how to perform at their best, teaching them the fundamentals of drumming and how to work well in a band situation with positive results. From beginner to advanced skill levels, John's dedication to his students will always provide them with an awesome learning environment and the tools they need to move forward in their music endeavors.
Pete Biggiani
Drum Teacher
Pete Biggiani is a drum teacher at School of Rock Brick. He started playing drums at the age of two. By age 11, he was chosen to star alongside legendary drummer Carmine Appice in an Alfred Music Drum Prodigy instructional DVD sold in stores worldwide. Studying under top teachers like Carmine Appice and Joe Bergamini, Pete has become a very well-rounded drummer both live and in the studio. His new band Kodiak has recently signed a record deal and are touring the United States while planning a full-length release.
Patrizsha Lucas-Sherlock
Singing Teacher
Patrizsha Lucas-Sherlock, vocal instructor, has been singing since she made her first appearance on this planet. She studied musical performance at the Susan Slavin Academy at Carnegie Hall. She also worked with Bill Riley, vocal coach for Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Patti Lupone and other artists.
Patrizsha is experienced in a variety of genres from Cabaret and Broadway to Country and Blues. Her home, though, is in Rock music where she has recorded 2 original CD's and two EP's. As a touring professional, Patrizsha has performed around the world including Kenya, South Korea and the United Nations in NYC for the first Lady of Mali and the Ambassador's Wives event. The music video for her latest song Shelter, recorded in Nashville, is entered in the Garden State Film Festival, while her band, Patrizsha and the Soulterior Motives is nominated for Best Contemporary Group at the Kindred Awards.
Patrizsha's love of singing and people led her to School of Rock Brick where she is thrilled to pay it forward as a singing teacher.
Matt DiGiovanni
Guitar Teacher
Matt DiGiovanni started playing music on the piano at age 5, then switched to guitar at age 10. Matt has played in various bands - cover bands, wedding bands, Big Band orchestras, a Tribute Band, Oldies - Doo Wop groups, and a Christian Rock group as well as playing at Sunday morning mass at his church. These groups gave Matt experience in a wide range of genres, plus the opportunity to perform at many different venues Matt enjoys all types of music – Jazz fusion, blues, rock, country, oldies, swing and pop and is excited to be a guitar teacher at School of Rock Brick!
Andy Meyer
Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Andy Meyer is a life-long musician who began on guitar and drums at a young age and continued playing in concert, jazz and rock bands from elementary school throughout college. His years playing in music festivals with the band Turtle Soup led to direct involvement with event production, including many successful and well-received festival and club events and opportunities for Andy to play alongside musicians such as Bernard Purdie, Liberty Devito, Tim Palmieri, and more. Andy is thrilled to be a guitar teacher and drum teacher at School of Rock and help students enhance their musical skills and stage confidence.
Chris Biggiani
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher
Chris Biggiani has been playing guitar since he was four years old. Now just 21, Chris has accomplished so much--from playing on an album with music legends Slash and Brian May to appearing on a TV show with rockers Alice Cooper and Lzzy Hale. Chris gained immense experience playing on stages across the country. In 2022, Chris and his brother Pete formed the duo Intruder 424, collecting over 1 million online video views in a short amount of time. Chris is proud to be a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Brick.
Peter Sardina
Keyboard Teacher
Peter Sardina is a pianist, DJ, and self-taught composer/audio engineer who attends Montclair State University studying composition and jazz piano performance. He has been playing piano and writing music since childhood. Peter is a winner of the NJMEA Young Composer's Competition Grand Prize and has experience playing multiple instruments in Jazz Combos, Big Band, Concert Band, Bossa Nova groups, and more. He plans to pursue his Masters in Composition/Conducting, teach at the College level, and become a touring DJ/producer. He is thrilled to share his knowledge as a piano teacher and keyboard teacher at School of Rock Brick!
Andrew Pollinger
Guitar Teacher
Andrew Pollinger is a Brick native and guitarist who has been playing since the age of seven. A natural musician, he picked up other instruments such as bass, drums, keyboard, and saxophone. In addition to being a solo artist, Andrew has played with bands including The Frights, Law, and Agent Orange. His style ranges from rock and roll to punk, blues, and many other genres. Andrew is also skilled at recording and producing in the DIY home studio that he built with a bandmate. He has a fun, confident, and enthusiastic approach to teaching, while reminding students that hard work and practice are needed for success. “Once somebody discovers the art of music, it can change their life.” Andrew is stoked to be a guitar teacher at School of Rock Brick!
Andrew Van Buskirk
Keyboard Teacher
Andrew graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in music performance and production. He is currently the organist at two churches in Ocean County and has taught private piano lessons to students from children to seniors. He is also a member of several community bands and plays keyboard at senior centers for the Ocean County Meals on Wheels program. Andrew’s teaching philosophy combines patience, encouragement and an emphasis on practice to help each School of Rock student achieve their full potential in any genre of music.