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.
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.
Cooper Boyd Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Cooper Boyd picked up the guitar at the age of eight years old and knew it was his true calling. He was self-taught until the age of 13, when he first joined School of Rock as a student. Since then he’s toured with the School of Rock Cresskill House Band and with the School of Rock AllStars. During his time at School of Rock he formed his band Lunatic Fringe (2015-2019), who released an EP, were known for their wild shows, opened for national touring bands such as LA Guns, Trixter, Faster Pussycat,and Last In Line, and were also recognized by New Jersey radio stations, including WRAT and WDHA. Cooper has been teaching guitar since the age of 16 and now is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Brick.
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!
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!
Chris Paprota Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher
Chris Paprota is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist and music educator from Ocean County, NJ. Having learned first hand from renowned drummers/teachers including Dom Famularo, David Garibaldi and Dennis Chambers, he has developed a unique voice and approach to modern drum set playing and teaching. Over the past 15 years, he has performed music ranging from Jazz to Heavy Metal, Live and In-Studio, from New York to California. Chris is also the drummer and co-founder of the Philadelphia based Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion group, Gnarbot. He is excited to be teaching the next generation 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.
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.