Dréa
General Manager
Dréa, photographer, mother of two School of Rock students and a rocker herself, became the school's GM in October of 2017. Possessing a BA in Theatre, and having a long history of teaching children of all ages in the creative arts world, she brings an exciting energy to the scope of performance that is offered. Dréa has worked locally with Children's Theatre of Charlotte, The Possibility Project and Playing for Others. Mentoring teens and fostering a sense of confidence and growth in who they are becoming is a mission close to her heart. Creating a welcoming environment that brings the best out of kids, inspiring them to expand their comfort zone of what is possible is her daily goal. When not serving the school or taking care of her family, she can be found holding a camera or a microphone, singing her lungs out.
John
Music Director
John grew up in a musical family, and began playing seriously when he was 13. He’s played with various projects around the region, and currently plays in two bands: drums in the prog-funk-punk trio Hectorina, and guitar, keys and vocals in the experimental psych-pop band Dinner Rabbits. He has also released two solo albums, and performs frequently with other artists live and in-studio. His influences range from psychedelia, folk and punk to soul, glam rock and new wave. John loves fostering an appreciation of all styles of music in his students, and helping them find their creative voice so they can reach their full musical potential. He has been an instructor at SOR since 2014, and became Music Director in 2019.
Sydney
Studio Coordinator
Sydney grew up in a family of artists in Albany, NY until moving to Charlotte, NC in 2008. Since then she has been performing in plays and in music venues, including with Carolina Voices. She is currently attending University of North Carolina at Charlotte for a degree in English and a minor in journalism but loves working in the live show industry. When she’s not scrolling aimlessly on Pinterest, she is writing her own songs and more than likely, watching a musical. Her favorite artists include Mariana’s Trench, Childish Gambino, and FeFe Dobson.
Dennis
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Dennis first started playing drums at age 10, drawn to the instrument by the sounds of classic rock drummers John Bonham, Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Nick Mason and the countless studio drummers that sweetened the sound of Steely Dan. A primarily self-taught multi-instrumentalist, with a splash of theory and notation imparted on him from time spent in the percussion sections of wind ensembles during high school, Dennis primarily writes and performs music as an element of his live performance art, which also includes poetry, acting, and comedy.
His passion for music has provided him opportunities to work with other musicians in jam sessions, open mics, bands, and as a live music audio engineer and comedy/music show producer. He tries to write a new song every week, and as a teacher, emphasizes the importance of body mechanics and feel. His mission as a performer is continually clarifying the connection between what motivates an artist to perform and why audiences are fascinated by art.
Taylor
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Taylor is a Chicago native with 3 years of experience in School of Rock as a student, 2 of which as a member of our prestigious House Band program, traveling and performing with other School of Rock students. Along with School of Rock, they also have 8 years of experience in choir and 4 years of experience playing keys. Taylor enjoys entertaining, whether it be in Charlotte Fashion Week or Karaoke (twice a week). Their musical influences are mainly female led bands like Paramore and Flyleaf.
Patrick
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Patrick fell in love with performing in the middle school band. Whether it be marching band or rock bands, he has loved every second he's spent playing music. He teaches students that music is the best form of self-expression and connection. Patrick wants to ignite their passion and build their confidence. He has been using his degree in music teaching students bass, keys, drums, directing shows and running summer camps.
Brian
Guitar Teacher
Brian joins School of Rock with a jazz guitar background and has been playing music professionally for over 9 years. Brian holds a music degree from UNCC. While he can teach Jazz and Rock, his favorite style of music to play is classical guitar inspired by Spanish composers Like Francisco Tarrega and Issac Albeniz. If you’re looking to transport yourself to Spain using only a guitar, Brian is the instructor for you.
Evan
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
With more than ten years as a professional drummer under his belt, Evan has crisscrossed two continents behind the kit with bands Big Jesus and Royal Thunder. Evan is a force to be reckoned with as a drum instructor and also makes bass lessons energetic for his students. Evan knows how to challenge his students every lesson. His influences include Bill Ward, Ginger Baker, and Keith Moon.
Phil
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
Phil has been a musician for over twenty years, and has been teaching for five. He was inspired to learn guitar after seeing his cousin play Jimi Hendrix riffs. After being gifted a Squier Stratocaster starter pack, he learned how to play songs by Green Day, Nirvana and Weezer. He also started writing his own music right away. The first song he wrote was the pop-punk inspired "TV Ruined Me." Over the years, Phil also learned how to play keys, bass, and sing, and developed his home music production skills. Currently, he sings and plays rhythm guitar in the dream pop band Pullover, and also plays lead guitar and harmony vocals in the indie pop band Modern Moxie. His musical influences are Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine.
Ben
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ben has been playing in bands since he was 16. Coming from a family of musicians, he was raised on all different kinds of music, but found his passion in guitar-based rock, pop, and alternative bands. His top three favorites are Slothrust, The Fall of Troy, and Nirvana. Ben possesses his BA in music from Catawba College. Learning to play an instrument can be a very rewarding experience! Ben highlights each student's unique voice to help them approach music with techniques that showcase their strengths to encourage growth.
Gordon
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
Gordon's approach to music blends a healthy amount of structure with a big dose of fun exploration. Gordon wants to bring the rocker out of each student, empowering them to dive into their favorite songs fearlessly. Gordon has a degree in psychology and theatre. Gordon's specialty is working with younger students and those with special needs. While he says his greatest influence is his father, he takes inspiration from the likes of Marcus Mumford and Jerry Garcia. And while he can be heard playing all types of rock music with his band, his favorite genres to play are bluegrass and jazz.
Ariel
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ariel has been a professional singer for over a decade and holds a degree in musical theatre and outdoor leadership. She is a passionately excited entertainer and teacher who has been performing since she could talk. In her lessons, she aims to inspire students to grow and express themselves through music that they love. If they join her lessons, she'll help them to unlock their ultimate musical potential. Are you ready to rock?!
Zoe
Studio Coordinator
Zoe is a lifelong music enthusiast. Some of her favorite bands are Judas Priest, Heart, and Black Sabbath. Zoe rocks the front desk and all show day operations. She has a background in fashion and art, and encourages all of our students to be more authentic versions of themselves.
Nic
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Nic is a songwriter from the Charlotte area. He's written, recorded and performed since his teenage years, playing in an eclectic array of projects ranging from metal/hardcore to rock n roll and singer/songwriter while touring throughout the country. He is a self taught musician, focusing primarily on guitar, bass, and piano, and studied music history/theory at UNCC. He's shared bills with such bands as: Stone Temple Pilots, Langhorn Slim, and Judah and the Lion. He currently performs and records with his solo project Nic Pugh & The Bad News, Paint Fumes and more. When teaching, he strives to bring out his student's confidence and creativity by personalizing his lessons and setting attainable goals for each student.
Vikkie
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Vikkie’s journey began as a student of School of Rock in 2016. Always going the extra mile to assist with camps, Rock 101’s, and House Band load in and outs, Vikkie made the transition to teaching an easy next step. Vikkie directs a rehearsal room with confidence and humility, knowing what it’s like to be in a student’s shoes. Her biggest influences include David Bowie and Bjork. And her bands, Research and the Hdwys will be releasing music soon.