Eric Lonning Owner
School of Rock Chesapeake is owned by Eric and Jennifer Lonning. Before opening the Chesapeake school, the Lonnings opened School of Rock Virginia Beach in 2015. Throughout his childhood, Eric took guitar and drum lessons, played in bands, and had success touring and recording with a great group of friends and bandmates. Later, Eric pursued a career in marketing before returning to music at School of Rock. Eric's mission is to create a music school where students will become outstanding musicians, but more importantly inspiring and amazing individuals. Eric attended Wake Forest University where he studied Communication and Religion.
Jennifer Lonning Owner
Jennifer and Eric Lonning own School of Rock Virginia Beach and School of Rock Chesapeake. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jennifer pursued a career in orthopedic sales. She loved working with doctors and patients throughout Hampton Roads, but she jumped at the chance to join School of Rock full-time in 2017. Jennifer focuses on community outreach, early childhood music programs, camps and overall school operations. When she's not at School of Rock, Jenn keeps busy with the Lonnings' three children, Max, Emily and Izzy.
Kyle Folsom Music Director
Kyle Folsom has been a fixture in the Virginia music scene for years. Kyle performs as a vocalist and lead guitar player with several projects, including his original band, Woodwork, and a Grateful Dead cover band, Last Fair Deal. Kyle is an experienced show director, guitar teacher, vocal teacher and former drummer. Kyle worked for several years at School of Rock Virginia Beach, where he became known for his hard work, positive attitude, attention to detail and inspirational teaching style. Kyle's mission is to cultivate and maintain an inspirational music program where students are inspired and challenged to reach their full musical potential. Kyle enjoys being able to share his love of music to inspire his students to grow as musicians. He is the Music Director at School of Rock Chesapeake.
Romanze Willoughby Bass Guitar Teacher
Romanze Willoughby has been playing professionally on electric bass for 25 years and also has many years of performing classical upright bass. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music and he spent 11 years traveling and performing with the prestigious Navy band. After living internationally, he recently returned to Hampton Roads and jumped at the chance to work with the young performers at School of Rock. When he's not teaching, Romanze stays active performing, writing, and recording covers and his own original music. Romanze is a member of the American Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Black Rock Coalition (BRC). He is a bass guitar teacher and show director at School of Rock Chesapeake.
Gigi Johnson Piano Teacher, Vocal Instructor
Goluia “Gigi” Johnson is a vocalist and keyboardist from Chesapeake, VA. Her lifelong love of music inspired her to study Vocal Performance and Music Production at Chowan University, where she received a Bachelors of Science in Music in the spring of 2017. During her collegiate studies, she performed in several vocal and instrumental ensembles ranging from genres like classical to jazz. In March of 2018 she was signed as an artist/songwriter/music producer to No Choice Music Group (NCMG) where she continues to create music for herself as well as several NCMG artists. She specializes in jazz, R&B, soul, rock and pop, however she appreciates many forms of music from across the globe. As she continues to learn and grow, she considers herself a true believer in the power of music to both inspire and entertain. She is a piano teacher and vocal instructor at School of Rock Chesapeake.
Igor Kuzmin Drum Teacher
Igor Kuzmin loves to drum! Born in Russia, Igor moved to the US at age 9. Igor's love of rhythm began when he heard someone making beats on the table in elementary school. The rest is history! Igor's formal music instruction began with middle and high school band courses which ultimately led him to study music at Old Dominion University. Prior to teaching at School of Rock, Igor assisted the drumlines at Indian River and Granby High School. Since 2006, Igor has performed in ten bands ranging from grunge to jazz and everything in between. Igor joined School of Rock in 2017 and has yet to have a bad day.
Holly Milner Studio Manager
Holly Milner was born and raised in Norfolk and was instilled with a love for music at a very early age. She began playing the piano at age three and the violin at 10, and is a passionate collector of vinyl. Holly has over ten years of experience at School of Rock, beginning her career at the School of Rock Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Holly serves as the Studio Manager in Chesapeake. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school, including scheduling, billing, student safety, and new member orientation. She feels lucky every day to have found an environment combining her two favorite things: helping kids and rock music.
Jarvis Griffin Singing Teacher, Piano Teacher
Jarvis is a piano and vocal teacher at the School of Rock Chesapeake. Jarvis is a local musician and the lead singer of Paper Aliens, a popular band based in Norfolk. Jarvis grew up singing in the church choir and studied music as a teen in the Netherlands. He later studied music at Old Dominion University and participated in their Dean Chorale (the most elite). Jarvis reads music, has tons of experience performing, and is excited to work with all of the students at School of Rock!
Briana Lotan Singing Teacher, Piano Teacher
Briana has been singing since she could speak! Around middle school, Briana dove deeper into music theory as she began piano and voice lessons. In high school and undergrad, Briana studied classical music and music theater. After graduating, she taught piano and voice in a more contemporary musical environment. Currently pursuing her Masters Degree in music, Briana is very excited to continue teaching at School of Rock. Briana loves musical theater, but her heart will always be with contemporary genres like rock, alternative, and punk.
Cory Pettiford Guitar Teacher
Cory Pettiford started playing guitar at age 9 and has almost 50 years of playing experience! Cory was awarded the prestigious C1 special skill identifier by the US Army Element, School of Music, indicating that his playing ability and musicianship was among the top 10% of all Army guitarists worldwide. Over the years, Cory has won multiple Guitarmageddon competitions put on by Guitar Center and was flown to Atlanta and Orlando to participate in higher levels of competition. Cory is well versed in rock, jazz, pop, and funk guitar styles.
Mariah Banks Singing Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Mariah Banks began her musical journey at 4 years old when she was taught piano by her mother. In middle school, she became very involved in choir and performing. Mariah has a degree in musical theater and has performed with various theaters and private events. Mariah is currently enrolled at CNU pursuing a Masters in Choral Education.