Dylan Calvo
Owner, Music Director
Dylan is a successful product of the School of Rock! As a young musician and student at the University of Miami's Frost school of Music, he is a pianist of 15 years, singer, bassist and songwriter with a diverse musical background.
Dylan spent five years as a School of Rock student, including two years in the AllStars program. Awarded a Presidential Piano-Performance based scholarship at Frost, he is also an International Baccalaureate graduate with a Juilliard affiliation. When he is not at School of Rock Clermont, performing onstage, or teaching lessons, you will likely catch him in the pit at a concert.
Rod Rivera
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Rod has decades of experience as a professional musician, performer, and instructor. He attended the Music Academy in Puerto Rico, where he learned classical, flamenco, rock, and music theory.
Rod is the founding member of the international Christian metal recording artist Rivera Bomma, featuring members of Symphony X, Hades, and Rock of Ages Band.
Brook Pitman
Drum Teacher
Brooke has been playing and performing on drums for several years and started with School of Rock when she was just 10 years old. Brooke is currently a psychology major at UCF. When not teaching or performing, she enjoys movies, video games, and reading.
Carter Heitkamp
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Carter is very excited to be a part of the School of Rock Clermont community. With a decade of experience and a bachelor's degree in media scoring and production from the University of Miami, he is ready to contribute to the enrichment of the Clermont community through music education.
While his formal education is more versed in jazz and classical music theory and performance, Carter maintains a kindred appreciation for contemporary and classic rock.
Marcelo Jorge
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Marcelo is an amazing, well-rounded musician with a passion and enthusiasm that is without compare. He has performed on many stages representing School of Rock Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, and has played in additional bands that reimagined all kinds of music through the lens of rock and heavy metal.
Nick Ferrer
Music Director
Nick started in music at age 11, playing the clarinet. With a growing passion for music, he picked up the guitar at 15 and began playing in local rock bands, composing original material and releasing his first studio album at 18.
After high school, Nick toured the nation for several years before moving to Chicago, where he began teaching private lessons. He has shared stages with many artists, including Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, The Wailers, KRS-One, and Les Claypool. Nick brings this experience to School of Rock Clermont.
David Rabello
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
David is a dedicated vocalist, performer, and songwriter with over a decade of musical experience. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in music business at UCF.
At School of Rock, David is committed to helping students find their unique voice, build confidence, and develop strong vocal techniques, all while ensuring the learning process is enjoyable and engaging.
Alex Maggath
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alex's love for music started early when his dad introduced him to The Beatles, sparking a lifelong passion for playing and creating. He began playing music when he was 9 years old and spent six formative years as a student at the School of Rock in Orlando, Florida, where he developed his skills and formed lifelong friendships with fellow musicians.
Alex holds a degree in recording arts from Full Sail University and has experience as a recording engineer, podcast editor, and producer.
Gabriel Silva
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
School of Rock Clermont teacher Gabriel Silva is a Brazilian guitarist, singer, songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer based in Orlando, Florida. Known for his expressive guitar playing and energetic performances, he blends metal, rock, blues, and Brazilian music influences into a style built on strong melodies, feel, and musicianship.
Alaina Palatini
Vocal Teacher
Alaina has been immersed in music since childhood. She began with chorus and theater in middle school and continued through graduation, then spent the last 30 years performing in local bands as a lead vocalist.
Along the way, she's taught private vocal lessons for theater playhouses and high schools throughout the area, now bringing her expertise to School of Rock Clermont. Singing and music isn't just what she does —it's who she is. Her favorite bands are Heart, Journey and Fleetwood Mac!
"Rock n' roll has given me life." - Ann Wilson
Nic Allen
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Nic started taking formal guitar lessons at the age of eight from Peter Bonaskiewich, former owner of Cornerstone Music. From 2006-2019, he played in the band SoulSwitch, sharing the stage with bands like Alter Bridge, Papa Roach, Sevendust, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch and Stone Sour. In 2012, he was offered a position at Cornerstone Music as a guitar instructor and has been teaching ever since, now bringing his expertise to School of Rock Clermont.
Zula Cartagena
Vocal Teacher
Born and raised in PR, Zula discovered her love for music and always dreamed of a life filled with music. She went on to do a bachelor's degree in Opera performance at the University of Puerto Rico, while also performing as a soprano with Coralia, the universitys concert choir. She would then go on to do a 2 year Musical Theatre Conservatory in NYC at Circe in the Square Theatre, where she studied acting, dance and cross trained in new styles of singing. After moving to Florida, she's been working as a solo singer in local events, performing for children's entertainment companies and also teaching vocals at School of Rock Clermont.
Jonny Mora
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Jonny Mora is the founder of Exit 272 Band & Music LLC, and is a passionate music educator, performer, and mentor dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and strong musicianship. A SAG-AFTRA performer with experience across theatre, film, television, and live music, Jonny brings real-world stage experience directly into every lesson at School of Rock Clermont.
He holds an undergraduate background in Creative Writing and was the co-recipient of the David Markowitz Poetry Award (2021) from The City College of New York, reflecting his foundation in artistic expression and storytelling.
CJ Schoepp
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
CJ is grateful his mom started him on piano at age seven, and that his teacher kept him engaged by letting him choose his own music, from “Rent” to Elton John to George Gershwin. He brings that “play what you love” mindset to his role as a keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Clermont.
CJ found his groove playing in jazz combos and a rock/blues band in Indiana before moving to Florida to be closer to family. He’s made a career in education beyond music as well, from leading workshops at Disney to teaching 6th grade science. CJ has played for weddings and events in addition to teaching piano for over 20 years.
Nick Moscatello
Drum Teacher
Nick has been involved with music in some capacity for 25 years, whether playing drums, writing songs, or helping others achieve their musical and performance goals.
Nick has been fortunate to share the stage with such artists as John Popper, Rusted Root, Hall & Oates, Corey Smith, Agent Orange, Hurt, and Hatebreed among others.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re wanting to take this thing to the next level, they got you. Nick looks forward to working with students at School of Rock Clermont!
Alessandro Melendez
Drum Teacher
Alessandro has been playing all sorts of percussion like auxiliary Latin, varying boards like xylophone and marimba, and concert percussion for over eight years. His main instrument is now the drum set, which he has been playing for over three years. Alessandro now plays in several bands in varying genres on the weekends across the central Florida area! When not at School of Rock Clermont, he loves jamming with his jazz friends, and going on gigs with his metal groups.
Cayden Peters
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Cayden is a live musician and singer-songwriter in Central Florida. She has been playing instruments and singing since childhood. She wrote her first song, "Queen Anne's Lace," in 2023, marking the beginning of her songwriting journey. Since 18 years old, Cayden has been performing live around Clermont and Orlando, just her and her guitar. Cayden has found a new passion in teaching young musicians, and loves watching her students at School of Rock Clermont learn and grow each day!