Louie Novotny
General Manager
Louie is a working Cleveland musician as well as School of Rock Rocky River’s General Manager, and School of Rock Cleveland’s Sales Manager. Louie has been with the school since 2009. Louie is the bass player for local rock act Hot Ham & Cheese, which has also toured regionally and nationally. Louie also holds down bass duties for the acoustic/cover act Duo-Ish.
Joe Stefano
Assistant Music Director
Playing drums since the age of eight and playing in bands steadily since the age of 11, Joe has immersed himself in all things percussion (a.k.a. hitting things in a musical fashion). In school, he played in every music program possible including concert band, jazz band, pep band and marching band. Even hounding his high school principal to let his rock band play in the cafeteria during lunch….yes, that happened (twice) much to the dismay of the other kids who were trying to eat and socialize.
Joe has played in precisely one million and two different original and cover bands (ok, not literally but definitely a lot) spanning a wide variety of genres including punk, hard rock, metal, prog rock, funk, funk rock, reggae, ska, jazz, blues, classic rock, jam bands, pop, hip hop, R&B, country, folk, acoustic singer/songwriter, Latin rock and probably other styles that are sprinkled in there somewhere. He currently plays in his own original band ‘LILIEAE’ (pronounced lil-ee-ay), and ‘The Friday Nite Blues Band’.
As an O.G. staff member (the second person hired) at School of RockCleveland West when the school first opened back in 2007, Joe has pretty much seen it all. Ups and downs but mainly ups. After over 15 years in the lesson room, Joe likes to describe a day of teaching drums as “being in a cubicle sitting next to someone operating a jackhammer for hours”, and that is meant in the best possible way. It’s awesome! Teaching kids how to rock all day does NOT suck.
Griffin Pereksta
Guitar Teacher
What do you get when you mix elements of classic rock, funk and Weird Al Yankovic? You get Griffin Pereksta. He decided he wanted to play guitar after hearing Angus Young from AC/DC play on the “Live at Donnington” recordings. His affinity for classic rock grew when he heard Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. With time he branched out to funk with influences like James Brown, George Clinton and a different kind of P-Funk with The Red Hot Chili Peppers and their punk-funk. Naturally after hearing the funk you just want to get groovy, so Griffin picked up the bass and drums. After high school, he graduated Cuyahoga Community College with a degree in applied sciences from the Recording Arts and Technology program. Griffin currently is playing with The Whiskey Hallow and The Tim Moon Band.
Russell Richards
Piano Teacher
Russ has been teaching at School of Rock for over 10 years now. Prior to that he earned his living doing nothing but playing music with a variety of R&B and Motown bands, including Heart and Soul, Gratitude and Cruisin. He's been in the rock bands Calabash and Easy Street from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Key West, Florida. Locally he works with I-Tal, Darryl Green and the Power House Band, and Lazy Ted and the Big Hurry. He studied music at the Cleveland Music School Settlement, CCC, Baldwin Wallace Music Conservatory and Cleveland State. He has a senior kitty named Baja.
Jeff West
Drum Teacher
Jeff started playing gigs when he was 15 years old. While in Cleveland, the notable area bands he played with were Strutter, Club Wow and the infamous Baloney Heads. In 1978, he moved to NYC to get deep into the punk rock explosion. His punk band, Testors, toured, and was on Bleeker Bob’s great punk label (punk fans, look this up!). With the Testors guitar player Gene Sinigalliano, he built and ran Ultra Sound Rehearsal studios for 33 successful years. It was one of the biggest, longest-running rehearsal complexes in New York.
Some great musicians he has had lessons with are Steve Smith, Thomas Pridgen, Marvin ‘Smitty’ Smith, Pat Petrillo, Neal Smith and Norman Grossman. He has recorded at most of the great NYC studios (like HIt Factory and Right Track) and been signed to Atlantic, Geffen and MCA Records. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Cleveland West.
David Romweber
Guitar Teacher
David was hooked as a young boy after watching The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1962. A veteran of the Cleveland music scene, David has been involved in retail and the club management side of the music business as well. He welcomed the opportunity to return to teaching and joining the staff at School of Rock Cleveland West. Dave can be seen on the weekends with his original band, The Velvematics. And yes, he is cousins with Dex and Sara Romweber.
John Koury
Studio Coordinator
Obsessed with music from an early age, John Koury was given a drum set for Christmas when he was around 5 years old. Within a day, the kit was smashed to bits, thrown out on the curb and John was told by his father that he would never buy him another instrument EVER. Fifteen years later, John decided to learn how to play guitar and drums and started kicking around Youngstown’s original music scene, writing songs and playing in bands such as the Infidels, Slack Jaw, The Deadbeat Poets, and Snowmen Of Boise.
John's bands have shared the stage with many national artists and still hit the road for the occasional domestic and European tour. John has sat behind the drums with bands like the Dead Boys and Rick Derringer and played bass in Harper with members of the legendary NRBQ. In the "real world," John was a sales and marketing rep for Warner Music Group for fifteen years and had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the finest musicians in rock and roll. He is the Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Cleveland West.
Tim Moon
Music Director
Vocal enthusiast, Pianist, writer and composer Tim Moon began his musical journey as a backup singer to his mom at the ripe old age of three. Soon, at four years old, he began playing piano, writing endlessly complex music by hitting random notes on the piano all while insisting all notes were musically intentional. But then, one day Tim dreamed of being a drummer, but instead of drums his dad bought him a guitar, in which he began obsessively playing. One day, he said to himself, "I'm gonna be a drummer!".
At ten, Tim started writing his first songs and by 14, he finally performed his first song in front of the whole eighth grade. What song you ask? "Wonderwall" by Oasis of course (except at twice the tempo). That's when things began to "click". Tim started his first band and began playing in every high school show he could. Being an acoustic guitar rock singer was DEFINITELY in his future. But alas, he still hadn't learned the drums. One day, he said to himself, "I'm gonna be a drummer!".
At the ripe age of 19, Tim saw Billy Joel play piano and decided that being in a piano rock band was DEFINITELY in his future, and began to learn keyboard + piano. He obsessively read every theory book he could find in the learning of this process. As high school rolled into college, Tim continued his classical voice and piano development. College was boring and nothing happened….Until Tim started Don’t Fear the Sun and went on tour, had a stint on Warped Tour, quit his job, moved to Cleveland because of a national tour in support of this big band at the time but ultimately the tour ended in catastrophic train wreck which left him unemployed and living in a new city.
Tim had an office job for five days before starting at School of Rock as a Director, keyboard + piano teacher, and vocal teacher. In the first stint Tim worked seven years, had 44 students a week at one point and developed a teaching style where classical mechanics are used to sing contemporary music. While this story can continue, the next chapter included a new band, working for an artist, writing for other artists, working with professional vocalists and being a Creative Director for a Warner Music Group Recording Studio.
But nothing was better than working with the kids at School of Rock Cleveland West, so he came back, proceeding the legend himself, Tommy Rich....and just so you know...Tim still hasn't learned drums.
Dan Molina
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” - Plato
While his personal tastes in musicality didn’t start to truly take shape until college, 8-year-old Dan was introduced to his first stringed instrument—the violin—in Solon, OH. After four years of “fiddling” around with more traditional orchestral strings, he deemed it necessary to further his music career and look like less of a nerd when he picked up his first acoustic guitar at 12 years old...and the rest is history.
Since first picking up the guitar, Dan went from acting in high school and being in show choir to going to school at the Butler School of Music in Texas for operatic and contemporary vocal performance. After learning about his voice and dabbling in music production with friends and fellow artists, Dan had a brief stint back in Cleveland to regroup and then headed off to Miami, FL to chase more studio and production opportunities. Seven years later, he’s back in the CLE to further bolster his musical resume and acumen.
Dan has worked with incredible artists in and out of studio sessions for the past nine years including Kent Jones, Takeoff, Kris Kollins, That Dude Stu, Robot Disco Puma, Rey Richh, Karlos Slimm, and more.
Jim Cook
Guitar Teacher
Jim is a guitarist, songwriter, and Dark Lord of the Sith.
Jim has toured extensively and recorded in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and the three “C’s” of Ohio. He worked in the music industry in L.A., has music credits in film and TV, and sang lead in an international commercial. You’d think he’d be super famous by now.
Jim has coffee and rambles about Eddie Van Halen. I mean, have you seen that guy play? See, there Jim goes again!
Anyway, Jim wishes the best for his students and hopes they’re too young to realize he has no idea what he’s doing.
Lyle Quimby
Guitar Teacher
“You can play a shoestring if you’re sincere.” - John Coltrane
Lyle Quimby is a producer, songwriter, performer, and above all, a teacher.
Lyle’s love of music started as a child. His family has deep roots in big band and country music. He got bit by the guitar bug and started playing at age 13. Before he knew it, he was playing in clubs and recording in studios. Although Lyle had taught private lessons in high school, he never gave teaching much thought until he heard about a new kind of music school opening in Cleveland. He joined School of Rock in February of 2007 and has enjoyed every minute of it.
Lyle loves helping others find their passion in music. Let him help you! On the weekends you will find him playing guitar with The Friday Nite Blues Band (his original group), Maiden Voyage (Cleveland’s finest Iron Maiden tribute band), D.I.O. (a tribute to the music of Ronnie James Dio), and many other groups. Tune it and turn it up!!!
Chris Walker
Drum Teacher
Chris Walker began teaching himself to play the drums when he was 5 years old. He took piano, guitar, clarinet, flute, and cello lessons as a child, so, naturally, he ended up following in his dad’s footsteps and became a drummer. His solos landed him in the Guitar Center Drum-Off store finals when he was 13 years old and he competed in the competition for years and eventually became a judge.
Chris' musical tastes range from hip-hop and live electronic music to jazz and heavy metal (and of course rock n' roll!). Chris has been an avid concertgoer for his entire life. He played in the jazz and jazz improv bands throughout high school before moving to New Orleans to begin his college career in 2005. After spending a few years in Louisiana, he returned to Cleveland and started a band, Broccoli Samurai, in 2010. The project grew from a local improv trio to a nationally touring entity, playing in over 30 states for several years, and continues to play reunion shows sporadically at both festivals and venues today.
Chris has been privileged to play on stage and in the studio with artists such as DJ Logic and the Sugarhill Gang, while his band grew from a basement jam band to playing at legendary venues around the country and at major festivals like Euphoria Festival in Austin, TX and Electric Forest in Michigan. Chris also played with other bands: The Lorax Tree, Jones for Revival, EP3, Octopus Prime, and his DJ/Drum project Chris/Tucker.
Chris has been an intern and volunteer at the Bop Stop Music Settlement and is honored to have had the opportunity to play music for so many people over the years. Chris enjoyed teaching students in the fourth grade in East Cleveland through a program called We the People at John Carroll University, where he eventually graduated in 2019 with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communication. Now he is excited to begin his journey as a drum instructor at School of Rock and he teaches at the Highland Heights, Strongsville, and Westlake locations.
Noah Knoblock
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Noah Knoblock began playing guitar at 10 years old. After banging out his first classic rock riffs he fell in love. Noah is a former School of Rock student and participated in all show seasons and became a member of the School of Rock Headliners at 16. After graduating from Strongsville High School, he went on to pursue a degree in Recording Arts from Cuyahoga Community College. Noah continues to pursue his passion for recording, production, and live performance playing in groups such as Salty Roads Band as well as recording whenever he is able. Noah primarily plays guitar although also dabbles in drums, keys, bass, and vocals.
Camara Rhodes
Vocal Teacher
Camara is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and vocal instructor from Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from Kent State University and is in pursuit of his Estill Figure Proficiency certificate.
Camara specializes in stylizing voices to create signature pop and rock sounds. Using Estill Voice Training, he teaches the anatomy and physiology of the voice and concentrates on the 12 isolated muscles that are responsible for making specific sounds when speaking and singing. He believes that craft and artistry are both essential and should be in unison.
His favorite performance roles in theater include Rent (Angel), Hairspray (Seaweed), and Little Shop of Horrors. Camara released his debut single "Better Now" in Spring 2021.
Preston Murphy
Bass Guitar Teacher
From the young age of eight, Preston Murphy has been musically inclined. Starting off on violin and acoustic guitar for a few years, he would later switch to bass guitar and guitar after discovering School of Rock. Preston was a student for six years, as well as being involved with all the house bands including the Junior Headliners, Headliners, and All-Stars. During his time at School of Rock as a student he also picked up vocals, drums, and a bit of keyboard + piano.
Once he graduated from high school he attended the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM London University of Sussex) where he received his Bachelor's in Popular Music Performance (BMUS Bass). While in London, Preston performed with multiple artists from a wide range of countries, as well as being a MD for them as well. He is very excited to bring his skills back to School of Rock Cleveland West in order to teach and inspire a new generation of musicians.
Nate Tabanji
Vocal Teacher
Ever since he can remember, Nathan loved to sing. As he got older, he quickly realized that his passion for music would grow beyond just a hobby. At the age of 11, he started taking keyboard lessons at School of Rock and was instantly obsessed with the environment. Directly after his first show (Michael Jackson vs. Prince), he enrolled in vocal lessons and dove into the journey of learning vocals.
Over the next decade, Nathan continued to perfect his craft by performing in multiple audition choirs, a capella groups, 10+ School of Rock shows, and even recorded with multiple studio artists. During college he began producing and sound engineering as a hobby which quickly turned into a new passion that he then studied professionally, adding Studio Recording and Songwriting to his toolkit. Nathan has never been more excited to share his passion and skills, inspiring the next generation of rock stars.
Aaron Smith
Drum Teacher
Born with an extraordinary gift for music, Aaron Smith (he/they) emerged as a true musical prodigy at the tender age of 2. With an innate talent that couldn't be ignored, it was clear that music was not just a hobby but a calling. At the age of 10, Aaron took their first step into the world of professional music, setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
With a focus on drumming, Aaron honed his skills over the years to reach a professional level that was nothing short of remarkable. This dedication led them to the renowned Berklee College of Music in 2012, where he immersed himself in the world of musical theory and performance. Two years later, in 2014, Aaron continued his musical education at Indiana University, adding depth and diversity to their musical repertoire.
Throughout his career, Aaron has had the privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of artists, leaving his rhythmic mark on the music industry. Notable names in their portfolio include The Williams Singers, Pop Ukrainian Superstar Tina Karol, and the incredibly talented Doobie Powell, among many others.
One of Aaron's significant milestones is the creation of their album "765," a project that showcased their versatility and creativity. Now, they're embarking on an exciting new venture with his upcoming project, "1991," promising a fresh musical journey that's bound to captivate audiences.
Aaron is also the driving force behind the dynamic jazz/fusion band, Aaron Smith & RDAA, where their drumming prowess and musical leadership take center stage, creating an unforgettable fusion of sounds that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
With an extraordinary musical journey spanning from childhood prodigy to a seasoned professional and collaborator with some of the industry's finest, Aaron Smith continues to push boundaries, redefine genres, and leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Aidan Forrey
Drum Teacher
Aidan Forrey picked up his first drumstick at the young age of 7 years old. Throughout his childhood, he was part of many of the school ensembles. As he got older and continued his involvement in music, he decided to pursue music as a career, graduating from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Music Performance in 2023. Aidan has played with various local bands, who all have a strong passion for creating music. All genres are welcome for any time of day for Aidan, though he primarily grew up on classic rock and later found love for many genres including jazz, hip-hop, Latin, country, metal, and more. Any kind of music is welcome!
Aidan loves teaching and showing everyone his love and passion for drumming. Every day is another step in his musical journey where he learns from not only his peers but also his students. Aidan hopes that you love music as much as he does. You can check out Aidan in his main band, Whiffler, which tries to take something from every genre of music. Always remember that music is the one thing that connects us all!
Nathan Tabaji
Vocal Teacher
Since he can remember, Nathan loved to sing. As he got older, he quickly realized that his passion for music would grow beyond just a hobby. At the age of 11, he started taking keyboard lessons at School of Rock and was instantly obsessed with the environment. Directly after his first show, Michael Jackson vs. Prince, he enrolled in vocal lessons and dove into the journey of learning vocals.
Over the next decade he continued to perfect his craft: performing in multiple audition choirs, acapella groups, 10+ School of Rock shows, and even recorded with multiple studio artists. During college he began producing and sound engineering as a hobby which quickly turned into a new passion that he then studied professionally, adding studio recording and songwriting to his toolkit. Nathan has never been more excited to share his passion and skills, inspiring the next generation of rockstars at School of Rock Cleveland West.
Wes Cespedes
Guitar Teacher
Wes is a passionate guitar teacher who began their musical journey at the age of 12. Initially self-taught, Wes quickly developed a deep love for the guitar and decided to further their skills at the School of Rock. Over the years, they have progressed through all the programs offered, from regular shows to headliners, and even participated in the prestigious national program, School of Rock AllStars.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists such as The Police, John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, and Childish Gambino, Wes brings a unique and eclectic approach to their teaching. With a relaxed and cool demeanor, Wes leverages their extensive experience to help students of all levels find their groove and enjoy the process of making music. When he's not teaching or playing guitar, Wes loves indulging in a hearty bowl of pho, his favorite noodle soup. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, Wes is here at the School of Rock in Cleveland West to guide you every step of the way.
Lauren Greer
Vocal Teacher
Lauren is from Painesville, Ohio, and grew up immersed in Motown, '90s R&B, and video game soundtracks. Inspired by legends like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel, she developed multi-instrument skills through private lessons, school groups, and musical theater camps. From 2015 to 2019, Lauren performed with The Singing Angels Chorus, showcasing her talents across Northeast Ohio, on TV, and during tours.
Lauren earned a music education degree from Cleveland State University, studying under Dr. Brian Bailey and Amanda Powell. She gained teaching experience in Solon and Berkshire schools and graduated in 2023 with a K-12 music teacher’s license. Lauren is skilled in guitar, piano, trumpet, and French horn, and attributes her diverse music taste to her family, chorus participation, college education, and work at a record store. Now, she brings her talents to the School of Rock in Highland Heights and the School of Rock in Cleveland West, teaching vocals.
Lacey Farina
Vocal Teacher
Lacey Farina grew up in Schenectady, New York and started their journey as a performer at the age of eight years old when taking part in her school’s choir. With guidance from their music teacher, at the age of ten, they auditioned and were cast in their first production Ragtime with a local community theater. From there on out they caught “the bug”. Still at the age of ten, they began private vocal lessons and various dance classes, with a couple years of keyboard + piano lessons sprinkled in. Throughout the years Lacey continued voice and dance, took part in every choir they could, and has been fortunate enough to be in over 35 shows some consisting of musicals and plays some credits including The Wizard of Oz (The Scarecrow), Little Women (The Great Aunt March), and Beauty and The Beast (Mrs. Potts).
Upon high school graduation, Lacey attended Youngstown State University, where they graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. During their time there they were fortunate to work with people such as jazz musician Kate Reid, and got to work on various styles and genres of music outside of musical theater including jazz, rock, R&B, contemporary, pop, country, and classical. Some of their performance credits at YSU consist of The Last Five Years (Cathy Hiatt), Little Shop of Horrors (Urchin), and Elegies a Song Cycle (featured soloist).
After graduation, Lacey made the decision to move to Cleveland in hopes of finding their footing in the flourishing music and performance scene. They are now gladly here, still auditioning amongst the theater scene and working on their own craft as an artist. Working on songwriting, working with others in recording studios, and taking any chance they can to perform at various open mics throughout the area and singing with and for other groups and their shows. It was through the open mic scene that they found out about and were guided to School of Rock Cleveland West. Instantaneously they fell in love with the place, people, and their message. They hope to create a welcoming and safe environment where they can share knowledge on music and the arts and life itself. To teach and be taught. To inspire and be inspired.
Mia Gonzalez
Studio Coordinator, Rookies Teacher
Mia has been surrounded by music her whole life. She grew up listening to a wide variety of music from new wave to jazz. If you asked her, she’d say her music path began when she sang in front of her family for the first time but really it began when she became a Hannah Montana mega fan and saw her in concert at the age of 5. From that moment on she immersed herself in everything music, from performing songs for her family and friends to listening to music all night and stealing the aux cable in every family car ride. At 13, she joined the School of Rock, and her passion for music and performing only grew. As a student, she picked up keys, drums, and bass in addition to singing. Here is where she found her deep love for singing and playing bass
After graduating, she took a gap year and decided to pursue music as a career. She quickly began working at School of Rock Cleveland West as a Studio Coordinator and rookies teacher. After starting she found a new passion for teaching and showing kids music. You can catch her performing with her band: Berry Box, where she sings and plays bass guitar!
Elise Bonezzi
Vocal Teacher
Elise began her singing endeavors and discovered her love for music at seven years old. She dabbled in songwriting and put on performances for her family, friends and stuffed animals. She started vocal and keyboard + piano lessons at the age of 12, and began picking up personal gigs at private and church events, talent shows, and so on. She went on to be in choir, her high school musicals, and bands of her own. Elise specializes in singing the National Anthem, having done so for college and upper level sports events and Veterans Day ceremonies. She performed the anthem at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery for 5 years. Before graduating high school she was invited to audition for The Voice in Nashville, and made it to the final set of auditions in Hollywood before being let go in May of 2019.
It wasn’t until she entered School of Rock and was selected to be in the Headliners group that Elise developed a love for helping others discover their musical passion. She had the privilege of being a student alongside kids younger than her and realized she wanted to help mentor them the same way that she was mentored and inspired by her instructors. She is more than grateful for her time at School of Rock as a student, and now an instructor!
Elise is currently going to school at Cleveland State University and majoring in Music with a focus in Vocal Performance. When not at School of Rock Cleveland West, you can catch her playing gigs around Cleveland with her bands Rose Collective and Classic Friday.
Cian Liaskos
Bass Guitar Teacher
Cían has been surrounded by music his entire life, beginning his musical journey on a “Paper Jamz” at the ripe age of seven. A Cleveland State University Jazz Bass Performance student and lover of Hardcore Punk, Cían has a variety of musical styles in his bag. Cían is the bassist for the Band “Whiffler” an alternative/heavy rock band full of jazz fusion musicians, and is the vocalist of hardcore band “DDT”. Through past and current projects Cían has toured nationally as a bassist, and has worked internationally with Canadian DIY Emo band “Arms Length” and Ohio DIY Pop Punk band “Heart Attack Man.” Cían is overall just happy to be able to spread his love of music and the bass guitar to prospective students of the instrument at School of Rock Cleveland West.
Nick Paparone
Guitar Teacher
Nick Paparone is a professional guitarist who has been actively performing and teaching in Northeast Ohio since 2011. His musical journey began at the age of 14, when he first picked up the guitar and quickly developed a deep passion for the instrument. Early in his career, he performed extensively in rock and blues bands, gaining valuable experience on stage and in collaborative musical settings.
Over the years, Nick has cultivated a broad and diverse musical repertoire, ultimately finding his artistic voice in jazz. His playing reflects a deep respect for the jazz tradition, while also incorporating elements from other genres, resulting in a unique and expressive style. In addition to his work in Northeast Ohio, Nick has spent significant time living and performing in two culturally rich music scenes: Miami, Florida, and the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. These experiences provided opportunities to work with a wide range of musicians and audiences, further expanding his musical horizons.
Nick remains dedicated to both performance and education, continuously seeking new ways to grow as an artist and to contribute meaningfully to the musical communities he is part of, including School of Rock Cleveland West.
Anthony Robinson
Drum Teacher
Originally hailing from Warren, Ohio, Anthony "Tony Nightmare" Robinson expressed interest in rock and heavy music at an early age. In 1999, Anthony would enroll in Lakeview Middle School's concert band in Cortland, Ohio as a percussionist learning concert arrangements on a number of instruments such as the triangle, snare drum, bass drum, concert timpani, glockenspiel, temple blocks, etc. This would eventually lead to participation in other music related school activities including Pep band, Marching band, Jazz band, and Symphonic Band.
In 2004 Anthony began showing more interest in the drumset and started playing in his first band, a Ska band known as Fine Young Men. Even through his education studies at Kent State University, Anthony continued to play or sit in for several regional and touring acts spanning many genres ranging from folk music and math rock to hardcore punk and metal, earning his reputation as "the drummer in 8 different bands". Anthony earned his Bachelor's of Science in Education in 2014 and is finally putting his degree to work here at School of Rock. Anthony has also recently rejoined his comrades in the resurrection of the previously on hiatus "Fine Young Men" as they knock off the rust, picking up where they left off, playing local clubs and stages in the Youngstown and Cleveland areas.
You can catch Anthony playing drums in his two hardcore projects Last Gasp and WALLCREEPER as well. Anthony is currently a Cleveland-based drummer and when he is not behind the kit or at School of Rock Cleveland West, he enjoys spending time with his wife and longtime partner Skyla and their Siberian Huskies, Monty and June along with their Siamese cats, Frank and Fennel.
Kevin Sloan
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Kevin Sloan is a songwriter, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist.
Kevin has been playing and writing music since the age of 5. Starting with classical piano, and continuing to any instrument he could get his hands on, Kevin's musical interests revolve around performing / recording original music written by himself and his friends. He has released 5 albums of original music, composed soundtracks for short films and commercials, and produced songs for fellow songwriters.
In his free time, Kevin enjoys running medium to long distances, cooking pretty good dinners, and finding great parking spots. As a keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Cleveland West, Kevin hopes to help all of his students achieve their potential as members of a band, but also as musicians and artists.
Sergey Dumphrey
Drum Teacher
Sergey Dumphrey has been dedicated to playing the drums for nearly two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Hailing from the suburbs of Buffalo, NY, Sergey has been deeply involved in music, performing with jazz bands, jam bands, and prog bands throughout his upbringing. After graduating high school with a diploma in music performance, he pursued further education at Berklee College Of Music, studying under renowned drummers such as Blaize Collard (Sonic Symphony Orchestra) and Dave Dicenso. Additionally, he has had the privilege of learning from jazz greats like Joe Ferrara and John Bacon Jr of Buffalo NY.
While sharing his knowledge as a drum teacher at School of Rock Cleveland West, Sergey firmly believes in the importance of continuous learning and growth for musicians. He continues to expand his skills under the mentorship of Anthony Taddeo (Alla Boara) and Mike Mangini (ex-Dream Theater, Annihaltor, and Extreme). Sergey can be found touring the country with various artists and is actively involved with three bands in the Cleveland area: Two Mile Moon (indie-rock), Khandria (prog metal), and Stonebridge (90’s alt-rock).
