Chad Greenwald
Owner
Chad is so excited to be one of the owners of School of Rock Columbus, a dream that came to fruition after eight years. He plays in every genre of popular music today and has been lucky to share the stage with artists like The Roots, Lalah Hathaway, Keane, Talib Kweli, Othello Mollineaux, Joe Lovano, and Flogging Molly. Chad has also worked with members of Walk the Moon, OAR, Styx, Bad Company, Stevie Wonder, lan Hunter, Allen Stone, Bobaflex, the Exies, American Head Charge, and Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony.
Chad currently performs in an amazing regional cover band, Zack Attack. He also works with the Newark Granville Symphony, Central Ohio Symphony,
and Capriccio Vocal Ensemble. Chad made his Hollywood debut in the Fall of 2015 when he appeared in the film, Miles Ahead, starring Don Cheadle and Ewan MacGregor, with a soundtrack scored by Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper. He also has three degrees from The Ohio State University, including Music Education, Jazz Studies, and Classical Performance (he also has a minor in Art History).
Chad is overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing instructors and students of School of Rock Columbus.
Russell Miller
Owner
When drums called his name at age 10, Russell never thought he'd end up owning a music school with his best friend and long-time bass player, Chad Greenwald. School of Rock Columbus is many things to Russell: a place for learning, a place to grow confidence, a place for healing, a place for friendship, and a place for fun!
Russell is currently in the band Zack Attack and tours the Midwest each weekend. He has thousands of gigs under his belt and, somehow, his wife of 20 years still loves him. Russell has two children and a big dog. He has shared the stage with Warrant, Kings X, played with rapper Tone Loc many years ago, and represented Ohio in the 2006 Guitar Center Drum Off.
Russell believes that music has value, creates purpose, and grows us. He wants to fill the world with music and good—this is why we are here.
Stuart McGachan
General Manager
Originally from Scotland, Stuart is an accomplished guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer, and piano player. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sound Engineering from Abertay University. Stuart has played in many bands throughout the years, performing various styles of music, and taking on diverse roles within each band. He has toured internationally with We Were Promised Jetpacks, an indie/rock band from Edinburgh, Scotland. During his three years with the band, Stuart was an integral part of the writing and recording of their music and obtained valuable knowledge within the music industry.
Stuart has performed in front of thousands of people across Europe and North America, playing well-loved venues such as The 9:30 Club DC, Webster Hall NYC, The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, and Shepherds Bush, London. He has also toured with bands such as Death Cab for Cutie, Frightened Rabbit, and The Twilight Sad.
Stuart is honored to be General Manager of School of Rock Columbus and loves seeing so many kids and adults flourish in their musical journey.
Hailey Noll
Music Director, Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher, Little Wing Teacher
Hailey Noll is a singer born and raised in Hilliard, Ohio. She has been singing and performing for over 12 years, and is a graduate of Wright State University, where she got her BFA in Acting and studied voice for her entire college career.
Hailey was a part of all of her school choirs starting from the seventh grade and is a proud alum of the Columbus Children’s Choir! She also works as a stagehand at local concert venues around Columbus, where she gets to learn more about the technical side of putting on a show. You can also catch her as a party princess at Paulette’s Princess Parties.
On the weekends, Hailey works at the oldest non-profit movie theater in Columbus, The Drexel. She loves to spend her free time recording music in her home studio, watching movies, painting, and playing Zelda and Animal Crossing on her Switch. She loves being a part of the School of Rock Columbus crew and she can’t wait to help students explore new techniques to expand their musicianship!
Renn Bowen
Studio Coordinator
Renn is a creative writing major who graduated at OSU in 2025. Their passion for writing is deeply motivated and inspired by music and nature. Renn’s favorite music tends to be punk and rock, but they can enjoy just about anything. Being in band in middle and high school taught them how music can be relaxing and healing. Fueling this feeling, Renn taught themself how to play multiple instruments.
Renn hopes to continue to ignite these passions through music and continue to play their instruments. School of Rock is a place that makes them feel inspired by just walking in and seeing the amazing work the kids and adults do. They are so excited to be the studio coordinator at School of Rock Columbus!
Dr. Benjamin Zeff
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dr. Benjamin (Ben) Zeff is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, and music educator with over 35 years of performance experience and over 25 years of teaching experience. Ben is proficient on the electric guitar, including seven and eight string guitars, bass guitar, nylon and steel string acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, keyboard + piano, as well as drum set and various hand percussion instruments.
Growing up in Sacramento, CA, Ben began playing the guitar in the Summer of 1991. Bands and artists such as Metallica, Pantera, Guns and Roses, AC/DC, Anthrax, Beastie Boys, Living Colour, and Joe Satriani were his main inspirations and created the drive behind his technical playing style. This love of technically driven, guitar-centric music led to Ben’s discovery of Jazz-Rock Fusion and artists such as Allan Holdsworth, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale, Mike Stern, and Robben Ford. This newfound love of jazz and jazz improvisation shaped the next twenty years of Ben’s musical studies and career.
After earning his B.A. in Jazz Studies from Sonoma State University and gigging extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as the greater part of Northern California, Ben moved to New Jersey to attend William Paterson University. Upon earning his Masters of Music in 2005, Ben moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he resided for the next ten years, gigging and teaching. In 2016, Ben attended and taught at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his Doctor of Musical Art in 2019.
Ben has toured both the United States and Europe, playing at the Montreux and North Sea jazz festivals as well as other notable venues and events around the states and abroad. He has performed and recorded with jazz legends Randy Brecker, Cyrus Chestnut, local legend Vaughn Wiester, as well as The Texas Horns, The Drifter Kings, and Kirk Covington’s Devil Horns.
Ben’s love, appreciation, and dedication to music is expansive and indiscriminate, drawing influence from metal, hard rock, classic rock, blues, bluegrass, jazz, classical, pop, R&B, hip hop, and electronica. At School of Rock Columbus, he believes that no matter what your skill level, everyone can have a relationship with music because music is one of the most powerful forms of communicating emotion, energy, and feeling in the world and is one of the most significant achievements in all human history.
Beau Brandon
Drums Teacher
Beau is inspired by rhythms found in the sounds of everyday life. He is never without his drum pad and sticks! (seriously, check his bag) With nearly 30 years of experience practicing and performing, he prides himself on understanding the discipline and dedication it takes to excel in musical performance and teaching.
In his early years, Beau deliberately worked on his craft through various music programs, including marching band and drumline, and attended workshops and private lessons. Beau now has several years of experience as a private instructor and has been involved in multiple musical projects throughout the past two decades. His contributions to those projects, including writing music, live performances, studio recordings, and touring have expanded his proficiencies to include styles ranging from jazz and funk to rock and metal.
Beau emphasizes having fun with his students while keeping them engaged and on track. His primary teaching goals are to help students understand the fundamentals of drumming and find their unique voices behind the drum kit. With the ability to cater to students' needs, as well as offer a variety of teaching styles, he is ready to provide a quality learning experience to anyone with an interest or shared passion for all things drumming!
Jen Short
Violin Teacher, Viola Teacher, Cello Teacher, Double Bass Teacher
Music has been a part of Jen's life since she was a wee baby. Whether it was dancing to the Boston Pops or singing Simon and Garfunkel with her dad, Jen always knew she wanted to be a musician. When Jen was introduced to the cello, that was it. She had found her best friend. Jen studied cello at The Ohio State University.
Jen has taught cello for over 25 years and loves being a teacher. Jen hopes to one day retire and have a lavender farm with many miniature animals. Currently, Jen has a flock of chickens, two cats, and two dogs.
Grant Gilliland
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Grant first began his musical journey at the age of 11, picking up the bass guitar at the insistence of a fellow guitar-playing friend. He began plucking away at songs on the radio until he got enrolled in his first real lessons with an instructor at a music shop in Dayton, Ohio. Grant eventually bought his own guitar as well and started making his own recordings at home, covering songs he liked as well as making originals.
Grant joined his first band in the eighth grade, playing bass in a local indie rock band. His weekends were soon filled with gigs at coffee shops, house parties, high school "Battle of the Bands" events, and VFW halls with some of the finest indie, hardcore, and punk bands from Dayton as well as touring bands from neighboring states. He played bass in two other bands in the hardcore/metalcore genre before shipping off to art school in 2001.
While earning his BFA in Illustration from The Columbus College of Art & Design, Grant spent a great deal of time going to shows and diving deep into many music genres that inspired him, mainly punk/hardcore/metal. His love of playing and rehearsing was replaced with CD and merch collecting, and very intent listening, especially since he didn't have a computer or a smartphone yet! Music was his primary source of entertainment and escape while working on his many painting, drawing, and design projects. Always returning to the bass and guitar in the summer, he developed several music projects with friends, writing original material and recording demos.
Since graduating, Grant played in three different bands in San Francisco, CA where he lived from 2005 to 2018. One band, in particular, gave him the experience of touring as well as opening for larger metal acts such as Anvil and Sabaton. During this time, Grant further developed his love for classic rock and heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Saxon, and Motorhead. Nowadays, he can be seen playing guitar and doing vocals in the band DENIM COBRA. The band plays their own original songs in the hard rock/heavy metal genre. Since forming in May of 2021, the group has brought their loud Sabbath-like riffs and ZZ Top-like guitar moves to crowds at Spacebar, Dirty Dungarees, Big Room Bar, and 934 Fest.
Grant can also be seen in the halls of School of Rock Columbus, where he brings his enthusiasm for playing and performing to up-and-coming rockers of all ages!
Sam Muccio
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Sam Muccio is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and educator with a passion for helping students unlock their creativity through music. Originally from Columbus, Sam earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition from Capital University. He is an accomplished pianist, vocalist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer, with years of experience performing and teaching across a wide variety of styles.
Sam has performed in piano bars, dueling piano shows, and cruise ships around the world, bringing high-energy sets to audiences at legendary New York City venues such as The Monster, Duplex, Stonewall, Brandy’s, and Townhouse. He has also played in regional cover bands, classical ensembles, and at private events, blending genres from classic rock and Broadway to jazz, pop, and soul.
As a composer, Sam has written large-scale orchestral and choral works, a full length musical, as well as original songs and spontaneous mashups that highlight his love for both classical and popular music traditions. His background gives him a unique perspective on music as both art and entertainment, and he brings that versatility into the classroom.
Sam is especially passionate about empowering young musicians to grow not only technically, but also emotionally and creatively. He believes music is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, resilience, and connection, and he loves helping students discover their unique voice—whether behind a microphone, at a piano, or on any instrument they choose to explore.
He is thrilled to be part of the School of Rock Columbus community and can’t wait to inspire the next generation of performers.
Jack Steele
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jack Steele is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music producer from Lewis Center, Ohio. A lifelong lover of music, Jack began playing piano at age ten, and quickly added trumpet, ukulele, guitar, voice, and accordion to their repertoire. Through high school, they were involved with jazz and musical theatre, and began writing and producing their own music, developing a taste for folk and experimental rock as well.
Since coming to Columbus in 2023 to study animation at the Columbus College of Art & Design, they’ve become involved with the local music scene. They play in the band Bonus Disc, which was selected to be a part of the Music Columbus Better Together Music Incubator program for 2025. As both a visual artist and a musician, Jack is drawn to music’s unique ability for storytelling, self-expression, and connection. They are excited to share their passion for music and learning with the students at School of Rock Columbus!
Wesley Engel
Vocals Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drums Teacher
With over 15 years of guitar experience, 18 years of bass playing, and a decade of vocal expertise, Wesley is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with a diverse musical background. He has been involved in a wide range of music projects, spanning genres from folk to hardcore, showcasing his versatility and passion for music. Wesley also ran a DIY music venue, hosting notable bands like Tiny Moving Parts and White Reaper, further cementing his commitment to building his local music community.
As an instrumentalist instructor, Wesley brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to his lessons at School of Rock Columbus, inspiring students to explore their own uniqueness, nerve, and talent along their musical journeys.
Bonnie Walton
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Bonnie is a musician, an artist, and an educator. She’s been playing guitar for nearly 25 years and teaching music to anyone with an interest in learning since 2016. An Atlanta native, she earned a BFA in Film & Television from Savannah College of Art and Design and an Associates Degree in Music & Technology from the Atlanta Institute of Music & Media. At SCAD, she was drawn to the narratives we use to foster empathy, share new perspectives, and uplift ourselves and others. At AIMM, she learned to tell those stories through her guitar while developing her skills in recording technology and music theory.
Now, she puts her passions to use composing for films & plays, performing in orchestras for musical theatre, and teaching music with the wonderful team here at School of Rock Columbus. Her music journey began on her raven-winged guitar 24 years ago, and she still teaches on it today.
Aaron Joseph
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Aaron grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He was fascinated by music at an early age and knew he wanted to be a part of it. He started with guitar, then moved on to bass and violin. During this time Aaron realized he had a natural curiosity and talent for stringed instruments. He gravitated to the versatility of sounds and techniques one can build on the fretboard.
Out of high school, Aaron started working and playing guitar for Shadowbox Live from 2016-2022. He now plays in the Brian Clash Band and teaches guitar and bass at the School of Rock in Columbus. Aaron is very excited to help students reach their musical goals and grow as musicians!
Jenny Creutzinger
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jenny graduated from the Ohio State University with her bachelor's degree in vocal music! In addition to being a vocalist, Jenny plays keys and most anything with strings. She’s been privileged with amazing performance opportunities such as singing at the 100 Years of Jazz Ohio State University Football Halftime Show and opening for Bruno Mars on his 24k Magic tour at the Schottenstein Center.
Jenny is a fan of all types of music including jazz, folk, hip-hop, soul, and classical. Outside of School of Rock Columbus, she loves experiencing live music, hanging out with family and friends, and taking her pups for walks in her free time.
Henry Seifried
Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Henry Seifried is a vocalist and musician from the "swamp" of Toledo, Ohio. He started taking voice lessons at the age of seven, and would go on to perform in numerous styles of music, including jazz, musical theatre, choir, and chamber music.
Henry graduated from Capital University, with his BM in Vocal Performance. He is an avid fan of all types of music, including jazz, rock, pop, musical theatre, and classical music. He's passionate about helping students discover the joy of music and empowering them to share their own stories through song. He is beyond excited to be working at School of RockColumbus.
Joel Franck
Drums Teacher
Joel, otherwise known as The Therapist, is a third-generation drummer, following in his father and paternal grandfather's footsteps. He's been playing for about 25 years now, specializing in jazz, funk, and rock. He picked up electric bass along the way (his grandmother played the upright bass in the Columbus Symphony).
Joel has been in several bands. His favorite music genres are 70s rock and funk, and is a big fan of Rush. He is also a licensed professional counselor and enjoys working with kids and teenagers.
Joel married his high school crush, who is a singer, and they are in a jazz fusion band together. They live in a restored building from the 1900s with their two fluffy Pomeranians, Wolf and Bear. He loves being part of such a great team and mission at the School of Rock in Columbus, where he gets to combine his love of music with his love of teaching.
Zach Brooks
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drums Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Zach Brooks is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar, bass guitar, vocals, and drums. He has multiple years of teaching experience, as well as 15 years of music performance experience. He has experience playing electric, acoustic, seven string, and eight string guitar, as well as bass guitar, drum kit, percussion, and vocals in concert and performance.
From an early age, Zach loved creating music. He started playing guitar in 2010 and has continued adding instruments to his repertoire ever since. Listening to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other classic rock bands alongside classic and hair metal bands like Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Van Halen, and Mötley Crüe have been the biggest inspirations for Zach’s playing and style. That said, he loves pretty much all kinds of music and has performed playing jazz, neo-soul, punk rock, indie rock/pop, and many more. Some of his biggest individual artists that have influenced the ways that he approaches music are Yngwie Malmstein, Scottie LePage, Jimi Hendrix, and John Frusciante.
Zach earned a Bachelors degree in Anthropology with a focus on Ethnomusicology and Linguistics from Hamilton College in Upstate New York, but is delighted to be back in his hometown teaching music at School of Rock Columbus - nothing could be better! He’s excited to share his love of music with people of all ages and skill levels; playing music (much like listening to it) should be accessible to everyone because it is one of the most important and fundamental ways to share experiences.
Brian Riggs
Drum Teacher
Brian has been playing drums since the age of three and has always had a deep passion for music. He has previously played drums for local bands and artists including 23 Southbound, PJ North, and Alan Carl. He has also previously played drums for a few Nashville country artists and made friendships along the way with some recording artists and their touring musicians, such as Gretchen Wilson, Nate Smith, Colbie Caillat, Brett Young, and Jelly Roll.
He has taught drum lessons to students of all ages and enjoys exploring every genre of music. He is a proud father of three, he encourages his children to follow their passions and dreams. In his free time, he loves going to concerts and spending time with friends and family. His drummer influences are Ginger Baker, Neil Peart, Benny Greb, and Carter Beauford.
Some of Brian's favorite bands are Third Eye Blind, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Sleep Token and Polyphia. He is always looking for a challenge, to improve as a musician and teacher. He is grateful for the opportunity to teach drums at School of Rock Columbus and be a part of the School of Rock family.
Jeremy Skeen
Drum Teacher
Hailing from Columbus Ohio, Jeremy began playing drums over 25 years ago. He went on to play in school orchestras, marching bands and jazz bands as drumming became a central passion in his High School years. He specializes in a wide variety of playing styles including rock and/or roll, americana, hip hop and pop. He attended Capital University for Philosophy.
Jeremy has played with a smorgasbord of bands, most notably This Is My Suitcase, whom he toured with playing along with bands like Steel Train, Billy Strings, The Matches and Fall Out Boy. He has also played with local bands Mary Lynn, Counterfeit Madison, Eternally Dizzy, Earwig, and Corey Landis and the Finer Things.
Jeremy also enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with family. He’s super excited to be a part of the School of Rock Columbus family and to be able to share his passion for music and drumming with others.
Braeden Glenn
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Braeden Glenn (they/he) has been performing since childhood, with roots in dance and musical theatre. Braeden began their musical journey listening to Prince, Michael Jackson, Mötley Crüe, and Journey in their mother's car daily. Braeden grew up singing and went on to earn their bachelor's degree in musical theatre from Bowling Green State University.
Braeden lived in New York City after college, appearing in Off-Broadway productions, a few national tours, a few local tours, and many cabarets across the country. Now back in Ohio, Braeden is a full-time metaperformer at ShadowBox Live (located right here in Columbus). Braeden is so happy to pass on all the knowledge that they have gathered over the years to all who walk through the doors at School of Rock Columbus. Learning never stops, and Braeden is excited to not only teach others but to learn from them as well!
Danny Kerr
Vocals Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Danny grew up in Marysville, attended OSU, and now lives in Columbus. Danny started learning the guitar at age eight, and performed at the Grand Old Opry with his high school show choir and at Nationwide Arena as a part of the choir for Andrea Bocelli.
Currently, Danny performs locally as an acoustic singer-songwriter, but he has played in bands with varying styles such as playing bass for a metal band in high school. He is super excited to work at School of Rock Columbus and have the chance to help students grow a love of music!
Larry Ovaltine
Bass Guitar Teacher
Larry Ovaltine...the man, the myth, the sharp-dressing storm trooper with a heart of gold. Can he aim his blaster? Nope...but that doesn't matter...he works at a music school now!
Larry is a product of nepotism. His father, the infamous Emperor Palpatine grew tired of Larry always being so happy and dressing colorfully. The Emperor looked for a way for Larry to buy into the dark side and exchange his smile for a scowl. Palpatine installed Larry as Gunnery Sergeant to try and help the rest of the stormtroopers with their terrible aim. Larry, a born pacifist, decided to take the job knowing full well he wanted to put the blaster down for the bass guitar. Larry proceeded to train stormtroopers in the art of missing every target they aimed at...eventually leading to the fall of the dark side. Before his dad could find out what had been done, Larry jumped in an escape pod with his bass shaped like Darth Vader and headed for Earth to seek celebrity status here at School of Rock Columbus.