Cornelius
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Cornelius

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School of Rock Cornelius
21112 Catawba Avenue
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 689-5257

Location Specifics

We're located right in front of Cornelius Elementary and across the street from Cornelius Library.

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Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Cornelius combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

School of Rock in Cornelius, North Carolina is proud to serve the Cornelius community—as well as surrounding areas like Mooresville, Huntersville, Caldwell, Concord, and Davidson—with a revolutionary music education approach. Our quality music lessons are taught by real, practicing musicians and students can learn to rock out on guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, across many genres. Students can develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, and gain confidence like true rock stars by jamming together in a band with friends. Our students perform at community-based events like Light Up Cornelius, Christmas in Cornelius, and Tawba Walk. Students also regularly play at local venues like The Fillmore Charlotte, Amos' Southend, Boatyard Lake Norman, and OTPH (Old Town Public House). Come join the band and visit School of Rock Cornelius today!

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Cornelius for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Cornelius's top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in Cornelius have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in Cornelius are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Cornelius who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in Cornelius
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Cornelius is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock Cornelius Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Cornelius music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock Cornelius's music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a Cornelius music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Cornelius
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Cornelius, our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock Cornelius, younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Cornelius
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Cornelius our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock Cornelius, toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock Cornelius, songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in Cornelius is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Cornelius who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock Cornelius, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

Adult music program in Cornelius for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Cornelius's Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock Cornelius is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Cornelius.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock Cornelius Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in Cornelius.

House Band program for gigging at local venues in Cornelius
House Band
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock Cornelius House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock Cornelius's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at NC rock venues throughout the year.

What To Expect
  • A GIGGING MUSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE
  • FREQUENT LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COMMUNITY

The Path to Take the Stage

Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. Therefore, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout Cornelius and the rest of NC. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in Cornelius

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Cornelius

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Cornelius, we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock Cornelius is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Cornelius guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock Cornelius's beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock Cornelius, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Cornelius venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock Cornelius offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our Cornelius guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Cornelius

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Cornelius is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock Cornelius we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Cornelius, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock Cornelius, our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in Cornelius. Unlike other Cornelius drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock Cornelius, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Cornelius drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock Cornelius

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Cornelius offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock Cornelius, our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock Cornelius teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock Cornelius, our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in Cornelius.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Cornelius

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Cornelius offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in Cornelius and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock Cornelius, our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach Cornelius students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock Cornelius, our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock Cornelius

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Cornelius. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock Cornelius, our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Cornelius area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock Cornelius Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Cornelius area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local Cornelius music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock Cornelius, our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in Cornelius, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock Cornelius’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

Phil Martelly
Owner
A graduate of the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, his passion for music is unmatched by few and is a driving force behind his bringing School of Rock to the Southern Mass/Rhode Island area. He is the definition of the word musician as he plays not one but several instruments: guitar, bass and drums. Phil has played with a lot of the area's hottest bands including Pappy Chulo as the opening act for none other than Incubus.
Shawn Garrity
Owner
Shawn's musical journey began at age eleven when his dad handed him a guitar and taught him a few chords. As he grew, so did his love for music. At fifteen, he joined a band and began writing music and playing original and cover songs at venues throughout New England. He studied jazz and classical music at Western Connecticut State University and earned a B.A. in Music Industry from the University of New Haven. Shawn's original band VulGarrity completed three nationwide tours and shared the stage with Mike Doughty, Days of the New, The Misfits, King’s X, Sponge, The Joy Formidable, Sleeper Agent, Psychostick, The Prodigals, Ra, Robert DeLong, The Heavy, Ra Ra Riot and Electric Six. Shawn's cover band Inside Out can be seen rocking out on stages in and around New England regularly. While Shawn enjoys listening to and playing a wide variety of music, he is most inspired by all things rock.
General Manager, Music Director Christian Pearson
Christian Pearson
General Manager, Music Director
Christian Pearson studied Music Theory, Theology, and Film at Evangel University. Originally from the East Coast, he was in the Springfield, Missouri music scene between 2009 and 2015 and has played in multiple bands, including Call Me Beta, Skylines and Cityscapes, and Ships of Adamant. Now in North Carolina, Christian is a composer of progressive metal that is influenced by his classical training.

Christian has been with School of Rock for many years and teaches guitar, bass, keys, vocals, and drums, and directs multiple bands. He is our General Manager and Music Director at School of Rock Cornelius. He cites his greatest influences as Dream Theater, Haken, Devin Townsend, Ayreon, Opeth, Pain of Salvation, Arch Echo, Astronoid, Azure, Caligula's Horse, Tchaikovsky, Circus Maximus, Katatonia, Leprous, Symphony X, Vola, Kansas, TesseracT, The Stranger, and Voyager.
Studio Coordinator Natalia Willcox
Natalia Willcox
Studio Coordinator
Natalia has been singing since she was in diapers. Currently, she is the vocalist of a local progressive metal band known as Emporia. She is inspired by Spiritbox, Caligula's Horse, Dance Gavin Dance, Haken, Leprous, Jacob Collier, WILLOW, and AURORA.

Natalia was a School of Rock student for multiple years, playing with her school's House Band during her run. She prides herself in helping others, and she loves what School of Rock has to offer.
John Mooney
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher
When John Mooney was 14 he picked up a guitar and couldn't put it down. This is when his interest in music began to explode. He started reading up on theory and learning the ins and outs of everything that makes music what it is. Practicing and studying every day for hours became a habit. Every inch of his free time was given up for his passion of guitar and music. He also got very comfortable with other instruments like piano, bass and drums. His biggest musical influences are Children Of Bodom, Muse, Ozzy Osbourne, Opeth, Dream Theater and many others. He is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Cornelius.
Joshua Marks
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Joshua Marks began playing the guitar at age 11, initially learning the music of The Beatles, Aerosmith and Phish. After studying with NYC jazz guitarist Peter Mazza as a high school student, he graduated with a Music Education degree from Berklee College of Music in 2003. He has taught and performed jazz and rock music ever since in many places from Augusta, GA to New York City. His musical theater experience includes "West Side Story," "Footloose," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Grease" and "Annie."
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher Matt Carlson
Matt Carlson
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Matt Carlson is a singer-songwriter who began writing and performing in bands during high school. A major influence of Matt’s passion for Rock was being in the first class to attend School of Rock when it opened in Charlotte. Matt performed on two SoR AllStars Tours during high school. Matt sang lead vocals with Falling Through April on their debut tour. He then formed Wild Domestic and released two EPs, Wild Domestic and Singular, followed by a Matt Carlson solo EP, Sirens. Matt sings, plays guitar, bass, drums and keys. Matt’s Alt-Rock music is influenced by a wide range of artists including David Bowie, David Byrne, Elton John, Queens of the Stone Age, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Nothing But Thieves, Mother Mother, The Dear Hunter, Twenty One Pilots, and The 1975. In addition to music, Matt has acted in numerous stage productions including AMERICAN IDIOT, ROCK OF AGES and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Matt is a graduate of Catawba College, B.A. popular music.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher Shavoree Buffington
Shavoree Buffington
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher
Starting his musical journey as a child, Shavoree found a passion for Bass and Keys early on. To further his studies, he attended and graduated Northwest School of the Arts, picking up a few instruments with a new passion for Music Education. He has been teaching and gigging ever since. His biggest musical influences include Prince, Return to Forever, and Thundercat.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Nick DeVaughn
Nick DeVaughn
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Nick DeVaughn got a guitar for Christmas when he was 12 years old and has loved playing it ever since. He joined School of Rock around the same time and quickly picked up bass guitar as well. Nick has played both guitar and bass with School of Rock and was also in his school's wind ensemble and their jazz band. He later started singing in his school's choir and learned drums and keys. Nick's main influences are Ayreon, Polyphia, Haken, and Dream Theater.
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher Kevin Goddard
Kevin Goddard
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Kevin is a local drummer in the Charlotte area with several years of experience in live performance, studio recording, and songwriting. His introduction to drumming started in concert band and marching band, which gave him a solid foundation in rudiments, dynamics, reading sheet music, and playing multiple percussion instruments. Kevin transitioned his focus to the drumset in 6th grade when he began playing for multiple churches and bands. 11 years later, drums are still his passion!
Vocal Teacher Madeleine Roolaart
Madeleine Roolaart
Vocal Teacher
Madeleine is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She fell in love with singing around the age of 5 but started taking it seriously at the age of 10 when she started vocal lessons. She has been singing and training ever since. Literally non-stop singing :)

Through voice lessons, Madeleine was able to find her true sound and flourish. She’s able to sing a variety of genres and styles and has spent a lot of time studying the different types of voice and how to apply that to whatever song she’d like. She loves helping others find THEIR true sound so that they’re able to flourish in their own way too. Voice lessons should be fun and rewarding, and she aims to make it just that.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Blake Horne
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Blake started playing guitar when he was 15 and hasn't been able to put down the instrument since. He spent every minute outside of class in high school practicing the guitar, and he still enjoys playing today just as much as he did when he first started. Blake graduated with a musical degree in instrumental studies with a concentration in guitar at High Point University, and he can also play other instruments like the piano and bass. Blake's biggest musical influences are Shawn Lane, Allan Holdsworth, Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, and Jason Becker.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

Reviews

The entire team is welcoming and helpful.

I am having a great experience learning guitar with John at the School of Rock Cornelius. Not only is he a great teacher, he has made learning a new instrument accessible and fun for me. The entire team at the School of Rock is very welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend them.

School of Rock is TRULY UNBELIEVABLE.

It is not an exaggeration to say that when we began with School Of Rock, my son was struggling greatly with focus and commitment and drive. Nine months later, he is a completely changed little boy thanks to School of Rock.

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE School of Rock.

They make learning fun! They communicate well with the kids and parents! I have been very pleased with our experience! It has really brought so much joy to my daughter’s life!

THE ENTIRE STAFF IS EXCELLENT.

They all work well with the children and all the children I have come in contact there love them. The encouragement the staff gives to try new instruments is also a cool part of the program. I would highly recommend this school!

A GREAT EXPERIENCE overall.

School of Rock has been a great experience for our daughter who is just learning to play guitar. In the six months she has started lessons there she has picked up the fundamentals of both electric and acoustic!

School of Rock is AWESOME!

The entire staff makes learning fun for the kids while keeping parents informed. It's so amazing to watch how fast the kids learn and the confidence they help build both on and off stage is incredible. Thank you, School of Rock, for helping make dreams come true.

We have absolutely loved it!

My son has learned so much about music, all the different facets of playing an instrument and being part of a band. The staff do a great job. If you or your child is a beginner or even more advanced, check them out.

I think the program is wonderful, educational and fun.

I can't believe how far my kids have come. The progress is amazing. All the instructors are always a delight to deal with, professional and understanding of all my needs with scheduling. You will be blown away by the concerts!

Our son absolutely loves School of Rock!

He gets to learn in a fun environment with great teachers while making new friends with kids who enjoy doing the same. He has learned so much in a short amount of time thanks to the programs that School of Rock offers.

My daughter is really enjoying her experience.

My daughter has been at School of Rock for just a short time, but Band 101 has provided peer interaction along with musical instruction. Everyone that I have interacted with is professional and personable. I highly recommend School of Rock to anyone with an interest in music.

My daughter loves the band experience.

School of Rock enhances her ability to work as a team. It also provides opportunities to explore the possibility of playing other instruments and singing. The instructors at School of Rock are experts in their field with a vast array of education and experience.

School of Rock encourages students.

Students are taught to play multiple instruments. I also like the format of one-on-one lessons coupled with weekly band rehearsals that culminate in a performance where all the students get a chance to shine on stage.

School of Rock is so positive.

This place offers a very positive and supportive energy where people can really develop their musical talent without judgement. It's a great place to grow musically and socially. We love School of Rock.

They can try new instruments and meet others outside of their school.

The kids put together an actual concert that’s really good- despite different experience levels. They can try new instruments or give singing a try. It was awesome to attend the show in a real venue in the city and give the kids a chance to meet others outside of their school.

Fun and safe environment for my child to learn.

School of Rock is a fun safe environment for my child to learn about and enhance his love of music. By being part of a band it allows him to try things that he may not have otherwise chosen. He started with guitar but now has learned a little bass and keys and loves to sing!

School of Rock has a welcoming and homey feel.

Ability to infuse practical experience/learned skills with in coordination with a band/performance. The staff and environment are “cool”, welcoming with a homey feel, and connect with youth students. Also appreciate the feedback after lessons to better enable practicing.

We love the progress, the venues and the relationships the kids build.

We love the quality of the product the group of kids can produce in a relatively short period of months; we love them being able to perform at a real venue (excluding COVID lockdown); we love the relationship the kids build with the instructors and managers!!

My daughter looks forward to her weekly lessons.

My daughter is 9, almost 10 and learning the acoustic guitar. Her teacher is so good and patient with her as she learns. She looks forward to her weekly lessons. Everybody there is so nice too & welcoming. We’ve had a great experience!

The staff easily adapts to your ability and learning style.

My child and I both attend instrument lessons and the band program at School of Rock Cornelius. The staff is very friendly and easily adapts to your ability and learning style. I really feel at home at School of Rock!

I'm amazed at my daughters confidence on stage.

SoR has been a confidence builder for my daughter! I'm amazed at the kid I see on stage. Her curiosity about other instruments is encouraged and she feels free to experiment with different styles of singing with an instructor who shows her the proper techniques.

My sons confidence has grown tremendously!

It’s the perfect blend of cool and music for our kids. The instructors are knowledgeable and so kind with the kids. My sons confidence has grown tremendously since he started lessons. Best place to rock out!!

The program builds confidence, and helps students achieve personal and group goals.

School of Rock teaches students to play various musical instruments, but also how to play in a band. They help students achieve their personal goals and group goals. The program builds confidence by allowing students to demonstrate their achievements while having fun!

The confidence my son has found is a beautiful thing

This program is outstanding! Not only have they taught my child how to live and embrace his talents on the drums, but the confidence he's found within himself as a result of this program is a beautiful thing to witness. We love SoR and all its instructors. Truly like family!

Highly recommend this school!

My son loves his sessions and after each lesson the teacher personally comes out and explains how each session went. I highly recommend this school especially for younger kids its one of a kind for sure !

I highly recommend!

My son has been a part of School of Rock for 5 years. In that time, he has learned to play guitar, bass, drums, keys & vocals! He has learned teamwork and leadership skills. Most importantly, the teachers and kids at the Cornelius School of Rock have become family!

The variety of music has expanded my son's musical interests and challenged his skills

My son loves participating in the performance program bands. The variety of music has expanded his musical interests and challenged his skill sets on guitar, drums, and keyboard. He loves having the opportunity to learn multiple instruments at School of Rock!

My instructor has made me a better musician

As a guitarist that has been playing on and off since my twenties (now in my fifties), my instructor has challenged me, stretched my styles, and made me a better musician. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for to get out of that rut that many musicians find themselves in.

Our daughter has made such great progress as a musician and has made new friends

Our 12-year-old daughter has made such great progress as a musician and has made new friends in the past two years. She wants to perform more and more. It makes us very happy to watch her mature as a musician and person at School of Rock Cornelius!

Our child loves this program.

We love the way they teach music—incorporating each lesson to fit our child's musical level and the way it builds confidence in our child that goes way beyond just music lessons. The experiences our child has had in the performance bands have been amazing!!

The music instructors and director are great role models

School of Rock Cornelius has been so amazing for my son. The programs have given him confidence and a love for music. I feel like School of Rock has given him structure and an understanding of the importance of practicing by seeing a great outcome from his hard work.

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