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, began writing music and playing original and cover songs at clubs and 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. After college Shawn formed several bands which eventually resulted in the formation of his current band, VulGarrity. The band has completed three nationwide tours, signed an artist development deal with MySpace Records and won first place in 95.5 WBRU's 2011 Rock Hunt. Shawn has shared the stage with The Prodigals, Ra, Robert DeLong, The Heavy, Ra Ra Riot and Electric Six. Shawn continues to record music and tour with his sister and VulGarrity bandmate Tracy. With the use of loop pedals, the two play guitar, bass, drums and keys simultaneously while singing, often switching instruments during their shows, creating a unique live music experience. While Shawn enjoys listening to and playing a wide variety of music, he is most inspired by all things rock.
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.
Shavoree Buffington Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Singing 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.
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."
Christian Pearson General Manager, Music Director
Christian Pearson studied Music Theory, Theology and Film at Evangel University from 2004 to 2009. Originally from the east coast, he was in the Springfield, Missouri music scene from 2009-2015, 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 who uses full orchestra and guitar in a classical expression of progressive metal. He 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 and Circus Maximus.
Katherine Reese Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher
Kat has had a love and passion for music since an early age. She grew up singing in the church, began playing drums at the age of 12, soon ventured to the piano at age 14, and then progressed to guitar at age 15. She recently began expanding her musical abilities to bass and ukulele. She has since filled in for drummers, choir leaders, and pianists at various churches within the Catawba County and Alexander County areas. She was the Children’s Music Director at Christ Lutheran Church of Hickory for approximately two years. She has sung the National Anthem numerous times at opening games at the Crawdads Stadium, and has also opened a concert during a Hog Happening fundraiser at the Hickory Regional Fairgrounds. During her time at Catawba Valley Community College, where she accumulated her AFA in music degree, she placed second at a NATS contest and received a music award.
Kat now has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Lenoir-Rhyne University, specializing in drums and percussion and is currently pursuing her master of arts in teaching, also through Lenoir-Rhyne University. Having worked with students varying from ages 6-56 throughout Hickory, NC since 2014, she brings a depth of professional experience and knowledge to those who are eager to expand their minds, talents and skills.
Dylan Aguilar Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Dylan Aguilar always loved music from a young age. He got a keyboard for Christmas when he was 11 years old and has been playing the keyboard ever since. He also plays bass and sings. Dylan joined School of Rock Cornelius in early 2017 and was actually one of the very first students of the Cornelius location. He then went on to perform in 13 seasonal shows, with more than 20 performance program bands in amazing venues like The Fillmore, The Underground, Apps and Taps, and many more. He also played in the Houseband, performing in numerous gigs all around the area. Through School of Rock, he was able to have a meet and greet with The Rascal Flatts and even play one of their songs live on stage with the band during a concert in Charlotte. After a couple of years at the school, Dylan toured Texas and Louisiana with the School of Rock Allstars, playing with amazing musicians from all over the country. His biggest musical influences include Haken, Dream Theater, Leprous, Hanz Zimmer, Jesus Molina, Christian Pearson, and many others.
Matt Carlson Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher, Singing 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.