Matt Glick
Owner, General Manager, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Matt Glick is passionate about every instrument and all things musical. He studied performance and songwriting at Berklee College of Music and music production at Temple University. Since then, he has been furiously gigging, writing, and recording. Matt has performed at notable venues throughout the Northeast with several bands, including his recent project Man Illuminated.
Nathan Whyte
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Nathan Whyte is a multi-instrumentalist and collaborator whose learning centers on drums. He has performed in bands since the age of 16 from Atlantic City, NJ to SXSW in Austin, TX. Nate earned his Bachelor of Science in the Music Industry, specializing in Business, from Rowan University in 2020. More recently, his passions outside School of Rock involve promoting Micro Music Festivals with his company Beat Haven and writing, recording, and gigging with Cooperstomp.
Bringing this experience to School of Rock Deptford, Nathan said, "I love facilitating the students to discover their personalities, interests, and community, all through music."
Jake Brightman
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Drum Teacher
Jake Brightman is currently enrolled in the Music Industry program at Rowan University and is passionate about spreading the gift of music. Jake spent five years in the School of Rock program in Philadelphia and is proud to bring this passion and love of teaching home to New Jersey at the School of Rock Deptford. His musical influences run the gamut from The Beach Boys to Phish – Jake loves it all and is thrilled to share guitar, bass and drums with his students. When he’s not teaching, Jake is involved in his own band and a variety of other musical projects.
John Kelly-Keifer
Drum Teacher, Piano Teacher
John Kelly-Keifer is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist known primarily for his drumming in the South Jersey / Philly music scene since 2013.
He plays drums, piano, guitar, and bass. Having worked with notable bands such as Zenora, Denim Mob, Paper Native, The Backstops, Scarlet Sunrise and more, his experience spans many different styles, and that’s reflected in his playing.
His musical accomplishments include his band Zenora being featured on 93.3 WMMR FM radio Jackson’s Local Shots Artist of the Month, opening for legendary rock band Quiet Riot, putting out a solo jazz piano album, and recording with many artists from the South Jersey Music Scene.
He is currently playing drums with Zenora, and is a very active member of the music scene today.
Grace Halter
Bass Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Grace started playing music when she was 4. Her parents put her in piano lessons, which sparked a lifelong love for music. She first picked up bass at School of Rock when she was 13, and bass has been her main instrument ever since. She currently plays bass and sings in three bands and is pursuing a degree in music business as well as history at Rowan University.
David Goode
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Drum Teacher
David Goode is an electric guitarist and bassist from Pittsgrove, NJ. David has a background in Rock and Jazz as well as experience with upright bass, piano, and classical guitar. David is capable of providing multiple different perspectives on topics such as music theory and instrumental technique thanks to private lessons and studies at Rowan University for Jazz Studies. Aside from his studies, David has performed at numerous local venues both in collaboration with other artists such as Polysaccharide Party and the Lime Shades Collective and on his own with solo repertoire. His biggest influences include The Velvet Underground, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, and Eric Johnson amongst a variety of other styles of music such as Gamelan, Modern Classical, and Experimental music.
Athena Rossi
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Athena Rossi is a pianist and vocalist from Woodbury, NJ, and is a music industry graduate from Rowan University. With experience in recording and music production, she is well-versed in technique, music theory, and performance skills from her years of experience with lessons, performances, and formal education. Aside from attending RU and teaching at School of Rock Deptford, she is a sound designer for video games and animation.
Kyle Rowe
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Kyle Rowe is a professional bass player and producer based in Philadelphia. Kyle is a graduate of Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and has spent years performing in rock, funk, jazz, and fusion circles in Philadelphia and around the U.S. Kyle grew up going to School of Rock, and went on to be influenced by jazz, electronic music, hip hop and lots more! He is excited to be giving back to the program that shaped him as a young musician and hopes to have the same impact on his students.
Ace Barnes
Assistant General Manager
Ace Barnes is an electrifying guitarist who specializes in hard rock and blues music. His group, Double Vision, has gained success through playing notable venues like The Stone Pony in Asbury Park and The Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles.
Double Vision has been featured on the popular Philly station, 93.3 WMMR. Ace hopes to continue to the upward momentum of Double Vision in the years to come.
Ace is School of Rock Deptford's go-to guy, always seated at the front desk!
Andrew Demarest
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Andrew Demarest is a multi-instrumentalist who has let his passion for music guide him to where he is today. Growing up in New York, he immersed himself within the DIY music scene and eventually moved to Philadelphia to pursue music further. Throughout his music career, he studied at Berklee College of Music, performed on and recorded 8 studio albums/EPs (Elephant Jake, There’s Only Trash Here, Gre/ay, Sage & Syrup, Canoe Safety Training, Big Crumb) and has gone on multiple full national tours spanning from Florida to California (Elephant Jake, Oldest Sea, Harmony Woods, Summerbruise). While his passion for music started with performing and creating, it has now extended to teaching at School of Rock Deptford.
Louis Roman
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Louie Roman is a professional drummer, bassist and guitarist based in South Jersey. He is currently studying production and live sound at Rowan University and has spent years performing everything rock, from metal core to Midwest emo to hair metal and has toured both sides of the country. Louie has grown up surrounded by music and now is excited and ready to help mold the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Deptford.
Natalie Newbold
Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Natalie Newbold is an accomplished and versatile musician with a decade plus of experience in performance, songwriting, recording, and touring with acts like The Front Bottoms, Well Wisher, and now her current project Gazee. She has shared the stage with renowned acts at iconic venues and festivals worldwide like MetLife Stadium, Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Corona Capital, Riot Fest, and more.
Skilled in multiple instruments, including guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals, ukulele, and keyboard + piano, she offers a comprehensive teaching expertise. Newbold is passionate about crafting original music and collaborating with artists across genres and is dedicated to nurturing musical talent and inspiring the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Deptford.
Stephen Kossman
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Stephen Kossman is a guitarist, bassist, and producer based in New Jersey. Stephen is a graduate of Rowan University’s Music Industry Program and studied guitar under Michael “Moon”Reuben (Funkadelic, Bernie Worrell) through his childhood and teenage years. With experience across many genres and multiple years of playing and working with area bands under his belt, Stephen is eager to work with excited young musicians at School of Rock Deptford looking to learn and expand their performance.
Gabe Tate
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Gabriel Tate is a dedicated piano teacher from South Jersey with over 15 years of playing experience. With a deep passion for music and a versatile background, he specializes in multiple genres including pop, rock, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Gabriel focuses on helping students develop strong musical foundations while also encouraging creativity and personal expression. His teaching approach blends music theory, ear training, and practical playing skills so students not only learn songs they enjoy but also understand the music behind them.
Whether working with beginners learning their first notes or more advanced players looking to expand their skills, Gabriel tailors each lesson at School of Rock Deptford to the student’s goals and learning style. His mission is to build confidence, inspire musical curiosity, and help students grow into well-rounded musicians.