Kira Allen
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Kira has been playing bass and guitar since she was thirteen and has been a part of SOR Farmington family since 2016. Throughout the years of her musical development, she explored many avenues of music and pursued many opportunities to enrich her musical skills. She also plays guitar and upright bass. She picked up the upright bass in high school, and the instrument led to her becoming more diverse in musical genres. Over the years, she was a part of six of her high school ensembles, Detroit’s Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles Jazz Band, Blue Lake International’s 2019 Youth Symphony Orchestra, School of Rock Farmington’s Performance Program, and the School of Rock Farmington House Band. She knows the musical language between classical through metal. She is currently pursuing a Jazz Studies Degree over at Wayne State University. She is really eager to teach bass and guitar at School of Rock!
Hunter Desjarlais
Drum Teacher
Hunter Desjarlais is a dedicated educator, performer, and arranger based in Metro Detroit. He brings a wealth of experience to School of Rock Farmington, having worked with top-tier drumline programs including Novi High School, Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, Huron Valley Percussion, and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps (2021–2023).
Hunter holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Technology and Production from Wayne State University and has worked in both the live music and recording industries. As a performer, he currently plays with the Detroit Lions Drumline, energizing the crowd at every home game.
With a passion for rhythm and education, Hunter is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians. His teaching style focuses on building strong fundamentals, creativity, and a love for performance—helping students of all levels grow as confident, passionate drummers.
James Miller
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
James Miller is a passionate guitarist and performer with over 17 years of experience. He was first introduced to music through the blues, learning to play alongside his father—a foundation that sparked a lifelong love for the guitar.
Throughout his education at Cranbrook, James was a key member of the jazz band, and he further honed his skills with the Wayne State Jazz Youth Ensemble. Today, he stays active in the Detroit music scene, performing regularly with R&B and Hip-Hop artists and fronting his own band, The Hail Saints.
James brings real-world experience and a love for diverse musical styles into his teaching. He’s committed to helping students at School of Rock Farmington build their skills, find their sound, and discover the same passion for music that’s guided his journey.
Savi Savage
Vocal Teacher
Savi Savage grew up in a family where music wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way of life. Inspired early on by artists like Anita Baker, Sade, and Enya, she eventually found her true calling on stage as a powerhouse vocalist.
Savi made her mark on the West Coast music scene as the frontwoman for both cover bands and original projects, captivating crowds with her dynamic voice and magnetic presence. Along the way, she’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry—working with Mötley Crüe during their Las Vegas residency, serving as a brand ambassador for Lady Gaga, iHeartRadio, and many more.
Drawing from influences that range from folk to metal, Savi brings a fearless and versatile approach to music. Beyond performing, she’s passionate about empowering fellow vocalists, inspiring students at School of Rock Farmington to find their unique voice, and giving back to the music community that helped shape her.
DeMarcus Sumter
Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
DeMarcus Sumter comes to School of Rock Farmington after traveling the world as a drummer and musician for various styles of music. He has worked as a studio musician across the United States and has been teaching drums and vocals for over 20 years.
When DeMarcus is not teaching, he is performing with multiple bands, including his own, all over Michigan and at festivals on the East Coast.
Ryan Vicars
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Ryan has been playing guitar and bass for over ten years. He has performed in several bands and was a member of the Schoolcraft Jazz Band. Passionate about all styles of music—from rock, jazz, and blues to hip hop and beyond—Ryan loves sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to explore their own musical journeys.
He’s excited to bring his energy and experience to School of Rock Farmington and looks forward to helping students grow as confident, well-rounded musicians.
Logan Widmer
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Logan has been playing drums for over a decade and the guitar for over five years. His favorite artists include Ty Segall, Crumb, Opeth, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Logan is also a woodworker and a luthier and likes skydiving.
Ben Rice
Music Director
Ben has been playing drums for over 17 years and teaching for over six years. He has been a part of Rock bands, Jazz ensembles, drum lines, and concert bands throughout his entire musical career.
Ben's favorite bands include The 1975, Incognitio, TOOL, and Nevell. His favorite non-music-related activities are watching standup comedy, playing video games, and drawing.
Val Saylor
Studio Coordinator
Val Saylor is a talented School of Rock Farmington alum and former three-year member of the House Band. A dynamic performer, Val specializes in guitar and vocals, while also exploring keys and bass to round out their musical versatility. They’ve brought their passion for live music to notable stages including Detroit by Detroit, the Women Who Drum Festival, and Milwaukee Summerfest. Outside of music, Val enjoys drawing, painting, and performing with their band, channeling creativity into every aspect of their life.
Caitlyn Brey
General Manager
Caitlyn is General Manager at School of Rock Farmington, and has been working with the school since she graduated from School of Rock Rochester in 2018. Since starting at School of Rock Farmington in 2021, she has started two bands that actively play around the Metro Detroit Music Scene. She plays guitar, bass guitar, sings, and recently took up drums as well. She has played many genres of music, but her favorite is punk or alternative music
Chris Marek
Owner
Chris Marek spent more than 26 years shaping young minds as a principal in the Plymouth-Canton and Wayne-Westland school districts—but his true passion was always music. A lifelong guitar player from Muskegon, MI, Chris picked up the instrument at age 11. After being forced to sight-read “Hot Cross Buns” when he just wanted to play Led Zeppelin, he ditched lessons and learned the hard way how important it is to keep music fun and inspiring.
That’s why Chris fell in love with School of Rock’s Song First approach, where students learn the music they’re excited about and build reading, theory, and technique along the way. In 2019, after retiring from education, Chris turned his dream into reality by opening School of Rock Canton. Two years later he expanded with School of Rock Farmington, and in 2026 he’ll launch his third location: School of Rock Troy.
Today, Chris is proud to own and operate three thriving schools, giving kids, teens, and adults the chance to unlock their inner rock star in a supportive, high-energy environment.