Farmington
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Farmington

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School of Rock Farmington
22730 Orchard Lake Rd
Farmington, MI 48336
(248) 987-4450

Location Specifics

Located just north of Grand River Rd.

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Hours
  • Monday: 3:30 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3:30 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 3:30 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

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

School of Rock Farmington is proud to serve the Farmington community and surrounding areas with a revolutionary education approach. With lessons from our expert instructors, students can learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals across genres. By jamming in a band together with friends while learning to read and play music by ear, students gain the confidence to truly be a rock star. Our students perform at community-based events and regularly play at local venues! Join the band and visit School of Rock Farmington today!

Programs we offer

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

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Farmington'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 Farmington 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 Farmington are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Farmington 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 Farmington'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 Farmington music venue.

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

At School of Rock Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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.

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 Farmington, 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 Farmington is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Farmington 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.

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

School of Rock Farmington'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 Farmington 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 Farmington.

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 Farmington 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 Farmington.

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

The School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at MI 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 Farmington and the rest of MI. 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 Farmington

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Farmington

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Farmington, 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 Farmington is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Farmington 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 Farmington'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 Farmington, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Farmington 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 Farmington 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 Farmington guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Farmington

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington. Unlike other Farmington 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 Farmington, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Farmington 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 Farmington

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Farmington

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Farmington 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 Farmington 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Farmington. 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington 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 Farmington Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Farmington 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 Farmington 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington’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.

Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher Kira Allen
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!
Drum Teacher Hunter Desjarlais
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.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher James Miller
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.
Vocal Teacher
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.
Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
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.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Ryan Vicars
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.
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Logan Widmer
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.
Music Director Ben Rice
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.
Studio Coordinator Val Saylor
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 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
Owner Chris Marek
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.
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

Fun for the Kids and the Audience!

It's a great way for kids to get excited about music. They learn more quickly playing sets together in a group than with traditional lessons, and have a lot more fun doing it! It's also unique to perform onstage at professional venues.”

Learning Music and So Much More!

Super friendly! Great place to learn to play! My son loves it! He doesn't just learn drums, he learns so much more!

Engaging, Fun and Interactive Learning.

Love the engaging, interactive and fun approach to lessons and the opportunity for kids to actually perform together as a band.

Quality Music Instruction While Building Relationships

Great staff who relate to the kids. The manager organizes fun activities along with the shows and house band performances. Our son has improved his playing and made a lot of friends.

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