Fort Collins
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Fort Collins

Map
School of Rock Fort Collins
215 E Foothills Pkwy
Ste 720
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-236-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 2 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM

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

School of Rock Fort Collins, Colorado is proud to serve Fort Collins and surrounding communities like Wellington, Timnath, and Severance 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. The Fort Collins area is well known for its vibrant local music scene and is home to many notable national acts such as The Burroughs, Write Minded, and many others. Students can develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, gaining confidence like true rock stars. Our students perform at many major area music festivals like FoCoMX, Taste of Fort Collins, and the Larimer County Fair. Our students also regularly play at amazing local venues like the Mishawaka Amphitheater and the Aggie Theatre. Come join the band and visit the School of Rock in Fort Collins today!

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in Fort Collins
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins.

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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Fort Collins

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Fort Collins

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Fort Collins

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Regional Music Director, Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher Jordan Pasquin
Jordan Pasquin
Regional Music Director, Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Jordan Pasquin is a drum set performer and educator based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. He has been playing for over 15 years, and in addition to performing across the country, he maintains a busy teaching schedule that includes students of all ages and skill levels. Jordan's diverse performance background and bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music allow him to authentically teach a wide array of styles and techniques while focusing on helping his students achieve their personal goals. He strives to demonstrate how music can be healthy for you physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Jordan is known for his work performing with Write Minded, Cary Morin & Ghost Dog, and I Am The Owl. He also works regularly as a session musician for countless other artists across all genres. Jordan takes great pride in all he does relating to music, including helping other artists sound their best as a drum tech for The Blasting Room. Jordan is grateful for the impact music has had on his life and loves passing on the joy of music to his students.
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Mike Shamrock
Mike Shamrock
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Michael Shamrock Robertson Jr., an American guitarist, was born into a military family that took him from coast to coast before finally settling in Fort Collins, Colorado at the age of 21. His earliest musical memories are of singing Billy Idol's "Mony Mony,” watching Michael Jackson's movie Moonwalker, and watching his dad, cousin, and their friend playing "Hotel California" at a backyard BBQ. Mike soon became mesmerized by the unique sounds of Rage Against the Machine, Tool, and Jane's Addiction. He began playing guitar at the age of 13, picking up bass soon after.

Mike's devotion to music is undeniable. His close friends, band members, and community acknowledge him as a guitar virtuoso. In 2009, he was recognized as the best guitarist and songwriter by KRFC's Night Howler JJ Johnson. Mike has been involved in numerous award-winning bands, such as 20XIII, AutoFate, Pretty Noise, Guerrilla Radio (tribute to Rage Against the Machine), Sonic Temple (tribute to the Cult), and Sabotage (tribute to the Beastie Boys) just to name a few! The mix of both original and tribute bands highlights his versatility and diligent focus on his craft.

Mike's hard-working disposition is shown through the countless acts and projects he delves into. On top of being currently active in six different bands, he utilizes his free time honing his technique, ear training, writing, and recording music, while also promoting his album "Not I!" Said the lil’ mouse.

Looking forward, Mike anticipates pushing 20XIII and his solo band, collaborating with other artists, and is especially excited about teaching his craft as an instructor at the School of Rock in Fort Collins.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Singing TeacherJacob Maestas
JJ Maestas
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keys Teacher
Jacob Maestas has been playing rock, funk, ska, and punk in and around Colorado since he was 15 years old. In the short time since he’s built a solid musical resume that includes performing at major festivals like Taste of Colorado, and presenting TedX talks on how music education changes lives for the better. When it comes to teaching, Jacob tailors his approach to the uniqueness of each and every student, helping them to find their own unique musical voice.
Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher Michael Millan
Michael Millan
Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Michael is a keyboardist and vocalist based in the Northern Colorado area. He recently graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, and has been an active musician since his freshman year. Michael has had the great opportunity to study jazz piano under Dana Landry, Tom Amend, and Annie Booth, all active musicians in the Northern Colorado scene and beyond, and to study voice under Jenna McLean.

Having started playing classical piano at the age of 5, playing in jazz groups since middle school, and taking vocal lessons in college, Michael is well-versed in multiple genres of music. He has played in/for big bands, small modern jazz ensembles, salsa bands, musical theatre pits, and singer-songwriters.

Michael is excited to be a part of School of Rock Fort Collins, and he looks forward to making connections and guiding the next generation through their musical journey!
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher, Little Wing and Rookies Director Lucy Logan
Lucy Logan
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Little Wing and Rookies Director
Lucy discovered her love of singing in middle school, singing in choirs and musicals, and began taking voice lessons as a freshman in high school. She participated in All-State Choir, Thescon, and NATS, where she placed second in the classical category. She is now a junior at CSU studying vocal performance and is excited to dive into the world of teaching lessons herself, after taking them for many years.

School of Rock is Lucy's first professional teaching gig, and she is so excited for the future and to be joining such a wonderful team of musicians who share her love and passion for music. But above all else, she is excited to share that with her students, and to get them singing like a rockstar!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Brian Zitti
Brian Zitti
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Brian Zitti's musical journey first started with the saxophone when he was 10 years old, and eventually led to him picking up the guitar after high school - and he hasn't put it down since! Cutting his teeth in the Fort Collins music scene, in addition to rock Brian has gained experience playing bluegrass, Americana, folk music, blues, and more. His band Lucid Blues has played on numerous Fort Collins stages including the Aggie Theatre and the historical Mishawaka Amphitheatre. After adding drums, bass, and piano to his musical arsenal, he is now focused on composing songs for the band and producing music on his own. He believes music allows communication through sound that words cannot deliver, and hopes to inspire, heal, and move people through his playing. Teaching others and helping them on their own musical journey brings great fulfillment to Brian, and he can't wait to help students at School of Rock grow so they can share their experience with the world.
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Rock 101 Teacher Devin Johnson
Devin Johnson
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Rock 101 Teacher
Devin Johnson found her love for music in Flint, Michigan where she was raised. When not in school, she was constantly attending acting, flute, and classical vocal lessons. Her summers were spent participating in musical theatre programs in South Philadelphia, where she also discovered a love for performing.

Although her background is primarily in musical theatre, Devin is very much a classic rock enthusiast, thanks to her aunt who ensured that she listened to famous bands from the '70s, as opposed to the 2000s pop that was flooding the radio at the time. Ironically enough, Devin is also a massive Taylor Swift fan.

To accompany her vocal capabilities, Devin is learning piano and guitar, and she has also taken up writing music in her free time. She credits her love for music and performing to the instructors who taught her in her youth, and she is incredibly excited to be sharing the same enthusiasm with her students.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher Kyle Krueckeberg
Kyle Krueckeberg
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Kyle Krueckeberg has been playing guitar, bass, and singing professionally for over 20 years. Over that time he has been involved in numerous projects that have covered a multitude of different musical styles. Kyle is currently the bassist and vocalist for Fort Collins based punk metal band, I Am the Owl, as well as his solo project, The Dark Lake. He brings with him a wealth of experience in other musical skills, including live sound, recording, mixing/mastering, and songwriting - and can’t wait to apply those skills to teaching the next generation of rockers at School of Rock Fort Collins.
Bethany Conniff Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher for Little Wing and Rookies
Bethany Conniff
Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher - Little Wing and Rookies
Bethany has been involved in the arts for as long as she can remember. Starting at the age of six, she joined several children’s choirs and performed in a multitude of theatrical productions in the Chicagoland area. Though Bethany is classically-trained with an extensive theatre background, the soundtrack to and from rehearsals and performances was always classic rock! By participating in such a variety of musical experiences, this devotion to music eventually led to some wonderful teaching opportunities where Bethany’s passion of music education flourished.

Bethany holds an Associate of Arts in Music from Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts with a focus in Vocal Pedagogy and Musicology from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where she studied under Dr. Rachel Wood. Currently, Bethany is pursuing her Master’s of Music Education at Colorado State University here in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is thrilled to join the team at School of Rock, and to help students pursue their dreams of finding their voice and becoming the ultimate rock star!
Drum Teacher Anthony Welch
Anthony Welch
Drum Teacher
Anthony's destiny as a drummer was decided as a small child when he strapped an oatmeal container around his neck and picked up two Lincoln Logs as drumsticks. His parents bought him his first drum kit when he was 12 years old, and he’s still rocking.

Anthony has actively played in bands for over 27 years. He's crafted his chops playing mostly metal, but was also a part of Colorado Springs' award-winning cover act, 40oz. Freedom Fighters. Currently, Anthony is the drummer for the Colorado Springs thrash metal band, Planetary 27, and drums for the groove/death metal band, Red Gremlin. He also fronts his own solo band, The Dub Project. Anthony splits his time between Southern Colorado and Northern Colorado and handled drumming duties for the NOCO Judas Priest tribute act, The Fold. He also now supplies beats for the NOCO-based Beastie Boys tribute band, Sabotage.

Anthony is thrilled to have a job that allows him to share his love for rock with the next generation of musicians.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher, Rock 101 Teacher El Duncan
El Duncan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher, Rock 101 Teacher
El Duncan began their musical journey in the 5th grade with vocal lessons. Having come from a talented musical family, they picked up the guitar shortly thereafter but El really hit their musical stride when they joined the School of Rock in Philadelphia at the start of 7th grade. El continued to rock at School of Rock through high school, joining House Band and adding bass guitar to their instrument arsenal along the way. They moved to Fort Collins to study music at CSU and has made the transition from student to instructor at School of Rock Fort Collins. El is thrilled to share their passion for music with the next generation of rockers!
Studio Manager Hannah Rust
Hannah Rust
Studio Manager
Hannah can’t remember much of her childhood that doesn’t involve music and singing. Growing up, she took private voice lessons, flute lessons, and youth music theater programs, and has performed in various talent shows - or on any stage that would have her!

During her teen years, Hannah joined School of Rock as a student, experiencing the full program as she worked her way up into House Band, and eventually graduated from the program. She also marched in the Loveland High School Crimson Regiment and became the principal flute player of the LHS Wind Symphony.

Hannah has participated in many opportunities in the Fort Collins music scene such as Sonic Spotlight (2022) and the 53:14 Music Video project (2023) with her previous metal band, HYGEIA
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher Matt Wright
Matt Wright
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Matt Wright is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer located in Fort Collins, Colorado. He has been performing professionally since childhood. He is known for his longtime work as a keyboardist, co-singer, and composer for funk/soul band, Euforquestra.

Matt has played over 1,000 shows across the U.S. and abroad in places like the Caribbean and central Africa. He has a degree in Professional Music with a strong focus on theory, harmony, and performance. As an educator, Matt has adjudicated festivals and taught private students of all ages in a wide variety of styles.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Steven Holling
Steven Holling
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Steven was born in Iowa and raised in Loveland, CO. His musical journey started when he received his first guitar at 9 years old. After years of private guitar lessons, as well as six years of playing the French horn in middle school and high school, Steven decided to turn his focus solely to guitar and he hasn’t stopped rocking since!

Steven loves playing metal music from bands like Killswitch Engage, Megadeath, and Metallica and has a major appreciation for the endless personal growth that can be achieved from playing guitar. Steven is excited to make the transition from taking lessons to teaching lessons at the School of Rock in Fort Collins and hopes to show his students the value that music holds in all walks of life.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Nathan Triz
Nathan Triz
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nathan Triz is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Windsor, CO. He is thrilled to share his dynamic musical experience with the School of Rock community here in Fort Collins! Nathan draws inspiration from a wide array of musical styles and genres, infusing both his performances and teaching style with a unique blend of musical influences.

Beyond the stage, Nathan is a firm believer in the transformative power of music education. He is dedicated to the idea that learning music is not only an enriching artistic pursuit but also a powerful tool for cognitive growth and brain repair at any age. He recognizes the profound impact learning an instrument can have on children, fostering improvements in focus, memory, and behavior. Moreover, he emphasizes the holistic benefits of music education, such as peer engagement, teamwork, and the development of confidence.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Forrester Tamkun
Forrester Tamkun
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Forrester was born and raised in Fort Collins, CO, and has been a part of the Northern Colorado music scene for over 15 years. A multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the local band Write Minded, Forrester has a degree in Recording Arts and has been teaching music professionally for most of his career.

Forrester strives to always bring a committed passion to the local music scene while also educating the next generation of musicians. He believes that music has changed his life, and feels fortunate to be able to give back to the local music community that made him who he is.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Eli S. Johnson
Eli S. Johnson
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Eli Johnson is a rock musician based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. He has been playing guitar for over 15 years, spending much of that time as a seasoned member of the ska and punk scene across Denver and Northern Colorado.

Eli has a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Colorado State University which has offered him experience across multiple musical genres. He believes music to be an essential part of life, and loves nothing more than sharing his passion for music with others who want to learn how to play.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Crystal Pelham
Crystal Mendez
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Crystal Pelham is an accomplished bassist and music teacher based in Northern Colorado. She has been playing for over 15 years and has taught in the Poudre School District, Douglas County Schools, and Boulder County as well.

Crystal plays a wide variety of styles, with a preference for hard rock metal. But most of all, she loves helping her students both develop as musicians—and grow as humans!
General Manager Christi Bailey
Christi Bailey
General Manager
Christi Bailey's life has centered around music since before she can remember. The daughter of the bassist and vocalist for a Boston-based Irish rock band, Christi has been attending shows since long before she could talk. She studied Vocal Performance and Music Therapy at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and later moved down to Nashville to be immersed in the world of professional songwriting.

Christi has worked with musicians in a professional capacity for the last several years, and she has found a passion in supporting musicians by building and maintaining communities where they can thrive and gain the skills they need to succeed. Christi is most known around Fort Collins for her work in operations and entrepreneurial development, as well as being the drummer and vocalist in the award-winning Colorado surf-rock band, Robert Shredford.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Brian Holdbrook
Brian Holdbrook
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Brian Holdbrook started playing the drums when he was 12 years old and added guitar to his repertoire a short time later. He experimented with piano, bass, ukulele, and even trumpet throughout his teenage years and cites the bands Beirut, Bright Eyes, and Modest Mouse as some of his most influential artists. When Brian picked up his first electric guitar he discovered an impassioned interest in math rock, intricate song structures, and jazz-like styles of playing.

Brian has been a member of a multitude of Fort Collins bands, starting with his first band Alone at the Gym in 2018 while working at the Downtown Artery. Since then he has been the guitarist, singer, drummer, and bassist in various other projects. Brian's current musical endeavors have him playing lead guitar for the local emo-math rock band No Fauna, and his solo recording project which has since turned into a 5-piece band, Overhang.
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Ben Eberle
Ben Eberle
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Ben Eberle is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches drums, guitar, bass, keys, and vocals at the School of Rock locations in Fort Collins and Loveland. Currently performing in several popular local bands—including Tonguebyte and People in General—it would certainly be fair to say that Ben is actively involved in the Northern Colorado music scene.

Ben has been teaching at School of Rock for over three years and loves nothing more than sharing his passion for, and knowledge of music with the next generation of rockers!
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

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

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