Melissa Scott
General Manager
Melissa is originally from Kansas City, Kansas, and has been passionate about music her entire life. She began her musical journey playing flute and piccolo throughout grade school, high school, and into her undergraduate studies. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree, she discovered bass guitar and was immediately hooked. She went on to perform original music with multiple bands across Kansas and Missouri.
In 2018, after moving to Broward County, Melissa joined School of Rock as an adult student to expand her musical knowledge. Since then, she has grown into a multi-instrumentalist and now plays guitar and drums, in addition to bass, while also dabbling in vocals.
Inspired by the life-changing impact School of Rock had on her own journey, Melissa is dedicated to creating that same empowering experience for others. Today, she serves as General Manager of School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, where she is committed to helping the next generation of musicians build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of music.
Melissa blinks one eye at a time.
Adam Turano
Regional Manager
Adam has been with School of Rock since 2012 and has been performing music in South Florida since 1996. He received a bachelor's degree in arts and humanities from Florida Atlantic University and has been teaching music locally since 2002. Adam is proficient in saxophone, piano, guitar, drums, and bass. He has taught and performed various styles of music including classical, jazz, blues, rock, punk, big band, R&B, folk, and alternative.
As Regional Manager of the School of Rock in Fort Lauderdale and the School of Rock in West Broward, he is also heavily involved with all day-to-day activities of the school including a very contagious spreading of awesomeness and fun on a regular basis!
Adam sleeps standing up.
John Boiko
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
John Boiko is a piano and keyboard instructor at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale. He has been performing and teaching piano in the South Florida area since 1988. After receiving a BA in Music Education from Jersey City State College, he relocated to Fort Lauderdale where he continued his music studies and received an MA in Music from Florida Atlantic University. A highlight of John’s musical journey has been sharing his knowledge and passion for music with his students. His diverse experience in classical, jazz, blues, rock, and contemporary styles give him a unique perspective on helping his students of all ages unlock their musical potential. John currently performs regularly in a variety of venues across South Florida.
John's social security number is: up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, "B", "A" select start.
Jay Drake
Drum Teacher
School of Rock Fort Lauderdale is happy to have Jay Drake as one of our exceptional drum instructors. Jay is a freelance drummer with over 50 years of playing and teaching experience. He attended the University of North Florida School of Music and has studied privately with numerous high-profile teachers in New York City. Jay has extensive experience in studio engineering and production. Jay has dedicated his life to the pursuit of music; he has an unparalleled passion for sharing his love and knowledge of music with others.
Jay has an irrational fear of empty aluminum cans and the noises that they produce.
Anthony Alfano
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Anthony Alfano started his musical education in Queens, NY playing the alto saxophone in elementary school. It was fitting that he would then move on to the trumpet while attending Louis Armstrong Middle School. By the time he reached high school, Anthony found his true calling playing the guitar. He learned a few chords and riffs from friends, but then Anthony moved to West Palm Beach, FL at the age of 15, where he found himself isolated for the summer. He spent hours learning his favorite songs by ear. All of these experiences have shaped his belief that musicians should have a strong foundation in not only notation and theory but also ear training in order to be a complete musician.
Anthony is proficient in playing the guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele, keyboard + piano, drums, and vocals. He also has experience teaching choir and instrumental ensembles and directing musicals. His tastes are as eclectic as his playing is versatile. When not at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, he currently plays with the Iron Maiden tribute Maiden Steel, the local multi-era cover band How Original, and the Red Rocket Big Band.
Anthony's middle name is Anthony.
Ronel Corneille
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Ronel Corneille is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer from Broward County, FL. He has been a self-taught musician since the age of five, began creating his own music in the fourth grade, and has been developing a unique "building blocks" understanding of harmony and rhythm and how they interact with each other to make music. Ronel plays guitar and sings in two bands called Stellar and Prey Tell and plays and records all instruments for his own solo work. He's currently a student at Florida International University studying sustainability and the environment. Ronel started teaching at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale so he could spread the joy given to him of learning and creating music with others.
Ronel laughs at singular slices of bread.
Hector Mojena
Drum Teacher
Hector Mojena is a drummer with 10 plus years of experience in South Florida's heavy music scene. With credits including playing with Miami-based metal trio Bleeth and the instrumental rock band Sumo, Hector has recently gotten back into teaching drums, with a focus on theory and group improvisation that's central to his approach. Aside from music, Hector is an editor and writer who enjoys photography, traveling, and batidos de mamey.
Hector knits and crochets in his free time by only using his toes.
Keith Lowe
Studio Coordinator
Keith Lowe is a bassist and singer who has knowledge in the world of communications. Like any child, he went through phases of infatuations, originally leading a life of music taking piano lessons and being a part of his middle school drumline, but swapped it out for sports playing volleyball, wrestling, and running track in high school. It wasn’t until recently that his love for music was reignited when he started taking bass lessons. During operational hours, he’s our studio coordinator, however, in his free time he is a photographer and a journalist by heart.
Having graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Multimedia Studies with a minor in Public Relations, he had to grow comfortable to have interactions with people whom he’d never met before. From writing news articles on environmental change to audio engineering to photography and cinematography, he truly became a well-rounded individual in the world of media consumption.
With the experience Keith has gained from college, he now is a freelance journalist writing environmental pieces based in the South Florida region. His later hope for his career is to advance into the world of Human Resources as an in-house liaison.
Keith eats spaghetti through his nose.
Kim Cardoso
Drum Teacher
Kim Cardoso is a drummer, songwriter, and singer from Broward County, Florida. She began her drumming career at the School of Rock in Fort Lauderdale in September of 2021! Since her early drumming days, Kim has discovered a passion for playing in bands and working with a variety of musicians. Since her debut band Nemesis, Kim has been a part of numerous bands including Prey Tell, The Recycled, Machine Poetry, and Just Dive. Kim is currently a student at Florida Atlantic University where she plans on graduating with a B.M. in Commercial Music Business. With her degree, she aspires to use her musical knowledge and experience in a career within the music industry.
Kim wears gloves on her feet when it snows.
Josh Craven
Drum Teacher
Josh was raised in the town of Clifton, Virginia. Growing up in a household filled with music from a record player, courtesy of his family, he was introduced to a wide variety of genres at a young age. This early exposure sparked his passion for playing music, and at just 11 years old, he picked up a pair of drumsticks. He honed his skills through lessons while also being largely self-taught, drawing inspiration from drummers such as Danny Carey, The Rev, Bill Bruford, Brann Dailor, and many more. After playing in high school bands, jazz and symphonic ensembles, and percussion in school, he eventually moved to South Florida in 2022 and immediately stepped into the local music scene.
Josh is currently the drummer for the alternative metal band, Newly Opposed, in addition to being a lyricist, songwriter, and electronic music producer. Beyond performing, he actively supports the local scene by combining his love for graphic design with music, creating show flyers for artists across different genres.
Josh has an extensive collection of blades of grass.
Gabriel Figueira
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Gabriel Figueira, is a Portuguese / Venezuelan and Latin Grammy–nominated musician, composer, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience across music, theater, and film. Known for his dynamic artistry and boundless creativity, Gabriel seamlessly blends tradition with innovation through composition, orchestration, sound design, and performance.
In the early stages of his career, Gabriel composed and directed music for over 20 theater productions with Venezuela’s Skena Theater Group (1997–2007). Since 2001, he has led Gaêlica, an acclaimed Celtic and World Music ensemble he founded, releasing five studio albums, including Luz (Latin Grammy-nominated, 2013) and the multi-award-winning El Día que Todo Cambió (2017). Beyond Gaêlica, Gabriel has collaborated as producer and multi-instrumentalist with renowned Latin-American artists including Laura Guevara, Nana Cadavieco, Telegrama, Rodrigo Solo, and SANLUIS. His work in film and television spans over a decade, contributing scores, sound design, and field recordings to projects like Minor League (2021), The Painter’s Dream (2021), Translúcido (2017), and I Wanna Shine (2010), among others. Gabriel studied at Venezuela’s University of Musical Studies and Ars Nova Academy, while also training with notable artists like Gerry Weil and Jorge Chacón.
A dedicated autodidact, he continually pursues knowledge across disciplines to enrich his work, including at School of Rock Fort Launderdale. His accolades include multiple Pepsi Music Awards and a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. Gabriel draws inspiration from ancient cultures, folklore, anthropology, fantasy, and the visual arts. Deeply influenced by sculptor Louise Bourgeois, he lives by her words: "I am not what I am, I am what I do with my hands." Gabriel always microwaves his ice cream for at least ten minutes before he eats it.
Josh Czerwiec
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Josh started learning music in elementary school with trumpet and piano. He joined the choir and added guitar to his list of instruments as well studying at an after school program. In high school, Josh started his school’s rock band club and toured with his choir group. Josh worked at singing in programs like the Carnegie Hall honor’s performance group and competed in classical piano festivals. Josh would continue working on his skills at the University of Miami and continued singing in choir, spending afternoons playing guitar while outside with friends.
After graduating in 2020. Josh worked at a restaurant with live music which would inspire him to come teach at School of Rock in 2022. Josh continues to be inspired by the talented students he works with from 101 to performance. Josh is currently playing guitar in the rock band HKP. He has recorded an album of original songs and plans to continue writing more music while working at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale. Josh speaks fluent Elvish and Gnome.
Chris Lopez
Music Director
Christopher Lopez is a drummer, educator, and musical leader known for his thoughtful, musical approach to rhythm. With roots in the jazz tradition and a deep love for rock, funk, and modern styles, Christopher brings an expressive, sound-first mindset to everything he plays and teaches. His drumming is often described as sensitive, grounded, and impactful—focused on feel and musical conversation.
As Music Director at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, Christopher works closely with students and instructors to build strong ensembles, develop confident performers, and create a positive, inspiring musical culture. He is especially passionate about helping young musicians understand how music works—time, feel, dynamics, and listening—so they can play with intention and authenticity, not just notes.
In addition to his work at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, Christopher maintains a private teaching studio where he mentors students of all levels, emphasizing musicality, consistency, and long-term growth. He believes great drumming starts with sound, time, and trust in the music.
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Florida Atlantic University and continues to evolve as both an artist and educator.
Sal Italiano
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Sal Italiano is a professional touring bass guitarist. He formed the heavy metal band Cities with AJ Pero and recorded an album called Annihilation Absolute.
He has performed with two Van Halen tribute bands called Light Up The Sky and Intruder, and also performed with the New York-based Iron Maiden tribute experience, Live After Death, for 12 years! Sal has been on three American and world tours with Canadian artists Anvil. He is a force to be reckoned with on the big stage and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with his students at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale.
Victor Padilla
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Victor is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and educator, proficient in piano, vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. Born and raised in the mill town of Lawrence, Massachusetts, he discovered his passion for music at the age of 14. After taking a handful of lessons through his local YMCA, Victor formed his first band in his basement and continued developing his skills largely through self-study.
Armed with little more than a worn keyboard and relentless determination, Victor spent years practicing, learning, and refining his craft before stepping into teaching. He initially began as a volunteer translator for non-English-speaking students, which naturally evolved into leading his own group classes as well as offering private instruction.
With a deep appreciation for many styles of music, Victor is highly adaptable and comfortable teaching across genres such as jazz, pop, rock, gospel, R&B, and more. No matter your musical goals, Victor is committed to supporting and challenging his students at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, helping them grow into the best musicians they can be.
Victor has a pet fish named Hector that jumps out of his bowl in excitement every time Victor comes home.
Brian Wilson
Drum Teacher
Brian began playing drums at age 12, and began touring at the age of 18. He’s been behind the kit with many different acts including Yngwie Malmsteen, Enforcer, Green Jellÿ, and Thrash or Die before starting his own band Midnight Spell, which has released one album to date entitled Sky Destroyer. He’s also been the drummer for legendary tech-death pioneers Hellwitch since 2015, with whom he recorded their third full length record, Annihilational Intercention, on Listenable Records. In 2023, Brian joined Night Demon, with whom he’s begun the next musical chapter of his career. Currently, between Night Demon, Hellwitch, and teaching at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale, Brian is on the road and in the studio constantly working hard to bring heavy metal music to the masses.
Randy Braboy
Drum Teacher
With over a decade of experience behind the kit, Randy has transformed a childhood passion into a versatile professional career. His journey began in the rhythmic heart of the church band at just 12 years old, where he developed the foundational "pocket" and soulful timing that still defines his playing style today.
Randy’s technical prowess is backed by a rigorous academic and performance-based pedigree. He spent four years honing his craft at the prestigious Dillard High School of the Arts, immersing himself in complex jazz arrangements and high-energy marching band compositions.
He took his talents to the collegiate level at Bethune-Cookman University, performing with the world-renowned "Marching Wildcats." His time with the university saw him taking the stage at massive venues and high-profile events, including the Daytona 500 and Orlando Magic’s halftime show. Randy brings his experience now to teaching at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale.
Alexandra Pola
Vocal Teacher
Alexandra Pola is a vocalist, performer, and music educator originally from Boston and now based in South Florida. A recent graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Vocal Performance, Alexandra has experience performing as a soloist, in jazz ensembles, live bands, and community events throughout South Florida.
Alexandra first discovered her love for music as a young child, much like many of her students at School of Rock. She began singing in school choirs, after-school programs, and community organizations, experiences that nurtured both her vocal abilities and lifelong musical curiosity.
With a deep appreciation for a wide range of musical styles, Alexandra enjoys teaching and performing jazz standards, pop, rock, R&B, musical theatre, and more. She is passionate about helping students grow both musically and personally, and strives to create a supportive, engaging environment where young musicians can build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. Her teaching approach at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale combines technical skill-building with self-expression, collaboration, and fun.
Ileana Escalante
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ileana is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and interdisciplinary artist. A synthesist of sorts. Music has always been more than performance for her. It is a language for connection, storytelling, and transformation. As a classically trained pianist through the Piano Guild and a multi-instrumentalist encompassing guitar, bass, drums, voice and violin, she approaches teaching as both an art form and a human experience. Even though she began with Classical Piano, her creative path quickly expanded beyond a single discipline into sound, image, movement, and storytelling.
With studies in Music Performance, Sound Recording and a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Photography, her artistic practice consists of mixed media, musical and visual art.
She encourages students to experience music as exploration rather than perfection. Aiming to create a space where students feel seen, heard, and feel creatively fearless and safe. Beyond technique, she focuses on helping young artists develop intuition, confidence, and awareness. Music education becomes a form of life education, encouraging students to see themselves not just as musicians, but as creators. Her goal is to help students at School of Rock Fort Lauderdale discover their voice, develop resilience, and grow as individuals both on and off the stage.