Gwen Bultema Owner
Gwen Vryhof Bultema has always been drawn to music, to rhythm, sound and stories. She mastered the mixtape at a young age and has produced plenty of playlists in the decades since. School of Rock is the music school she wanted for her little one, but also the music school she wanted for herself. Music is a powerful learning tool, but also pure magic. The dialogue shared, the confessions made, the stories told… Gwen is excited to share the magic in new and exciting ways through School of Rock Grand Rapids.
Joshua Dreyer General Manager, Drum Teacher
Joshua Dreyer started playing rock n’ roll concerts during his freshman year of high school as the drummer for the legendary, if not mythical, metal band: Coal Black Horse. While he never forgot his roots, he has since expanded into many new musical avenues. Today, Joshua is equally at home in an orchestra, jazz combo, theater, or rock n’ roll band and performs actively in and around West Michigan. He has performed with groups such as the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Ensemble Montage and many other jazz and chamber groups. His musical endeavors have brought him across the United States from New York City to the Grand Canyon, as part of Make Music New York, Baltimore’s Mobtown Modern Series, Detroit’s Strange and Sacred Noise, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and many others. As an educator, Joshua is passionate about spreading his love of music to people of all backgrounds. He has seen firsthand the value in dedicating one’s time and energy to the arts, and hopes to share that with anyone and everyone that he can. Joshua received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Grand Valley State University and his Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Tennessee.
Jessica Hendershot Studio Coordinator, Singing Teacher
Jessica Hendershot is an enthusiastic performer from Upstate New York who has spent the last six years traveling and performing on stages in Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and across the United States. She believes in the power of performance and group-based teaching, and is excited to share her love of the arts with students across West Michigan.
Matthew Waterman Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Matt Waterman is a multi-instrumentalist and record producer with over 15 years of experience in writing, performing, and recording rock music. He is currently a guitar, bass, keyboard, and beginner drums and singing teacher at School of Rock Grand Rapids. Matt cut his teeth in Lansing’s own Mac’s Bar during high school and has since played more than 300 shows in 35 states with bands such as Jason Alarm and The Devil’s Cut. Since 2011, Matt has been recording, mixing, and mastering music for local and regional musicians as well as producing original instrumentals for select artists. Currently, he records at Cold War Studios and at his home studio in downtown Grand Rapids.
Scott Patrick Bell Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher
Scott Patrick Bell began performing at age 15, studying at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University. He has been a musical director and band leader for more than 30 years and has produced work for the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Circle Theatre, Actor's Theatre, West Michigan Jazz Society, and more. Scott has also written and directed several original and concert version shows including "Let It Be," "The Music of: Queen, Woodstock, Stephen Schwartz, and Andrew Lloyd Webber," "Men of Motown," and "Divas of Soul."
Makenzie Mattis Drum Teacher Makenzie Mattis
Makenzie Mattis is a drummer and audio engineer from Traverse City, MI. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she studied percussion and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music. Makenzie also attended Grand Rapids Community College, where she completed her Associates Degree in Recording Technology. She has toured across the country with many different bands including Flashover, Okaycool, and Narrow Arrow. She is excited to join the School of Rock community and looks forward to guiding and encouraging students on their path towards creating and sharing music with others.
David Hempstead Drum Teacher
David is a drummer/percussionist from Petoskey, MI. From an early age, David gained his performance experience through touring with the Petoskey Steel Drum Band across Michigan. In 2016, David joined the local rock scene playing with bands such as Fathom XIX, Conrad Shock and the Noise, St. Sinner Orchestra, and Lipstick Jodi. David earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Grand Valley State University in 2019, and was a recipient of the Arthur C. Hills performance scholarship. He maintains an active freelance schedule as a studio musician, performer, and educator across the greater Grand Rapids area.
Connor Coram Bass Guitar Teacher
Connor Coram has been playing and teaching in the music industry for over 15 years and has performed with a multitude of musicians and spanning many genres. He spent his early years playing piano, trumpet and bass guitar. At age 18, he narrowed his focus to the bass guitar, and received a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in bass guitar performance from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. He is excited to share his knowledge and passion for music with as many people as possible!