Joshua
General Manager, Drum Teacher
Joshua 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.
Joshua's 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.
Matthew
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Matt 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, 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 over 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
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Scott began performing at the age of 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
Studio Coordinator, Drum Teacher
Makenzie is a drummer and audio engineer from Traverse City, MI. They are a graduate of Grand Valley State University, where they studied percussion and earned their Bachelor of Arts in Music. They also attended Grand Rapids Community College, where they completed their Associate's Degree in Recording Technology.
Makenzie has toured across the country with many different bands including Flashover, Okaycool, and Narrow Arrow. They are excited to join the School of Rock in Grand Rapids community and guide and encourage students on their path toward creating and sharing music with others.
Connor
Bass Guitar Teacher
Connor has been playing and teaching in the music industry for over 15 years and has performed with a multitude of musicians 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. Connor is excited to share his knowledge and passion for music with as many people as possible!
Hailey
Drum Teacher
Hailey is a drummer and musician based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a graduate of Grace Christian University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Music and Technology. Hailey has taught locally and internationally, while also performing on stage across the nation with her band, The American Hotel System. She is most looking forward to helping students discover a passion for music and a particular instrument.
Samantha
Guitar Teacher
Samantha is a performing musician and community enthusiast raised in Muskegon, Michigan. They highly value inclusion and representation within the music community. Samantha knew music would be a lifelong passion when they joined an orchestra program in elementary school.
Their main instruments are guitar, cello, and singing but they love playing all instruments! Samantha has worked with children at local schools and community centers for the past decade, and actively performs across Michigan under different projects such as "Reggie" and "Charlie Darling."
Katie
Little Wing Teacher
Katie is a music teacher originally from New Hampshire. She graduated with a degree in K-12 Music Education from Calvin College and has taught in classrooms and private lessons for over a decade. Katie is excited to build young musicians' knowledge of music and performance skills through movement, play, and exploration.
Whitney
Vocal Teacher
Vocal coach Whitney is a classically trained singer who has been performing since the age of 6. She received 15 years of choral training, including a week at the Royal School of Church Music in England, and three years of collegiate choir. She studied singing under Lansing's Judith Evans, training in classical, musical theater, and pop music before transitioning to rock music.
Whitney has been performing in local bands for over two decades and is well-known as the lead singer of the '80s cover band Starfarm, which has been voted mid-Michigan's best cover band for over a decade.
Jake
Music Director, Guitar Teacher
Jake is an experienced guitarist and educator from West Michigan. He began performing in his hometown of Muskegon before he was even old enough to drive himself to gigs. Since then, he has performed with a variety of local bands, taught private guitar lessons, and worked as an English and History teacher in several area school districts. Jake is passionate about sharing the joy of music with young people, and he loves watching School of Rock Grand Rapids students grow and develop into incredible musicians!
Cohen
Music Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, and Guitar Teacher
Cohen is a multi-instrumentalist who began his musical journey at age 9, initially teaching himself songs on the keyboard and learning guitar and bass by ear. He expanded his skills by learning drums and joining his school's concert band as a trumpet player in sixth grade, where he also began participating in choir and jazz band. Later, he became the Drum Major in the marching band during high school. He played in a band during high school, American Wi-Fi, sharing stages with artists such as We The Kings, Big Time Rush, Metro Station, and Joe Hertler, among others. The band also won the Best Pop/Electronic Artist award at Art Prize 2014.
Cohen studied music education at Grand Rapids Community College, where he continued to develop his musical expertise. Since then, he has performed across the country and played various instruments in multiple groups, currently participating in five projects spanning genres from pop and funk to rock and progressive metal. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has a background as a competitive gymnastics coach and is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation.
Shauna
Studio Director, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Shauna is a versatile musician whose journey in music began at the age of 6 when they first began playing the piano. Music has been a constant source of inspiration and joy throughout their life, and they are enthusiastic about sharing that joy with their students. Shauna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Willamette University. Over the years, they have built a diverse and rich performance resume. Their vocal experience spans a variety of genres and settings, from choir and vocal jazz ensembles to opera and rock bands. They've also enjoyed collaborating in piano-vocal duos, blending their vocal skills with others to create intimate, expressive performances. Whether playing classical piano, leading a vocal jazz group, or belting out a rock anthem, Shauna thrives in all musical environments. Their love for making music is evident in every performance, as they continue to explore new genres, challenges, and opportunities to connect with others through sound.
August
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
August is a songwriter-producer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Calvin University with a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition. He also works at Ada Bible Church as the music coordinator. He is passionate about helping and encouraging students to pursue their love for music and cultivating all the needed skills for them to enjoy playing music.
Matthew
Drum Teacher
August was raised in a Spanish household of church musicians which shaped his passion for music. He is a former Grammy Nominated Capitol-EMI recording artist with extensive playing experience in pop/punk rock, nu-metal, and Hip-Hop. He graduated from Grand Rapids Community College with an Associate Degree in Percussion Performance in Jazz Studies. His teaching style focuses on exercises and techniques to gain coordination and confidence on the drum kit. Students will learn advanced methods and techniques that will make the music learned much easier to play and enjoy.