Dylan Pruiett
Music Director
Dylan was introduced to music at an early age after discovering Iron Maiden and Metallica, picking up the guitar at age 15, and has loved rock and metal ever since. After high school, he attended South Plains College where he received his associate's degree in Commercial Music and a Music Business Certificate.
Dylan also received his bachelor's degree in Professional Studies in Guitar at Berklee College of Music in 2021. While attending Berklee, he spent his time studying under Joe Stump (Alcatrazz, Solo Artist), Scotty Johnson (Paul Gilbert, Ford Blues Band, Dick Dale), and Shaun Michaud (Event, Fates Warning touring guitarist).
Dylan has opened up for artists such as All That Remains, Periphery, Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X), Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne Guitarist, Firewind), and Vinnie Moore (Alice Cooper, UFO). Dylan has been a part of the School of Rock family since 2013.
Amber Miller
Studio Cordinator
Amber has a background in pottery and a passion for fostering creativity! She is dedicated to inspiring students to explore their artistic potential. Her love for collaboration and innovative projects brings a fresh perspective to our community. Outside of work, Amber enjoys creating and spending time outdoors!
Ryan Murphy
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Ryan is a School of Rock graduate himself, having been a student for ten years. During his time as a student, he had the opportunity to attend a Rock n' Roll Fantasy Camp in Los Angeles, California. Ryan loves listening, playing, and teaching music of all different genres, and he specializes in classic rock. He is an active member of the Denver music scene with his band, Project Murphy. Ryan is a bass teacher and guitar teacher at School of Rock Highlands Ranch in Colorado.
Mike Rosenberg
Drum Teacher
Mike has been a part of School of Rock for 15 years as a former student and currently a teacher. He is a two-time School of Rock AllStar and has played at Red Rocks and Lollapalooza on multiple occasions. Mike is an active member of the Denver music scene with his band Jr. Rabbit with a fellow School of Rock instructor. He has been teaching drums at School of Rock for over six years.
Ken Lark
Drum Teacher
Ken started his musical journey in the second grade when he played his first drumming gig at his school’s talent show in Loveland, Colorado. That summer, he and his family moved to a small town outside of Tokyo, Japan. There he received his first “real” drum set and began performing in the concert band at The American School in Japan. After three years, Ken returned to Loveland and was invited to join a large musical group, Sing-Out Loveland, at the age of 12. It featured an eight-piece band with horns and over twenty singers and dancers. During his four years with the group, their gigs included the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs and a summer season at the original Elitch’s Gardens.
While still in high school, Ken began teaching drum lessons at a local music store. He then received a BA in Broadcast Journalism at CSU in Fort Collins, Colorado. After graduating, he worked in television production, which included producing comedy segments for a national cable network and directing music videos. He continued to play in many bands, with styles ranging from Rock, Jazz, and Blues to Country. For over a decade, he was the drummer for SNAP, then Northern Colorado’s premier Funk and R&B band. Ken has also done many studio recording sessions, most notably, as a drummer on the last LP by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame band, Zephyr. Overall, Ken is passionate about sharing his knowledge of music with students of all ages.
Jackson Lacroix
Drum Teacher
Jackson is a former School of Rock student and used the foundations he learned to play hundreds of shows. He has toured most of the country, most notably an opening spot for post-hardcore darlings The Fall of Troy.
Jackson plays in the noise rock band Cherry Spit and his solo project Glacierface.
Zac Ray
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
From the earliest days of Zac's childhood, whether he was strumming a guitar or simply soaking in the melodies of his surroundings, music has been an integral part of his life. The opportunity to share this profound love of music is something he considers a privilege. It all began with a humble microphone and a two-year-old Zac belting out tunes, inheriting his passion for performance from his father, drummer of the southern band Sweet Magnolia. Before Zac ever picked up a guitar, he immersed himself in the world of strings, spending three years learning the viola and violin. But it was at the age of fourteen that he found his true calling and began teaching himself the guitar.
By fifteen, Zac was already making waves in the local music scene, joining his second high school band and dominating the small-town stages. As the years passed, Zac's talent only blossomed further, culminating in him fronting his band as both lead vocalist and guitarist at the age of twenty-one. Alongside his musical pursuits, Zac spent three years sharing his expertise through private guitar lessons at the Music Center, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Now the journey of creativity, expression, and endless possibilities continues at School of Rock.
Anthony Jacobellis
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Anthony Jacobellis is an experienced and passionate musician with a love for teaching and a deep understanding of voice and keyboard techniques. With years of experience performing in various genres, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge to his students at the School of Rock in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Specializing in vocal coaching and piano/keyboards, Anthony is dedicated to helping students of all skill levels unlock their musical potential, develop confidence, and grow their technical abilities.
Anthony ensures every student receives a personalized, fun, and enriching learning experience. Whether mastering scales, exploring songwriting, expanding on stage presence, or learning to perform with others, Anthony creates an inspiring environment that encourages creativity and self-expression.
Outside of teaching, Anthony is an active performer and enjoys collaborating with other musicians, further enhancing our students' education with real-world insights into the music industry.
Cody Templeman
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Cody Templeman was a National School of Rock AllStar and has played at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, six times throughout his School of Rock Career. From there, he raged three tours with The National School of Rock Allstars, performing at two Lollapalooza shows (opening for Paul McCartney on his 16th birthday) and MoPop Festival in Detroit. During this time, he happened to fill in (at age 15) with Denver’s popular Rick Lewis Project, and from there, his career started to fly. Templeman, now 27, plays with The Brian Hornbuckle Band and other bands across the Front Range.
Josh Bess
Vocal Teacher
Joshua was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, and has been singing as long as he can remember. He’s traveled all over the country and internationally with Broadway National Tours (RENT, SpongeBob, Jesus Christ Superstar). “My goal is to encourage and inspire the next generation of artists.”
JR Dittrich
Drums Teacher
JR has been a drummer for over 20 years and has over five years of music education experience. He has played in various groups, from trios to big bands, large ensembles, and various bands. JR is also experienced in many different musical genres, such as Rock, Pop Punk, Jazz, Funk, Latin, and more.
Over his career, he has taught at multiple schools, including five different School of Rock locations, and is currently teaching drums at School of Rock Highlands Ranch.
Jenice Bates
Vocals Teacher
Jenice began singing at the young age of three and has been passionate about music ever since. From kindergarten through 12th grade, she performed in choir, building a strong foundation in vocal performance and harmony. She has also competed in multiple singing competitions, including the National American Miss Teen pageant and IMTA NYC, representing her modeling agency SWMT Denver, where she was a state finalist.
For the past two years, Jenice has been an active member of the School of Rock community, performing in the Adult Performance Program and teaching voice at two School of Rock locations, including School of Rock Highlands Ranch. She teaches both beginner and advanced students, helping them develop proper technique, confidence, and stage presence. Jenice is currently earning her Bachelor of Music degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she continues to grow as both a performer and educator.
In addition to teaching, Jenice is part of Denver’s vibrant local music scene. She fronts the metal cover band “Sins of the Father,” which was formed with fellow School of Rock adult musicians. Her experience performing live in both classical and contemporary settings gives her a unique ability to connect with students who want to explore a wide range of genres—from choir and classical to rock and metal.
Kalen Slocomb
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
A lifelong learner and passionate musician, Kalen Slocomb has been playing guitar since 2008, developing a love for Rock that soon expanded into Metal, Jazz, Fusion, Folk, Funk, and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s in Jazz and American Improvised Music from Metropolitan State University of Denver and his Master’s in Jazz Studies from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.
Kalen has performed at Denver jazz clubs and in musical theater productions such as Sweet Charity, Edges, and Xanadu. With a background spanning everything from Folk and Blues to Funk and modern Fusion, Kalen helps students explore a wide range of styles and build strong technical foundations.
As a teacher at School of Rock Highlands Ranch, Kalen is dedicated to helping each student grow through their unique strengths and interests. He creates a positive, inspiring lesson environment where students gain confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for music.
Wayde McDonnell
Drum Teacher
Wayde has been drumming for over 15 years, performing across a wide range of rock, metal, and jazz styles. A dynamic and versatile player, he has built a strong reputation in the Denver music scene for his creativity, precision, and high-energy stage presence.
In addition to his extensive studio and live experience, Wayde currently holds down the drum chair for Denver noise-rock outfit Cherry Spit, sharing the stage with both emerging and internationally recognized artists. His performance background includes everything from intimate club gigs to large festival stages, giving him a well-rounded musical perspective.
Wayde brings this passion to teaching by helping students at School of Rock Highlands Ranch sharpen their fundamentals, develop musicianship, and find their unique voice behind the kit. Whether guiding new drummers through their first grooves or coaching more experienced players on advanced technique, he focuses on building confidence, versatility, and a lifelong love of music.