Mike Lisante
Owner
One random morning in mid-2021, Mike woke up (figuratively and literally) and decided he needed out from his 22-year career as Director of Operations for a major distribution company. In his exact words, he was “bored, ignored, and tired of living someone else’s dream.” What he really aspired to do was open his own music school, so off he went in pursuit of musical happiness. It took a few more months, but upon discovering School of Rock, he knew he had found his destiny. Being welcomed into their family of owners has been the true highlight of his career.
Mike is a lifelong guitarist and product of the '80s, raised on large doses of hair metal. He is pretty sure he was vaccinated with a phonograph needle as a baby because he’s been obsessed with guitar and music ever since childhood. He graduated with a business degree from Ramapo College and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt…but really, who cares about all that? Mike is most proud of the two-year stint he did with Berklee College of Music to gain a master’s certificate in guitar. He obsesses over the School of Rock in Maywood from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed, much to his family’s chagrin.
Mike would rather watch ballet than football. He really likes army tanks and is an avid reader of military history. He's also the lead guitarist for the NJ-based cover band Toy Canon, a 20+ year rock institution that has played everywhere from the Meadowlands State Fair to Madison Square Garden. When not working, you can find Mike hanging with his wife and kids, and going to church.
Cindy Torres
Music Director, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Cindy has been studying and practicing voice for almost a decade and teaching most of that time. She has worked with (and been taught by) various vocalists from many genres, including opera, jazz, rock, and folk. Her absolute favorite band is Paramore, and her influences range from Amy Winehouse to Janis Joplin to Leonard Cohen.
Cindy loves Seattle, sushi, and her cat named Cleo. She is excited to bring her talent and experience to our students at the School of Rock in Maywood, New Jersey!
Robin Cabana
Studio Coordinator
Robin Cabana is a graphic designer, Star Wars enthusiast and Girl Scout leader who lives in New Jersey with her pug, Penny. She is an aunt to five awesome kids. Robin doesn’t play any instruments, but she’s not afraid to rock the mic at karaoke. Robin spent most of her career working in newspapers, until she started her own graphic design and social media business. She graduated from Rutgers University where she majored in history and one of her favorite classes was History of Rock and Roll.
Robin is a proud nerd, obsessing over Star Wars, Thor, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Supernatural, and too many other things to list. She reads about 100 books a year (seriously!) and loves building Legos and taking care of her succulent plants. Musically, Robin is a child of the 80s and teen of the grunge era who grew up listening to 60s pop. Her favorites include the Beatles, Springsteen, the Pretenders,U2, Depeche Mode, the Who, Bob Dylan, the Stones, the Killers, Madonna, Indigo Girls, Lady Gaga, and all the showtunes.
Chris White
Studio Coordinator
Chris is a lifelong music fanatic with an obsessive passion and encyclopedic knowledge of all things rock n’ roll. Chris is excited to share his passion with the next generation of rock and rollers and bring them up to speed on all things Aero-to Zep.
Favorite Colors: Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Moody Blues, Green Day and Pink Floyd.
Favorite Foods: Pearl Jam, Chili Peppers, Meatloaf, Bread and Cream.
Chris is married and has one teenage son that does NOT share his rock n’ roll passion, even though he tried very hard. When his son was 5 and asked him: “What’s heavier, a car or a tree?” Chris answered: “Black Sabbath.”
Chris Hawkins
Drum Teacher
Chris has been teaching drums since 2001. He is a former Spaun Drum endorser and is featured on the Vic Firth Educational Program as an educator. If you love drums and metal, Chris is your guy! Past bands include Midian (thrash metal) from 1989-1991, Gomez’s Childhood (hardcore) from 1994-1996, and The Binary Code (Tech-metal) in 2015. Notable recordings include Wolf’s Blood EP (2020) and Tears Of Rain (single 2021). His current project is Beyond Shadows, a melodic death metal band. He is also the author of the book “Chris Who??!! The Writings and Ramblings Of An Unknown Musical Bore” available on Amazon.
Rachel Cabrera
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Rachel has been a passionate vocalist and keyboardist for as long as she can remember. Involved in the arts from a young age, she has a strong background in musical theatre, choir, and classical works, but feels most spiritually aligned with rock and folk. A recent music graduate of Drew University, she has a deep love for music theory, history, and, of course, performing. During her time at Drew, Rachel served as music director for the campus soprano/alto a cappella group, On a Different Note, where she created original arrangements of songs by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, The Cranberries, Brandi Carlile, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell.
Along with her B.A. in Music, Rachel earned a minor in Theatre Arts, performing roles such as Diana Morales in A Chorus Line, Clarisse in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and Woman A in Working: The Musical.
During her time at university, Rachel also became the head intern for Advantage Arts, a theatre company that brings workshops and theatre skills to communities and schools in Newark, New Jersey. In this role, she worked closely with high school students to build both theatre and life skills, while also providing college prep support. This is where her love of teaching blossomed. Now, she is excited to share her passion and knowledge of music with her students at School of Rock Maywood.
Tayler Tessitore
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher
Tayler has been singing for almost as long as she could talk! Her early passion for music quickly grew into a love for performing, leading her to singing in productions like Annie, A Chorus Line, and Rent. After countless open mics and jam sessions, stepped into the spotlight as a lead vocalist for several cover bands across New Jersey. Tayler has performed everywhere from local bars and private events to well-known venues in New York City.
In her free time, Tayler writes original music and enjoys creating melodies on acoustic guitar. She loves writing lyrics that tell a story. She brings the full package to the stage—a powerful voice, a bubbly personality, and a true rock ‘n’ roll spirit!
Tayler is passionate about helping students at School of Rock Maywood find their own voice and express themselves through music. She is dedicated to creating a supportive, encouraging environment where students of all ages can grow, build confidence, and have lots of fun!
Growing up on classic rock and country, some of her biggest inspirations include The Eagles, Johnny Cash, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. When she’s not singing, you can find her traveling or attending concerts whenever she gets the chance. Fun facts about Tayler: she is the oldest of seven siblings and even auditioned for Simon Cowell’s The X Factor USA in 2011, making it through the first two rounds!
Steve Hoffman
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Steve has been playing guitar for over 30 years in various bands and projects. He also has 15 years of experience as a bandleader and composer, performing in venues such as CBGBs, Mercury Lounge, and The Knitting Factory in NYC.
Steve was educated in music theory and jazz improvisation at Pennsylvania State University. He specializes in funk and rock styles and is also an avid record collector and DJ. He lives in Garfield with his wife and two young children.
Rhonda Schuster
Little Wing and Rookies Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Rhonda Schuster is a published singer-songwriter, performer, musician, and the author of her first children's book, Oobba Dabba Wabba Chu. Rhonda's passion is singing in clubs, restaurants, and concerts, from the tri-state area to St. Barths in the French Caribbean, and performing all genres for all ages.
Rhonda has had her song, "We Might Never Feel This Way Again," featured in a segment on the CBS soap opera, As the World Turns. Her songwriting afforded her a position as a staff writer at Phantom Publishing. Rhonda has released four albums to date and is currently recording her fifth album.
Rhonda specializes in music programs and performances for children from Pre-K to 6th grade, the YWCA of Bergen County, numerous hospital audiences, and treatment facilities for disabled patients. She creates a productive environment for group participation, physical movement, rhythmic play, and group singing, where freedom of expression and socialization is the key—which is what brought her to School of Rock!
Rhonda loves cupcakes and is a cookie dunker, which led to her writing a song about it. She loves to be spontaneously creative in humorous ways. Some would say she is a master at creating pipe cleaner animal figures.
Mike Marguccio
Drum Teacher
It all started for Mike at an Eric Clapton concert a few months before he was born, with his mother saying, “I hope it’s not too loud for the baby!” From his earliest memories, drumming has been his heartbeat and rhythm has flowed through his veins. Mike was raised in a family of musicians, and the legacy of his father's drumming, his mother’s piano playing, and his brother's continued passion for the drums fueled Mike's journey with the sticks.
In high school, Mike joined the same band (a rock/jazz ensemble) his brother had joined 13 years before, and was lucky enough to have the same teachers—professional musicians who helped him develop and hone his skills. From the football games in the pit and all of the seasonal concerts to playing at amusement parks, teen arts festivals, and hospitals during the holidays, Mike has been keeping the beat alive since he was 14.
Currently, Mike is in a high-energy rock/ska/punk band, The Schwam, and when they’re not playing gigs or taking a break, he also subs for multiple bands like The Detonators, The Mix, and Bobby Steele’s band, The Undead, and countless other local bands.
Mike’s journey extends beyond the drum kit. Having played baseball for almost two decades, from Little League to college, he discovered that the discipline, repetition, and determination in sports ran parallel to his musical pursuits. This fusion of sportsmanship and drumming not only shaped him as a drummer but also as a versatile musician.
Alondra Batista
Studio Coordinator, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Saxophone Teacher
Alondra Batista is a Montclair State University graduate with a focus in music therapy and classical saxophone studies. Skilled in keyboard + piano, guitar, vocals, saxophone, auxiliary percussion, and audio production, Alondra has been performing for several years, and practicing as a music therapist for two years. Starting with the saxophone at 14, she has expanded her musical repertoire over the years. Alondra is excited to bring her diverse talents and passion for music to School of Rock Maywood, where she looks forward to making a positive impact on students’ lives.
Carly Corona
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Carly is an experienced vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer raised in New York City. She’s been playing live shows and composing in multiple different genres for over a decade, (rock, metal, alternative, folk, blues, pop, funk, electronic rock, and there was even a disco incident). She’s studied under several private teachers for performance, and holds a Music Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase, where she was able to further her understanding of music theory, history, and her many instruments.
At the end of the day, all Carly wants to do is share the innate joy that comes along with making music in a group of friends; and that’s exactly why she became a School of Rock Maywood instructor!
Ryan Rieg
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Ryan is a guitarist/bassist from Clifton, NJ with over ten years of music experience. He graduated with a B.A in Music and a
minor in Music Business from William Paterson in 2023, all in pursuit of his dream of being a professional working musician.
Growing up in a household with a brother and father who also play guitar, Ryan was always surrounded by Classic Rock music from some of the greatest bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Pink Floyd. Over the years, he has embraced and taken influence from many different styles of music such as jazz, old country, funk and prog rock. As a musician, it is important to take and learn from all different things!
Ryan currently writes and records his own music, and continues to pursue work in the A&R and publishing fields. He is happy to be on the School of Rock Maywood team and hopes to inspire his students in the same way he was inspired as a kid.
Karen Cassidy
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Karen is an experienced singer, keyboardist, guitarist, and performer who has entertained audiences across the tri-state area at festivals, theaters, township concerts, corporate functions, night clubs, casinos, weddings, and private affairs, including receptions at New York City's historic Tavern on the Green, Westchester County Country Club, The Poconos, New Jersey State Fair, and legendary venues such as BB Kings and The Stone Pony. You name it, and she has rocked them all! She's even known to play the keytar with her 80's tribute band Fast Foward 80's. Karen loves roller skating, fitcamp boxing, hot yoga, and (if you're lucky), you can catch her dressed like Madonna on the weekends.
Ethan Govea
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Ethan is a lifelong musician who first learned percussion in elementary school, and is primarily a self-taught guitarist and bassist. Ethan grew up listening to rock, and through his studies at Drew University, became immersed in the blues, funk, jazz, and soul.
While at Drew, Ethan gained experience singing and vocal arranging after joining the school's a capella group, 36 Madison Avenue, and went on to become Music Director for all four of his college years. Ethan's senior year lined up with the 36th anniversary of the group, and through donations from generous alumni, the group recorded an album at Shorefire Studios in Long Branch, NJ, gaining extremely valuable studio experience.
Aside from music, Ethan spent five summers as a counselor at the Hasbrouck Heights Recreation Camp, which is open to children from ages 5-14. He served the camp in multiple roles, including running the front desk, supervising trips, and training new counselors. Ethan was voted Counselor of the Year in 2022 and is excited to teach and inspire other musicians!
Ivan Malave
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ivan is a Venezuelan-American multi-instrumentalist teacher for keyboard + piano, bass guitar, guitar, and ukulele. He was taught piano with a background of gospel and jazz in the L. De. Dance School, located in Paterson, New Jersey. Using the music theory he learned, he transitioned into guitar and bass with the goal of being able to teach it one day.
Ivan has taught children for four years, primarily learners with special needs, such as ADHD and/or Autism. In the Paterson branch of New City Kids, Ivan taught music theory, bass, piano, and drumline to students between the ages of six and 13, with the goal of sharing the love of music to the next generation.
Currently attending Seton Hall University, Ivan is studying to obtain his masters in Special Education, and two bachelors in Elementary Education and History. While studying at the Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts High School, he performed in the jazz band, orchestra, and did many solo performances. In the present day, Ivan can be found performing funk, rock, jazz, soul, RNB, pop punk, and classical music in fundraisers, festivals, and local events.
Ivan works his hardest to spark the same love of music that captivated him over a decade ago and encourages his students at School of Rock Maywood to find their own unique style and sound.
Liam Nye
Drum Teacher
Liam comes from Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and has been playing and teaching drums for several years. He has experience playing and teaching many different styles of music such as rock, metal, jazz, pop, Latin, and more.
Liam is formally educated by Berklee College of Music, studying performance on drums. He also plays piano and is knowledgeable about other instruments, including guitar and bass. Liam currently plays in many bands, including a prog-metal band, a hip-hop band, and a jazz band.
Doug Hedge
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Doug found a love for music early on, being exposed to a wide array of musical styles and genres as a kid. At home there was always music playing … country, rock, soul, classical, jazz, pop, opera, you name it. Drums arrived for Christmas one year and the attraction was instant. He and his friends formed garage bands from age 12 on and took every opportunity to play. Doug was inspired by John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and many others.
From the garage days Doug moved on to original rock bands, joining and forming bands that would play throughout the NY/NJ area for the majority of the 1990s and early 2000s. During that time he performed alongside Joan Jett, Screaming Trees, Sonic Youth and others. Today he is a member of two bands that perform regularly, playing drums in one and guitar in the other.
Doug took up the guitar as a second instrument about 15 years ago He studied on his own and with some talented friends. He also attended guitar camps and online master classes. The Paul Gilbert master classes and PGGGE camp were particularly inspiring and accelerated his guitar learning.
At home, Doug can usually be found in his home studio. The studio runs on ProTools and is equipped with many instruments, amps and P.A. gear, which can accommodate a wide range of recording needs, band rehearsals, demo creation, writing and recording.
Doug is excited to be joining the School of Rock Maywood community and looks forward to being part of this great team!
Sean Dooley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Sean Dooley is a pianist, guitarist, and electric bassist residing in Bergen County, New Jersey. He currently rocks in multiple bands, playing several instruments and incorporating various playing styles to serve the song. Sean is passionate about teaching the next generation of School of Rock Maywood students, and educating musicians with the same skills that have helped him on his own musical journey!
Jerry Charles
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
For as long as Jerry can remember, music has been a driving force in his life. He started playing bass guitar and drums in local rock bands throughout high school, performing anywhere he could, from school events to small clubs, learning early on how to connect with a crowd and bring energy to the stage.
That passion stayed with him when he attended Rutgers University, where he continued playing in bands and immersing himself in the local music scene. Those years helped shape his sound and expand his range, collaborating with talented musicians and sharpening his skills on both bass and drums. Over time, he developed a reputation for being a versatile, groove-driven player who can lock in and elevate any performance.
Today, Jerry is still doing what he loves—playing in cover bands and bringing great songs to life for live audiences. Whether he’s rocking the bass guitar or laying it down behind the drum kit, he thrives on the energy of a live show and the connection that comes from performing music people know and love. He’s excited to bring his skills and talent to the students at School of Rock Maywood!
James Reyes
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
James Reyes is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and vocalist from Bergen County, New Jersey. Passionate about music and performance, James enjoys helping students build confidence while developing strong musical skills in a fun and encouraging environment. He believes every student learns differently and enjoys tailoring lessons to each individual's goals, whether they're just starting out or looking to grow as a musician. Inspired by acoustic, indie, and folk music, James hopes to inspire students at School of Rock Maywood to express themselves through music while building confidence and having fun along the way.