CR Gruver
Owner
CR Gruver began his classical training at the age of nine, and by 13 he left formal instruction as a top student to immerse himself in the world of rock and funk. The next three decades were dedicated to perfecting his craft, touring the country relentlessly, and building a successful performance career. He is currently a member of the national touring band New Orleans Suspects in addition to being the active owner of School of Rock Metairie / New Orleans. His experience as a national touring professional and seasoned musical director makes him an ideal owner of a School of Rock, as he’ll be able to impart decades of wisdom and knowledge to his students and faculty.
Stacey Morigeau
General Manager
Stacey Morigeau found her way to New Orleans in August 2004. As a lifelong music lover, New Orleans was the perfect place to make her home. That passion for music led to her working with a music nonprofit for over 12 years. Using her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Montana (musical theatre is her favorite), she has embraced the role of stage manager for many music festivals from French Quarter Festival to Po Boy Festival. You may have heard Stacey on air at WWOZ where she has been a long-time volunteer, or bought merchandise from her locally at gigs for many bands including, Bonerama, the Radiators, New Orleans Nightcrawlers and many more.
Derek DeBlieux
Music Director
Derek DeBlieux is a guitarist, songwriter and music producer living in New Orleans. While attending Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, he studied under some of the most accomplished guitarists in the world including Scott Henderson (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Steve Hunter (Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper) and more. After leaving school he pursued a few different musical projects and has shared the stage with national artists including One Republic, DNCE, Panic at the Disco, Plain White Ts, Kongos, Cher Lloyd and many more. His guitar playing can be heard on the movie soundtracks for "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Never Back Down 2," as well as on the television show "American Idol."
Kate Parker
Studio Coordinator
Kate Parker was inspired to start her saxophone career in elementary school after finding a role model in Lisa Simpson. Through joining School of Rock in Chatham, NJ she discovered she had a passion not only for sax but also for singing, and picked up flute and piano along the way. During her time in All Stars she played iconic stages across the country including festivals like Lollapalooza and Summerfest. She developed a love of working with kids to build their confidence and help them shine through teaching Little Wing classes and working as a writing tutor for elementary and middle school students. Whenever she wasn’t buried in books working towards her degrees in Political Economy and English at Tulane, she wrote folk songs or jammed with friends at NOLA spots like The Willow and Neutral Ground. Kate is currently working on an EP with another former SOR All Star.
Conner McCready
Marketing/ Social Media Manager
Conner McCready is a multi-instrumentalist from Cleveland, OH now living in New Orleans, LA. He has been an active member of the Cleveland music scene for over 10 years and is now currently playing in various groups around New Orleans ranging from soul to bluegrass and hip hop. Conner is primarily a guitarist but is also proficient on drums, bass guitar and piano. He is very active in the recording scene as a session musician and engineer for numerous Cleveland and New Orleans based projects. He received his BA in "Music Studies" from the University of New Orleans.
Brayden Turner
Drum Teacher
Brayden Turner is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist. He was raised in New Orleans and received a rich music education from some of the best musicians in the city (Johnny Vidacovich, Ricky Sebastian, Chris Severin and others). He also grew up playing and sitting in with his step-father, musician Billy Iuso. He is an alum of the Berklee College of Music, where he attended on a full scholarship. He has played at The New Orleans Jazz Festival and French Quarter Festival, and toured with two bands during his time at Berklee (Mosie and Lilacs). He played the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas with the band Mosie. In addition to drums, he also plays piano, bass, guitar and vibraphone, and composes his own music. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Metairie.
Ryan Clute
Bass Guitar Teacher
Ryan is a native of Pittsburgh but moved to New Orleans in 1999 to pursue his passion for music. He fell in love with music at the age of 4 from being surrounded by his parents that taught at the local University. Ryan began piano lessons followed by learning the drums all at the age of 5. The moment he listened to Rush he fell in love with Geddy Lee’s bass playing. During his career Ryan has had the pleasure of working with Doctor John, Allan Toussaint, Gatemouth Brown, Bryan Lee, Gary Brown, and many more! In 2005 he began his transition into “Top 40” gigs, thus finding his way into The Phunky Monkeys were he holds the role as Lead Bass player. In Ryan’s free time he enjoys time with his two sons, Oliver and Miles - many say they’re the sweetest kids ever. Other than time with his children, you can probably find Ryan playing chess, practicing archery, studying cosmology, and many outdoor activities.
Michael Rivera
Drum Teacher
Michael Rivera is a New Orleans based drummer, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist. He holds a bachelor's degree in music performance from Southeastern Louisiana University where he studied under Michael Brothers (Phantom of The Opera), and Kevin Estoque and Dr. Guy Gauthreaux of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He is actively involved in many musical projects, and has toured with acts such as Big Freedia, LeTrainiump, Hand Out, and others. He also has extensive experience on the industry side of the business where he has served as tour manager and booking agent for various artists, and talent buyer for various New Orleans area venues. He hopes to bring all of his knowledge to the table to provide a unique and well rounded educational experience.
Michael Fishman
Drum Teacher
From a young age, Michael Fishman discovered he had a passion for music. While growing up in Northern California, he started playing piano and guitar but quickly moved to drumming at the age of 7. Michael has played in Funk, Rock, Blues, Reggae and Jazz groups and has experience playing all over the United States. He started teaching in the Bywater before the pandemic. Michael hopes to share his knowledge of drumming concepts and applying them to real world scenarios. He has a serious passion for spreading excitement and a joy for engaging in the musical process. With patience and focus on the forefront of tackling any new concept, fun and improvement is the ultimate goal with Michael. One of his favorite quotes "People don't want to watch you work, they want to watch you play" -Hal Galper
Cameron Turner
Guitar Teacher
A Portland, Oregon native and School of Rock Alumni, Cameron has been performing music live since he was 14 years old and teaching since he was 19. He's played guitar, bass guitar and fronted several bands as well as spent time recording small projects here and there. After graduating from School of Rock, he was hired on and taught for over seven years at the Portland school. Loving teaching and wanting to do more and more with music, Cameron is now attending Loyola University New Orleans in the music therapy program with a focus on classical guitar.
Aron Lambert
Drum Teacher
Aron Lambert is a true New Orleans cultural bearer. A member of the Preservation Hall Collective, he has been playing and teaching drums in New Orleans for over 25 years. In addition to the Hall, he also plays with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Treme Brass Band and many other local icons. Aron has played with Stevie Wonder, Art Neville, Dr. John, and many other musical legends.
Connor Finney
Guitar and Bass Teacher
Connor Finney is a guitarist/bassist from New Orleans. He is the guitarist for Blues Rock Band, Voodoo Roux, and Pop Punk tribute band, Superbloom. Connor has played guitar on a number of sessions along with Choppa’s song, “Louisiana.” Connor hopes to continue to strive as a musician and help teach the next generation of rockers at School of Rock Metairie.
Joshua Verdun
Singing Teacher
Joshua Verdun is a singer, dancer, and performer. Singing has been a passion for Joshua since he was 7 years old. He has a degree in Performance and Vocals, and has traveled all over the world performing with a group called The Young Americans. Joshua works with students on many different styles from Pop to R&B, Rock to Broadway, and even Jazz. He loves working with kids and adults of all ages in hopes of inspiring them to keep chasing their dreams no matter what obstacles stand in their way! Joshua strives to push every student to the best of their abilities and beyond. Everyone can improve and everyone has to start somewhere!
Sophia Price
Singing Teacher
Sophia Price, 21, born in Hudson, Ohio started her music and songwriting journey at the age of 12 teaching herself how to play guitar and piano. She began performing at local coffee shops and community music festivals when she was 15, and then later attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan where she received intensive singing and songwriting training. After being fully self taught in guitar, piano, bass, and classically trained on flute, she then took her talents to New Orleans Louisiana where she now studies at Loyola University where she has collaborated in writing with numerous other artists, and has been performing around the New Orleans area. As her path has led her to The School of Rock, she is beyond excited to be the teacher she feels every student should have to be elevated in their passion and love for the performing arts.
Jess Araten
Guitar Teacher
Philadelphia-bred and New Orleans-based, Jess Araten has a passion for music and education. Jess fell in love with performance as a School of Rock student, honing her craft as a guitarist and artist in seasonal shows, House Band, and All-Stars. She has studied with seasoned musicians across the country, and has played alongside members of classic acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Jess spent much of her late teens and early twenties in Philadelphia-based bands and projects, and has integrated herself into the New Orleans music scene since her move here in October ’21. She releases music under the name ‘Yska.’ With roots in rock, funk, and blues, Jess has quickly fallen in love with New Orleans, playing shows along Frenchmen and gaining an unparalleled music education through playing with established NOLA musicians. She loves to share her excitement with students, and to watch young musicians grow, find their unique voice, and fall in love with their craft. As a teacher at School of Rock Philadelphia, Jess again found herself amazed and revitalized by the talent and drive of her students. She believes every young musician holds the. key to their own learning, and has an immense amount of respect and gratitude for every student that allows her to help guide them along their artist path. Jess can't wait to continue her role at School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans, and to rock on with you all!
Nelson Capote
Studio Coordinator, Bass Teacher
Nelson Capote is a bassist and multi-instrumentalist located in the New Orleans area. Nelson was raised in a non-musical family, but found himself falling in love with music at the age of thirteen. Once getting exposed to New Orleans culture and music, Nelson became a protégé under New Orleans saxophonist Clarence Johnson III. Nelson studied at Loyola University New Orleans, majoring in Music Industry Studies. During his time at Loyola, Nelson had the opportunity to perform with some of the school's most renowned gigging artists. Nelson uses social media to share his experiences with fellow musicians, as well as to show off exciting gear that inspires him. Nelson hopes to inspire others by creating content that he wishes his favorite musicians would make.
Sean Weber
Bass Teacher
Sean began playing music at a young age, picking up trombone and bass simultaneously. This led to a rich musical upbringing and later, the acquisition of a bachelors in jazz studies from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Sean's musical career has seen high-caliber performances with a variety of acts, including groups in his native Indiana and freelancing in his current city of residence, New Orleans.
Thea Aksland
Piano Teacher
Thea Aksland was born and raised in colorful Colorado. She started her music career in the Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir at age five and progressed to songwriting, production, and solo performance which led her to Denver School of the Arts. She is now currently studying popular and commercial music at Loyola University with a concentration in songwriting and production engineering. Throughout the course of her musical career, Thea has won the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life with over 10,000 streams each year. She has released three albums and five singles within the past three years. As a solo artist taking the world by storm, she continues to write, create, and perform her music for audiences to enjoy. She has been earning the admiration and affection of fans around New Orleans and internationally ever since. Her fans serve as both an inspiration and creative drive. As much as she loves the stage, teaching and inspiring young artists is the best way to bring others' passion to center stage. Music changed her life, and her mission is to change yours.
Guillermo Valladares
Drum Teacher
Guillermo Valladares is a New Orleans-based drummer and percussionist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of New Orleans where he studied under Ricky Sebastian. Guillermo was also taught by long-term mentor Ray Fransen and came to teach drum lessons out of his studio, Ray Fransen’s Drum Center, in Kenner.
Guillermo grew up in both New Orleans and Honduras and was exposed to traditional Garifuna rhythms and styles. He draws inspiration from both Honduran and New Orleans percussion styles and is excited to share his knowledge and love of different genres with his students. Recently starting his own band, Matrakka, Guillermo is excited to put his years of hard work to practice and begin this new journey at School of Rock.
Matthew Dirlam
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Matthew Dirlam is a guitarist, bassist, and songwriter based in New Orleans. Originally from the Mojave Desert in California, Matthew spent his formative years in honors music programs and competing nationwide in his award-winning jazz band. After high school, he continued his education with an associate's degree in Music from Santa Barbara City College.
Matthew has been fortunate enough to go on tours all across the U.S. with folk, funk, soul and rock bands. He is active in many projects around town and is currently in the recording studio where his band, Santa Barbara Streisand, is working tirelessly on their debut album.
From playing festivals to prestigious theaters, Matthew brings a wealth of experience from the stage to help kids find their voice while performing. Above all, he is joyful, patient, and honored to help kids grow into great musicians.
Ray Tanet
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Ray was born and raised in New Orleans and started studying music at the age of 9. He continues to study to this day and has most recently attended master classes with Certified Guitar Player Tommy Emmanuel. Ray has had the pleasure of performing in coffee houses as well as the French Quarter and Satchmo Festivals.
Ray gained a good foundation in record production and engineering through studies at Ultrasonic Studios, and with this knowledge, he engineered and produced independent projects. With a successful background in counseling youth activity programs, Ray is very comfortable sharing and teaching music to children.
Devon Edmond
Drum Teacher
Devon Edmond is a drummer originally from Chicago, IL. He got his start with music in marching band and then later transitioned to playing drum kit. He now plays with a variety of performers in New Orleans but mainly as the drummer for Sierra Green and The Soul Machine. Devon has performed at French Quarter Festival as well as High Sierra Festival. He has been instructing one-on-one lessons as well as full classes of all ages since 2014. Devon loves music history and bringing out the passion and motivation in his students by exposing them to the greats who came before us.