North Haven
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

North Haven

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School of Rock North Haven
72 Washington Ave
North Haven, CT 06473
203-693-4733
Hours
  • Monday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 12/24/2024 - 12/25/2024: Closed
  • 12/31/2024 - 01/01/2025: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock North Haven combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in North Haven for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock North Haven's top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in North Haven have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in North Haven are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock North Haven who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in North Haven
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock North Haven is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock North Haven Performance Program students take the stage and play at local North Haven music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock North Haven's music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a North Haven music venue.

Rookies music program for children in North Haven
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock North Haven, our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock North Haven, younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in North Haven
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock North Haven our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock North Haven, toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock North Haven, songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in North Haven is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock North Haven who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock North Haven, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

Adult music program in North Haven for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock North Haven's Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock North Haven is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in North Haven.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock North Haven Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in North Haven.

House Band program for gigging at local venues in North Haven
House Band
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock North Haven House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock North Haven's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at CT rock venues throughout the year.

What To Expect
  • A GIGGING MUSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE
  • FREQUENT LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COMMUNITY

The Path to Take the Stage

Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. Therefore, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout North Haven and the rest of CT. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in North Haven

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock North Haven

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock North Haven, we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock North Haven is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other North Haven guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock North Haven's beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock North Haven, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local North Haven venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock North Haven offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our North Haven guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock North Haven

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock North Haven is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock North Haven we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in North Haven, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock North Haven, our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in North Haven. Unlike other North Haven drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock North Haven, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our North Haven drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock North Haven

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock North Haven offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock North Haven, our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock North Haven teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock North Haven, our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in North Haven.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock North Haven

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock North Haven offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in North Haven and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock North Haven, our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach North Haven students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock North Haven, our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock North Haven

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in North Haven. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock North Haven, our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the North Haven area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock North Haven Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the North Haven area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local North Haven music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock North Haven, our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in North Haven, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock North Haven’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

Owner, General Manager, Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Michael Stearns
Michael Stearns
Owner, General Manager, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Music has been a part of Mike’s life from a very young age. It began with an infatuation with the musical Mary Poppins, where he learned every dance number and song by heart by the age of 5. From there, singing became something he did daily, whether it was in the car, around the house, or at school. By his freshman year of high school, Mike was beginning his classical training in voice and participating in the musicals put on by his high school, such as Singing in the Rain and Mary Poppins. Mike also became a part of a multitude of bands thanks to his time as a School of Rock student. While attending School of Rock in Madison, CT, he learned what it was like playing in a band with a variety of different kids and instructors. He quickly became a part of his school's House Band and even had the opportunity to try out for The Voice, making it as far as the round right before being flown out to California for the live show.

Throughout high school, Mike became a part of several rock bands playing in bars and venues around the state. His most successful, and the one he joined at the age of 15, is Presence. Presence is a Led Zeppelin tribute band and performs around Connecticut at a variety of well-known venues such as The Space Ballroom, The Acoustic, and Trinity on Main. They have been consistently compared to the other national acts covering Led Zeppelin and are seen as one of, if not, the best Led Zeppelin tribute band in the state. He has quickly become known for his impressive range, powerhouse voice, and passionate performances at every show.

Mike graduated from the University of South Carolina majoring in Entertainment Management with a minor in music. During his time there, Mike continued his classical voice training, received formal piano training, and spent time teaching himself bass and drums. After college, he returned to School of Rock Madison as a vocal and keys instructor, began running many of the school’s shows, and eventually became their Music Director. Mike spent two years teaching students as young as 5 and as old as 70. He now owns and operates his own School of Rock in North Haven and hopes to bring his love and passion for music to the next generation of musicians and help foster an amazing group of performers.
Music Director, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jake Huffman
Jake Huffman
Music Director, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
At 14, Jake Huffman and his band McLovins posted a cover of Phish's "You Enjoy Myself" on YouTube from his parents' basement. The video went viral, igniting a global fanbase. Performing in bars to music festivals, Jake established himself as a fixture in the music scene. Sharing the stage with artists like Blink-182, Foster the People, B.B. King, and The Flaming Lips, Rolling Stone Magazine even likened McLovins to musical legends before they could legally drive.

In 2015, Jake captured the attention of Bill Sherman, an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning producer and composer. Teaming up with Glee producer Michael Novick, they produced the band's self-titled album. This record earned critical acclaim with Lin Manuel-Miranda even listing the track "Talk About It" as one of his favorites. The band toured nationally, sharing the stage with the Gin Blossoms and Flobots and performing at festivals like Bunbury and Summer Camp.

As a composer and lyricist for Sesame Street, Jake's musical prowess thrived and he collaborated with producer Andy Seltzer on a solo project. NPR's World Cafe premiered his debut release in October 2019 and Jake immersed himself in his studio, writing new music, refining his sound, and cultivating his skills as a producer. He released singles, launched "Jake Huffman's Sunday Mixdown" on YouTube, and became a certified music producer from Berklee College of Music. Two songs from his recent release, "Babe" and "Martyr," dominated the US Top 40 radio charts, with "Martyr" winning the International Songwriting Competition. His lyrical expertise earned him a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination. Notable publications like Atwood Magazine, Wonderland, EarMilk, and Celebmix recognized him as an artist to watch.

With a career already spanning a lifetime before the age of 30, Jake Huffman's latest EP "Younger" stands as a testament to his journey. His distinct sound, spanning rock roots to the contemporary vibe of the 2020s, showcases his exceptional talent, remarkable songwriting, and outstanding production.
Studio Coordinator, Rookies Teacher, Little Wing Teacher Lauren Stearns
Lauren Stearns
Studio Coordinator, Rookies Teacher, Little Wing Teacher
Lauren Stearns is a certified elementary school teacher with several years of experience working with children in various settings. She has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in English and speech communications, as well as a master’s degree in elementary education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Lauren has worked as a teacher’s assistant in several higher education courses including English and the First Year Experience, where she had the opportunity to connect with students, helping them to find success in their courses. She was also an academic tutor and success coach during her undergrad, where she would aid students in goal setting, study skills, and academic support.

At School of Rock North Haven, Lauren is the Studio Coordinator and assists in Rookies and Little Wing. She is excited to be working alongside her brother, Mike, and the wonderful School of Rock North Haven staff. Lauren is looking forward to connecting with students and their families as they begin their musical journeys at School of Rock.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Chris Connelly
Chris Connelly
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Chris Connelly is a professional guitarist performing and teaching throughout Connecticut, with over a decade of teaching and performing experience. Chris has taught in a variety of music education settings such as Buck’s Rock Camp in New Milford, School of Rock in Ridgefield, West Main Music Academy in Cheshire, and directing after-school modern music programs at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury.

Chris freelances on guitar with a multitude of Connecticut-based songwriters and frequently performs across the state. His approach to guitar
instruction contains multitudes of contemporary styles—pop, rock, country, blues, jazz, and funk. Chris implores goal setting, constructive (and gentle!) criticism, and interpersonal communication, all of which help students not only further their guitar goals, but their overall
musicianship. Chris aspires to be a public school music teacher one day.
Drum Teacher Gabe Acevedo
Gabe Acevedo
Drum Teacher
Gabe Acevedo has had a lifelong love affair with music, the drum kit, and percussive instruments in general. As a young drummer in Miami, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, Gabe explored many musical styles and began performing live with much older musicians at the age of 12. In high school, he began to expand his interests to marching/drum line percussive instruments and orchestral timpani and served as first chair drummer in the award-winning Riverview Gardens High School (St. Louis, Missouri) jazz band.

After high school, Gabe decided to forgo plans for a college music degree and joined The Vision Band, a St. Louis-based funk and R&B band that would eventually garner a major recording contract with Capitol Records, recording two albums under the names Da Krash and later as Kool Skool. This led to touring nationally, opening slots at major R&B venues and summer festivals, as well as international performances in several major markets in Japan. Later, Gabe would turn his energies to songwriting and production and co-wrote the song “Carry Me,” a charting hit in Europe that was covered by the band Clubland.

After many years in music, Gabe decided to return to school and he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Theology from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) and later his Ph.D. in Sociology at Yale (2005). After teaching over a decade in the Department of Sociology and Public Health at the University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA), Gabe recently accepted a position at Quinnipiac University where he serves as Assistant Director of the Honors Program and Senior Lecturer in Sociology. While he has moved his professional trajectory toward higher education, Gabe continues to have a passion for music, teaching, and using art as a way to strengthen communities.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher Thomas Mueller
Thomas Mueller
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Thomas Mueller is an accomplished musician in piano and vocal performance. He earned his bachelor's degree in music from Clark University, specializing in performance and composition. Thomas is a versatile pianist in a multitude of genres including jazz, classical, and pop. He has showcased his skills in jazz combos, jazz ensembles, and bands, covering a spectrum of top 40 hits.

Thomas plays keys in the CT-based Billy Joel tribute band, Stiletto, performing at venues such as MGM, Lake Compounce, and the Phoenix Stage Company. He has partnered with the Grammy Award-winning Mechanics Hall, where he orchestrated a film and album titled "Seniors Love
Jazz" which features five original arrangements and two compositions that he directed and vocally performed. His instructional topics encompass technique refinement, improvisation, lead sheet interpretation, and music theory. Thomas offers exceptional performances and transformative music lessons and guarantees a humble and enriching experience that stems from his deep-rooted love for music.
Guitar Teacher Kevin Hutchins
Kevin Hutchins
Guitar Teacher
Kevin Hutchins teaches guitar and bass and also plays ukulele and enjoys using recording gear and software. He started playing guitar in the sixth grade and continues to play today. Kevin likes to play a range of genres including blues, rock, hip-hop, and ska. He has played in two bands and released albums and music projects on Spotify and Apple Music. Kevin loves music and the amazing energy that seems to bind everyone together in the form of pure expression.
Guitar Teacher Brian Nolan
Brian Nolan
Guitar Teacher
Brian Nolan has been a musician from a very young age. He started with the saxophone at the age of 10, then began learning the guitar at 12 years old. His interest began when he began to explore classic rock and blues hits primarily influenced by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix.

Later in life, Brian rediscovered his jazz roots planted during his time studying saxophone. First influenced by John Coltrane, Brian shifted from blues guitar to jazz guitar with his favorite artists being Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell. Brian studied music in North Haven, Connecticut, and Poughkeepsie, New York, and currently hosts his guitar lessons throughout Connecticut. He has been playing live shows around Wallingford since graduating college while working diligently to expand his teaching skills.
Drum Teacher Jack Hellman
Jack Hellman
Drum Teacher
Jack Hellman is a drum teacher here at School of Rock North Haven. Jack has had a strong passion for music since he was a kid and pursued the drums at a very young age. On his way to lessons, Jack would listen to the radio, feeling very inspired by various genres including rock, hip-hop, pop, metal, punk, and R&B. From his first drum lesson, Jack took a liking and later got his first drum kit so that he could practice at home. When Jack entered middle school, he joined his local School of Rock where he continued to pursue the drums as well as participated in several performance programs during his time there. He loved taking part in the performance programs because they allowed him to perform across Connecticut and New York while he was in high school.

This kickstarted Jack’s solo drumming career where he played in several bands outside of School of Rock including Perfume Department and Milfoil. After high school, Jack attended Franklin Pierce University where he received his Bachelor’s of Music with a concentration in Audio/Music Production. Here, he gained skills in recording and producing live instruments as well as electronic music. Jack is looking forward to joining the School of Rock North Haven community where he will be teaching drums and participating in instructing various performance programs!
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Isabella Dolce
Isabella Dolce
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Isabella Dolce is an acquired musician and a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Isabella has several years of experience working with children, and teaching voice and piano lessons, along with classes similar to our Little Wing and Rookies programs.

Isabella has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Festival Disney. Isabella began singing and performing at the age of 7 when she became classically trained, singing in chamber choirs and productions and performing in operas. Isabella’s philosophy is for her students to develop a deep passion for music and become the best musicians they can be while having the most fun in their lessons. Isabella is ecstatic to be a part of the School of Rock North Haven community, and to connect with students and families.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Little Wing Teacher Sydney Korchman
Sydney Korchman
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Little Wing Teacher
Sydney Korchman is a multi-instrumentalist and graduate of Berklee College of Music with a bachelor's degree in music therapy. Sydney’s musical journey began at a very young age singing along to the radio, movies, and her favorite cassette tapes of The Sound of Music and Annie. As she got older, her passion for music blossomed as she began to play the violin, performed in musical theater productions, sang in choirs, as well as took piano and guitar lessons.

Throughout her education at Berklee, Sydney grew exponentially as a musician, collaborating with performers, composers, and producers with diverse musical backgrounds. As a music therapy major, Sydney gained experience working with children and adults through her music therapy practicum placements and her internship at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Outside of Berklee, Sydney has had the pleasure of performing jazz, pop, rock, and R&B styles with immensely talented musicians at venues both in Long Island and Connecticut.

Sydney is beyond excited to contribute to her own students’ musical journeys and help create a safe space for her students, staff, and families to learn and grow.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Dylan Barnes
Dylan Barnes
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Dylan is a professional guitarist with a passion for music education. Originally from Long Beach, California, Dylan honed his skills while studying at Berklee College of Music under the guidance of some of the top jazz guitar players in the industry, including Tim Miller, Bruce Foreman, Freddie Bryant, and Norman Zocher.

Dylan has an extensive performance history. He has played at weddings across the Northeast, provided music for Sunday services at Fellowship Christian Church, and performed at numerous club gigs throughout Boston and the greater Hartford area. His accolades include multiple scholarships for college and a bronze medal in music composition at the national NAACP Act-So competition in his second year.

As a teacher, Dylan's approach is informed by his own musical journey. He believes in teaching his students the music they love while also introducing them to the theory behind it. His teaching style is designed to inspire and motivate his students to achieve their musical goals, whether they're beginners or advanced players.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Winston Whyte
Winston Whyte
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Winston is a versatile musician with a deep passion for teaching. His diverse talents span many genres—including gospel, hip hop, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, and reggae—showcasing a rich creative range both on stage and behind the scenes! As a musician, Winston brings a wide array of styles to life, while his expertise as a live sound engineer ensures every performance achieves optimal sonic clarity. His work as a photographer and videographer captures the profound emotion and energy of music, adding a visual dimension to his artistic projects.

With a decade of experience in applied behavior analysis as a registered behavior technician, Winston is driven by a commitment to education! Whether through teaching music, audio engineering, or visual storytelling, he inspires and empowers aspiring artists and creators to reach their full potential. Winston's unique blend of artistic, technical, and educational pursuits allows him to offer a comprehensive approach to the arts, enriching the experiences of both his audiences and students alike!
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

Reviews

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

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