Norwood/Walpole
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Norwood/
Walpole

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School of Rock Norwood/Walpole
1250 Washington Street
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 352-2336

Location Specifics

Parking available on Saint Paul Ave.

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Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: 2 PM - 7 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM - 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Norwood/Walpole combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

School of Rock in Norwood, Massachusetts is proud to serve the Norwood community—as well as surrounding areas like Walpole, Westwood, Norfolk, Foxborough, and Medfield—with a revolutionary music education approach. Our quality music lessons are taught by real, practicing musicians and students can learn to rock out on guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, across many genres. Students can develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, and gain confidence like true rock stars by jamming together in a band with friends. Our students perform at community-based festivals like the New Year's Eve Celebration in Norwood, Norwood Day, and Westwood Day. They also regularly play at local venues like Magic Room, Fallout Shelter, Six String Grill & Stage, and Patriot Place on the Dean College Stage. Come join the band and visit School of Rock Norwood/Walpole today!

Programs we offer

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

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Norwood/Walpole'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 Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole'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 Norwood music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Norwood
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Norwood/Walpole'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 Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood.

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 Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood.

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

The School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at MA 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 Norwood and the rest of MA. 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 Norwood/Walpole

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Norwood

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood/Walpole is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole'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 Norwood/Walpole, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Norwood

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Norwood, 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood. Unlike other Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Norwood 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 Norwood

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Norwood

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Norwood/Walpole 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 Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Norwood. 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Norwood 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 Norwood 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 Norwood/Walpole, 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 Norwood, 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 Norwood/Walpole’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.

Phil Martelly
Owner
A graduate of the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, his passion for music is unmatched by few and is a driving force behind his bringing School of Rock to the Southern Mass/Rhode Island area. He is the definition of the word musician as he plays not one but several instruments: guitar, bass and drums. Phil has played with a lot of the area's hottest bands including Pappy Chulo as the opening act for none other than Incubus.
Shawn Garrity
Owner
Shawn's musical journey began at age eleven when his dad handed him a guitar and taught him a few chords. As he grew, so did his love for music. At fifteen, he joined a band and began writing music and playing original and cover songs at venues throughout New England. He studied jazz and classical music at Western Connecticut State University and earned a B.A. in Music Industry from the University of New Haven. Shawn's original band VulGarrity completed three nationwide tours and shared the stage with Mike Doughty, Days of the New, The Misfits, King’s X, Sponge, The Joy Formidable, Sleeper Agent, Psychostick, The Prodigals, Ra, Robert DeLong, The Heavy, Ra Ra Riot and Electric Six. Shawn's cover band Inside Out can be seen rocking out on stages in and around New England regularly. While Shawn enjoys listening to and playing a wide variety of music, he is most inspired by all things rock.
Music Director Matt Earle
Matt Earle
Music Director
Matt Earle is the Music Director at School of Rock Norwood and is currently a music production student in college. Matt began teaching drum lessons at School of Rock shortly after graduating from high school. He has also worked as a guitar tech at Noll Guitars and as a music instructor at the Boys and Girls Club in Warwick, RI.

Matt has performed with many groups but mainly performs with his original band, Indelego, and his cover band, Inside Out, around New England on a weekly basis. His musical influences include Jojo Mayer, Tigran Hamasyan, John Bonham, and Matt Cameron.
Studio Coordinator Nathan Wilcox
Nathan Wilcox
Studio Coordinator
Nathan’s passion for music began at the age of 3 after his dad first introduced him to the music of Paul McCartney. Throughout his childhood, Nathan taught himself how to play piano and drums but eventually began taking guitar lessons at age 14 at School of Rock.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Nathan has played across the East Coast with the School of Rock Seekonk House Band as well as with the prestigious Rhode Island cover band, Inside Out. Despite having played hundreds of gigs, teaching students and directing performance groups is very fulfilling for Nathan. Some of his musical influences include Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Steve Lukather, and John Mayer.
Drum Teacher Matt Arenburg
Matt Arenburg
Drum Teacher
Matt started playing drums at the age of 4 and joined the School of Rock in Seekonk, MA when he was 8 years old. He quickly became one of the youngest members of the school’s House Band and toured the east coast, playing over a hundred shows as a School of Rock student. Now an instructor, Matt plays shows with numerous bands and side projects of all genres. He is a fan of all kinds of music from prog to pop and his drumming influences include Neil Peart, Gavin Harrison, Marco Minnemann, Justin Tyson, and Stewart Copeland. His favorite bands are Rush, Porcupine Tree, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Who, and Wilco.
Singing Teacher, Drum Teacher Conor Harrington
Conor Harrington
Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher
Conor Harrington is a vocal teacher at School of Rock in Norwood, MA. He is a former School of Rock student and hopes to share his experience with others and help students sing how they want to sing.

Outside of school, Conor writes and performs with his bands, Indelego and Iowa Highway. Conor's main musical influences include Prince, Janelle Monáe, Car Seat Headrest, Bob Marley, and Amy Winehouse.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Kyle Kelly
Kyle Kelly
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Kyle started playing guitar and bass at age 15. A couple of years later, he joined his first band with our Music Director Matt Earle, and has been playing in various projects together ever since.

Kyle is a fan of all kinds of music from R&B to alternative rock. His guitar and bass influences include John Frusciante, Prince, Mark Tremonti, John Entwistle, Kirk Hammett, and Dean and Robert DeLeo. Kyle enjoys bands like Alice In Chains, Korn, Deftones, and Stone Temple Pilots.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Justin Hancock
Justin Hancock
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Justin Hancock is a Boston-based guitarist, singer-songwriter, and teacher. Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, he played saxophone before making the switch to guitar in his early teens. He was passionate about music at a young age, largely due to his parents raising him on artists such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Who, and The Doors.

Justin was also very influenced by the music that came out in the '90s and began writing songs and performing in bands around the age of 13. After high school, he majored in Music at Westfield State University before transferring to Berklee College of Music in Boston. He graduated in 2009 with a degree in Professional Music.

Justin has performed all over the U.S. and other parts of the world, including Egypt and Costa Rica. Since 2010, the majority of his touring, songwriting, and recording has been with the award-winning rock band Hayley Jane and the Primates. They have toured the country multiple times, been featured in several national publications, and have performed at some of the most well-known venues and high-profile music festivals in the Northeast. They have shared lineups and bills with artists such as Trey Anastasio (Phish), Wilco, Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), My Morning Jacket, Weezer, Gregg Allman, Umphrey's McGee, Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule), Ben Harper, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Blues Traveler, Sharon Jones, Moe, Dweezil Zappa, Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers), Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), G. Love and Special Sauce, and Stephen Marley.
Guitar Teacher Campbell Fackre
Campbell Fackre
Guitar Teacher
Campbell started playing guitar at age 9, taking lessons from a local church pastor and joining Sunday afternoon blues jams at the church. Through middle and high school he played in jazz ensembles, attended a summer camp at Berklee, and began writing original music. Some of his inspirations include Jimi Hendrix, Derek Trucks, The Grateful Deal, Duster, and Vundabar. He currently fronts the mathy pop rock trio, Three Mandareens, and spends time performing as well as recording and mixing music for other artists.
Vocal Teacher Emma Barucci
Emma Barucci
Vocal Teacher
Emma is a Vocal teacher at the School of Rock in Norwood/Walpole. She is also a student at Berklee Online, studying to achieve her Vocal Technique and Musicianship Certificate. She has been singing for over 12 years and is trained in all types of vocal styles with a particular interest in Musical Theatre.

Emma has performed in musicals around her community, with her biggest role starring as "Annie" in Annie! She was awarded the "Triple Threat Talent" Award at the Onstage New York Competition, and was named the "Broadway Star - Best All Around Vocalist" at the Access Broadway Competition when she was 13 years old. Additionally, she has auditioned for multiple broadway shows such as Matilda, School of Rock, and Annie. She has also studied with broadway stars such as Amy Spanger, who starred in the Musical "Rent" and "Matilda". Aside from vocals, she has taken an interest in learning the Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, and Drums.

Currently, her favorite artist is Billie Eilish! She also loves Renee Rapp, Olivia Rodrigo, The Beetles, The Backseat Lovers, Radiohead and so much more!

Outside of School of Rock, Emma is an avid Disney enthusiast and true crime lover! Her other hobbies include, drawing, reading, and hanging out with her 2 dogs Mayce and Lola.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Zack Stewart
Zack Stewart
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Zack Stewart’s first memory of being interested in music was on a playground in the fourth grade. The song was "Shout at the Devil" and the minute school was over, Mötley Crüe was to be his first album purchase. Many rock, metal, and punk albums were to follow.

The first time Zack made music was when his best friend got a guitar and they realized they could do this band thing too. So at 12 years old, Zack got a drum set and they made their friend Jack Hanlon get a bass. The punk rock group Social MENACE was born! Jack eventually formed The Amazing Royal Crowns, who went on to become one the most successful bands out of Providence.

In high school music class, Zack got an Irish tin whistle and had an instant connection. He thought it would be cool to mix hardcore and Celtic music, so he formed a band called Paddy's Pig. They had vocals, drums, bass, guitar, banjo, accordion, and tin whistle and were a seven-piece explosion who gigged all over Boston and Providence. One night in 1997 they played with a new band called Dropkick Murphys, who back then only consisted of the standard guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, and played straight-ahead punk. After the show, they said they were blown away by Paddy’s Pig and a month later Dropkick Murphys added bagpipes, banjo, and accordion, and became the biggest band Boston has known.

Music has taken Zack all over the country and he can't imagine a life without this creative outlet. He is excited to write the next chapter right here at the School of Rock in Norwood!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Sean Whitkens
Sean Whitkens
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Sean fell in love with music at an early age. He began taking piano lessons in kindergarten and quickly became enthralled with composition. As his musical horizons broadened, so did his love for other instruments including bass, ukulele, and guitar. Writing songs frequently by 14, Sean joined his first band and started experimenting with music production. In school, he studied music history and played in the Jazz and Symphonic bands. He now performs across New England with his passion project “The Park Hill Romance.” Some of Sean’s biggest musical influences include Jack White, My Chemical Romance, Twenty One Pilots, Knocked Loose, David Bowie, Ghost, and Electric Light Orchestra.
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

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 makes playing the drums enjoyable!

When I was in elementary and middle school I hated taking drum lessons. I am 60 years old and a few years ago I bought the drum set I always wanted. School of Rock offers me a great opportunity to learn music and how to play with other musicians.

My son loves it there!

Your instructors always go the extra mile to schedule my son's lessons and make-ups. I get an email from them every week to make sure we are making it there on time. They are very friendly and always let us know about upcoming events. Thank you!

My son loves the quality of his classes.

Cassie is excellent at her job in terms of reminders, follow ups, communication and she cares deeply that her students are thriving. My son loves the quality of classes he is afforded at School of Rock and he looks forward to them every week.

My daughter gets to be more creative here.

Unlike the more traditional style of learning music in high school, my daughter gets to be more creative and adventurous at School of Rock. Her overall confidence has also increased since having the opportunity to perform on stage.

My son has had such a positive experience.

My son has been part of the School of Rock family for approximately 3 months. The experience he is going through as a young musician is overwhelming and nothing but positive. The interactions that he's had with the other musicians have been both supportive and encouraging.

My son absolutely loves it!

My son absolutely loves it, he loves the teachers, and he's made friends with kids who share his passion for music. I also like that he has the opportunity to join the school's house band and take trips to perform. The more shows these kids are in, the better.

The staff are wonderful!

They are such wonderful teachers and are always encouraging my daughter. In just six months they have opened up so many new experiences for her.

School of Rock has become a huge part of my son's life.

He loves that he's found others that share his passion for music. In addition to participating in lessons, Performance Group and House Band, he and some of his School of Rock friends have formed their own band.

You get to play in a band with other students!

Lessons are great but the kicker is getting to play in a band setting with other students with several gigs a year.

Great school. Great instructors. Positive atmosphere.

Great school. Great instructors. Positive atmosphere. My daughter has blossomed with confidence. She looks forward to her lessons and playing with the band.

School of Rock is well worth the investment.

From the second you walk through the door it’s all positivity. Even through COVID, when my son was still just learning, he learned so much through their online program. I can’t say enough good things about SOR. Well worth the investment.

Professional, friendly and patient staff.

Very professional teachers, super friendly and patient staff! My son loves it now my daughter wants to join. Keep up the good work everyone!

The instructors are knowledgeable and great with students.

School of Rock has been a great place for my son to develop his skills as a musician. The programs have really pushed him to try all instruments and to work at what he loves. The instructors are great with the kids and clearly passionate and extremely knowledgeable about music.

My son is learning fast!

I love how much my son enjoys his classes and how helpful and accommodating Cassie is, as well as the email class reminders. We have had a wonderful experience thus far and my son is learning fast and enjoys his teacher. Thank you!

School of Rock is a place where the kids can freely express themselves.

I love that it’s a place where the kids can freely express themselves and be comfortable playing all instruments, singing, and writing without judgment. I think it’s a good value as well and offers opportunities that other programs just do not offer.

I love School of Rock's approach and would highly recommend the program.

My child wouldn't thrive in a super high pressure lesson environment. I love that School of Rock feels a little more laid back. Though my son is still picking up the basics, he has been able to have fun and learn songs in the process. I would highly recommend School of Rock.

School of Rock staff is great!

I have recommended School of Rock to many parents, for School of Rock's warm staff, enthusiastic teachers, and fun curriculum.

This is exactly what my daughter needed.

I can’t say enough about how much our daughter loves SOR. The performance based set up with learning to play in a band was exactly what she needed to push herself musically. All of her teachers have been amazing and we have seen tremendous growth over the last year.

I am so happy we tried this out for my child. Now I want to take lessons here!

School of Rock taught my inexperienced 7-year-old how to play multiple songs in just one week of camp! The instructors are awesome and taught with a clear love of music. I am so happy we tried this out for my child...and now I want to take lessons here too!

My son had a fantastic time at the Classic Rock summer camp.

My son had a fantastic time at the Classic Rock summer camp week. He came home every day excited about the next and the group pulled together a great final performance that was rock solid! It was an overall wonderful experience for him.

From novice to highly skilled kids, School of Rock has something for everyone!

My son has been part of the performance program for years and absolutely loves it. He went in as a drummer and he now plays some bass, rhythm guitar, and even sings! I love that the kids learn music ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Frank Zappa from friendly and skilled instructors.

School of Rock introduces my son to new types of music

The music selections and themes are awesome and introduce my son to new types of music. I love that he is free to be himself, and participate in different ways like singing, bass, and drums. He is not limited to one instrument. The shows are great too!

The Performance Program is creative and diverse

The programming for Performance groups is creative and diverse. Great opportunity for my son to get experience with really good musicians and be able to learn, grow, and develop his skills with them in a way that's fun.

Truly grateful for this program!

Wonderful teachers. Expert instruction. Your instructors and staff are outstanding. Very organized. I can’t say enough great things. Truly grateful for this program!

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