Pleasanton
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Pleasanton

Map
School of Rock Pleasanton
3059 Hopyard Rd
Suite D
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 535-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 12/24/2025 - 12/25/2025: Closed
  • 12/28/2025 - 01/01/2026: Closed

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

School of Rock Pleasanton is proud to serve the Pleasanton community and surrounding areas with a revolutionary education approach. With lessons from our expert instructors, students can learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals across genres. By jamming in a band together with friends while learning to read and play music by ear, students gain the confidence to truly be a rock star. Our students perform at community-based events and regularly play at local venues! Join the band and visit School of Rock Pleasanton today!

Programs we offer

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

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

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

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

At School of Rock Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Pleasanton 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.

Adult music program in Pleasanton for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Pleasanton'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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton.

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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Pleasanton

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Pleasanton

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Pleasanton

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Studio Coordinator Shipra Mathur
Shipra Mathur
Studio Coordinator
Shipra was born and raised in India and brings over 20 years of expertise in marketing and public relations. A passionate traveler and dedicated foodie, she finds inspiration in exploring new cultures and cuisines.

Shipra joined School of Rock Pleasanton as a way to give back and nurture her love for creativity and music. She finds working with the amazing team and trusted brand School of Rock to be very fulfilling. She is also the co-founder of Monday Chill, a luxury sustainable apparel brand for adults and children, where she channels her commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical fashion.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shipra is a proud mother to two spirited teenagers, balancing her professional journey with the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Studio Coordinator Nadia Torabi
Nadia Torabi
Studio Coordinator
Nadia is a former Youth Services and Academic Librarian and has always been passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and fun environments for learning and connection. Her love for music, education, and community naturally led her to the vibrant world of School of Rock Pleasanton.

Having lived all over from the Middle East to the Midwest, Southwest, and Hawai‘i, Nadia recently relocated to the Bay Area and is excited to explore everything the region has to offer. She thrives on discovery, exploring new landscapes and cultures through local adventures and international travels.

Nadia is dedicated to supporting creativity, growth, and a strong sense of community in everything she does.
Drums Teacher Mike Stephens
Mike Stephens
Drums Teacher
Mike Stephens has been passionate about drums since the age of nine, when he first heard the thunderous beat of a bass drum and was instantly hooked. Growing up in North Pole, Alaska, Mike played in the local band Righteous Alliance, and earned a reputation as a standout drummer in the area.

After high school, Mike relocated to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious Percussion Institute of Musician's Institute (MIT) in Hollywood, California. While in L.A., he performed in a variety of original bands, from the heavy metal sounds of Stealth to the alternative rock vibes of Liquid Vision. He went on to record an independent album with the band Sweet William under Denali Records and toured extensively throughout the L.A. music scene. Mike now lives in Pleasant Hill, California, where he has been the drummer for the band DDA for the past fifteen years.

In addition to his performing career, Mike has been a dedicated drum instructor since his early days in Alaska. His lifelong love of drumming and live performance fuels his enthusiasm for teaching, and he is excited to bring his experience and energy to the School of Rock in Pleasanton, California.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Juno Raphael
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Juno Raphael (she/her) is a musician, educator, and lifelong music enthusiast with over 13 years of experience in guitar, digital music production, and live performance. A graduate of Occidental College with a B.A. in Music Production, Juno brings a well-rounded background in audio engineering, songwriting, arrangement, and film scoring to her work.

Since high school, she has composed, recorded, and released music across a wide range of genres, from rock and punk to ambient and electronic dance both as a solo artist and as part of various bands. She’s an active member of the East Bay independent music scene and has performed on stages up and down both coasts.

Juno has also spent years sharing her love of music with young learners, teaching everything from band-based song arrangements to full-scale digital music production. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence and creativity in a fun, supportive environment where every student’s strengths can shine. She’s thrilled to be joining School of Rock Pleasanton, where she’ll be teaching guitar, bass guitar, and vocals, and continuing to foster community, collaboration, and joy through music.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher Kevin Seal
Kevin Seal
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Kevin Seal is a songwriter, producer, and singer who plays a variety of woodwinds and keyboard-based instruments. He led music instruction at the Raskob Institute for Holy Names University, and at East Bay School for Boys in Berkeley. When not teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, he is the arena organist for the San Jose Sharks, and performs original music with his band, Seal Party.

As a performer, he has toured in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has recorded on hundreds of studio projects across many genres. Kevin is an alumnus of Indiana University (Jacobs School of Music), and went to UC-Berkeley for graduate school.
Vocals Teacher Chris Vettel
Chris Vettel
Vocals Teacher
Chris Vettel is originally from the East Coast, and grew up in the small village of Oyster Bay, in the shadow of New York City. He attended the renowned Manhattan School of Music, where he received a Master’s Degree in vocal performance.

No stranger to the concert, musical theatre, operatic, and rock and roll stages, Chris has been an actively working singer/actor/teacher for over forty years, performing around the world and across the United States. He has performed on Broadway Tours (Annie and Sunset Boulevard), as Santa Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and has appeared in many regional theatres across the country.

A long-time resident of the Bay Area, Chris has been a member of the Diablo Valley College Music Department for over ten years, and teaches vocals at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jaimz Mallett
Jaimz Mallett
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jaimz Mallett, better known as Jai.Mal, was born in the backwoods of Mississippi and raised in the heart of Memphis blues. From a young age, his musical path was carved by the grit of southern rock and the soul of heavy blues. Classically trained in multiple disciplines during his teenage years, Jaimz fused technical skill with raw emotion, crafting a voice and style that was uniquely his own.

Shaped by the streets of Memphis and sharpened by real-life experience beyond his years, Jaimz quickly caught the attention of industry veterans, earning vocal coaching and mentorship simply because his talent was too real to ignore. A stint in the army added depth to his sound, and he emerged with the soul of Hendrix, the swagger of Lenny Kravitz, and the rhythmic edge of Three 6 Mafia.

Now, Jai.Mal is the full package—an electrifying solo R&B artist, world-class guitarist, powerhouse performer, hit-making producer/engineer, and teacher at School of Rock Pleasanton. With personal growth, professional polish, and a fearless musical identity, Jai.Mal is a force in the game - unstoppable, undeniable, and just getting started.
Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher Neftali Kirkland
Neftali Kirkland
Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Before ever picking up a pair of drumsticks, Neftali was chasing rhythm on the dance floor as a breakdancer. That early love for movement and beats naturally evolved into music production, where Neftali began making tracks and inspiring friends to rap and sing over their creations.

Driven by a passion for collaboration and creativity, Neftali eventually found their way behind the drum kit—playing in bands and performing at DIY shows across Washington. Their rhythmic roots and diverse musical background shape a unique approach to drumming that blends instinct, style, and heart.

Now, Neftali brings that same energy and encouragement to the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Pleasanton. Excited to work with kids of all ages, they’re dedicated to helping students find their voice through music, while building confidence, creativity, and community along the way.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Dmitry Novokhatskiy
Dmitry Novokhatskiy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dmitry is a versatile instructor, performing musician, and songwriter with over 20 years of experience in rock and metal music. He has spent five years teaching guitar both privately and in music schools across Europe and the U.S., helping students of all levels develop their skills and ignite their passion for music.

As a performing artist, he has released multiple albums with his band, as well as solo projects, blending elements of various rock and metal subgenres. His extensive live performance and studio experience allow him to bring real-world knowledge and energy into every lesson.

Dmitry is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Pleasanton, focusing on developing both technical skills and musical creativity. Dmitry’s mission? To inspire, push, and unleash the rockstar in every student.
Drums Teacher Diego Soto
Diego Soto
Drums Teacher
Diego Soto is a dynamic recording and performing drummer based in the Bay Area, known for his versatility, groove, and passion for rhythm. His musical journey began in local school bands at HPMS and Amador Valley, eventually leading him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Drum Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in May 2024.

Diego draws inspiration from a wide range of styles; R&B, hip-hop, funk, and rock are just a few of his go-to genres, but his love for music transcends labels. Whether he's on stage, in the studio, or behind the kit teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Diego brings energy, precision, and heart to every beat.

Beyond performance, Diego is a dedicated advocate for musicality and collaboration. He emphasizes the drummer's vital role in serving the music - supporting the groove, elevating the ensemble, and always playing with purpose.
Vocals Teacher Lindsey Riddle
Lindsey Riddle
Vocals Teacher
Lindsey is a singer-songwriter with a background in choral, classical, and sacred music. She got her start in music singing at church and in school choirs, and playing classic rock songs around the campfire with her family. She went on to study music at California Lutheran University and is classically trained in vocal performance. During college, she performed and toured with the CLU Choir, sang alto in the University Quartet, and was a vocalist in other bands and groups.

After college, Lindsey dove more into her singer-songwriter roots- writing, recording, and performing her own music. Her latest EP, Along the Way, released in June 2024. Some of her favorite artists and music influences include Brandi Carlile. Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, and The Beatles. Lindsey is also an experienced vocals teacher, and loves to share her passion for singing through teaching music at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Guitar Teacher Franklin Vasquez
Franklin Vasquez
Guitar Teacher
Franklin Vasquez is a dynamic and versatile guitarist based in San Francisco, celebrated for his high-energy performances and eclectic musical style. With his mint green Fender Stratocaster in hand, he captivates audiences with his charismatic stage presence and infectious energy.

Originally from New York City, Franklin studied music and guitar at NYU and was in various local rock bands playing the Downtown NY scene at clubs like CBGB's, Brownies, Webster Hall and more. As a member of the Bay Area band Pop Rocks, Franklin contributes to a unique blend of '80s and '90s-inspired music that resonates with a diverse audience. The band's performances are characterized by their "universal party music," offering something for everyone and creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond his work with Pop Rocks, Franklin has been involved in various musical projects, showcasing his adaptability and passion for music. Whether performing on stage, collaborating with fellow musicians or teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Franklin Vasquez continues to be a prominent figure in the San Francisco music community, known for his commitment to delivering memorable and electrifying performances.
Music Director Monique Horyza
Monique Horyza
Music Director
Monique was born a natural keyboardist and music lover. Before she could read, she could play piano. She began Classical piano lessons with a private instructor at the age of 4. Graduating top of her class in 2011 with an Associate’s Degree in Keyboard Technology from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, she is now a professional-level keyboardist with the ability to play keys and piano in any genre or style of music. At advanced levels, she understands music theory, composition, live sound, digital music, music production, and music directing.

Monique has played keys live and in studio recording sessions for multiple artists in Sacramento and Los Angeles. For years she also has been writing, recording, producing, and releasing her own music while working in multiple personal projects such as 'Adequate' and 'Inside the Sun.' In December 2021, Monique was hired at School of Rock Sacramento as a Keyboard + Piano teacher and Core Program Director, and in September 2025, she was promoted to Music Director at School of Rock Pleasanton. She is happy and eager to work alongside talented musicians to help passionate students achieve all their musical dreams.
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!