Robbie
General Manager
Robbie brings a diverse and impactful musical background to School of Rock Reno. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from The Musicians Institute, he combines academic knowledge with extensive practical experience in performance, sound engineering, production, and project management. Robbie's passion for music education is deeply rooted in his community, having previously shared his expertise with students at School of Rock and the Boys & Girls Club of America. These experiences have solidified his commitment to nurturing young musicians and fostering their creative development. His ability to connect with students, coupled with his strong understanding of music theory and technology, makes him an invaluable mentor.
Travis
Music Director
Travis is a professional music educator from the San Fernando Valley, just outside Los Angeles. He began teaching private saxophone lessons as a high school student and has taught music ever since. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education while playing electric bass guitar for his band, Blue Velvet Drapes, and working as a marching band coach.
After earning his BA, Travis moved to Seattle to earn his MA in music education at the University of Washington and teach middle school band. While there, Travis focused his research on best practices for teaching popular music while teaching private and group lessons at School of Rock in Bellevue, Washington. He moved to Reno to be closer to his family and is excited to be a part of the School of Rock Reno community!
Ethan
Drum Teacher
Ethan brings a powerful blend of experience and passion to School of Rock Reno! A seasoned drummer with years of touring across the West Coast and Southwest, Ethan's expertise spans jazz, marching percussion, rock, and metal. Regularly performing in clubs and 1,000-capacity rooms, he understands live performance dynamics, having rocked stages with regional acts like EVERGLADE, A Moments Notice, and Idle Mind. Ethan effortlessly navigates intricate odd-time grooves and delivers high-energy rock and metal beats with precision and flair. At School of Rock Reno, Ethan is excited to share his real-world experience and inspire the next generation of drummers. Get ready to groove and rock with Ethan!
Joane
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Joane is a dynamic and passionate guitar and vocal teacher with deep roots in the Reno community. Currently a student at the University of Nevada-Reno, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a love for all things music and guitars to her teaching. Joane's experience includes working as a guitar teacher, where she excels at adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of students of all ages and skill levels.
Her approach is energetic and outgoing, focusing on explaining musical concepts in clear, approachable ways to help aspiring musicians embark on their own musical journeys. Joane is also a proud alumna of Reno High School, and her commitment to education and helping others is evident in her passion for teaching at School of Rock Reno.
Moe
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Moe is a classically trained jazz trumpet and piano player who specializes in improvisation and composition. Moe studied Jazz at The New School and received a diploma from Idyllwild Arts Academy. His performance experience includes playing at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival and with Lalah Hathaway at The Grammy Museum. Moe is passionate about providing a fun, enriching environment for all ages and skill levels at School of Rock Reno.
Mikey
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Mikey is a versatile and experienced bassist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Bass Performance at the University of Nevada, Reno. Deeply inspired by jazz (particularly Charles Mingus), he is also proficient in indie, metal, funk, and R&B. Though he began playing bass just four years ago (as a Student at School of Rock), he quickly progressed from rock classics (Metallica, Nirvana) to performing and teaching jazz professionally, with credits including annual concerts at Arden Park and the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans.
As an educator, Mikey began teaching at Rio Americano High School and is now a multi-instrument teacher at School of Rock Reno. He emphasizes technique, creativity, and helping students develop an authentic connection with various styles of music, inspiring them to express themselves confidently.
Tony
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Tony is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of professional experience in performance and music education. When not at School of Rock Reno, you can catch him with either of his original rock bands (Local Anthology) & (Tha Exchange) touring the West Coast. Although bass guitar and drums are his primary instruments, Tony also teaches guitar, keyboard + piano, and vocals. He is our resident "Swiss army knife."
Seth
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Seth's musical adventure began in 6th grade with the trombone, and it's been an exciting exploration ever since! Along the way, Seth embraced a variety of instruments, including the rich tones of the bass trombone, tuba, and euphonium, the pulse of percussion, and the versatility of the piano. His high school journey was enriched by participation in esteemed ensembles like the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, Washoe County School District Honor Band and Choir, and the Nevada All-State Band and Choir.
Currently studying Music Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, Seth is dedicated to continuous learning and growth as an educator. Seth is excited to bring this passion and experience to School of Rock Reno, where he can empower students to develop their musical talents and reach their full potential!
Aubrianna
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Aubrianna is a talented teacher and current Musical Theatre major at UNR in Reno. She has extensive teaching experience, including private vocal lessons and co-music directing rock band programs. As a performer, she was a vocalist and guitarist for the School of Rock House Band, playing iconic venues like House of Blues. Aubrianna teaches singing and guitar at School of Rock Reno.
Tommy
Guitar Teacher
Tommy is a classical guitar major at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he’s sharpening his skills and expanding his musical knowledge. At School of Rock Reno, he brings his formal training and passion for guitar into every lesson, creating a fun and supportive environment for students of all ages. Whether he’s teaching a beginner how to hold a pick or helping an advanced player refine their technique, he’s all about helping students grow as musicians. Go Wolf Pack!
Outside the classroom, Tommy is a huge fan of 80s glam and hair metal, with a special love for the band Treat. That big, bold sound influences his playing style and inspires the energy he brings to lessons and rehearsals. When he's not making music, you’ll often find him reading a good book or enjoying the occasional video game to unwind.
Joanna
Summer Camp Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Jo brings a wealth of experience to School of Rock Reno, having taught private voice lessons since 2020 and directed choral and theater productions since 2005. A versatile vocalist herself, Jo has performed in diverse ensembles like the Nevada Gay Men’s Chorus and the Tahoe Players, and lent her voice to various recordings and productions. She's passionate about helping students discover their unique voice, no matter the genre—from pop and rock to R&B, jazz, theater, opera, and beyond! Jo also offers instruction in basic keyboard/piano and chord progressions.
Marcus
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Marcus, a native of the Greater Philadelphia Area, found his start in music early, first loading his father's drums for gigs. He began playing guitar at 14, studying with Randy Sarals and Phil Wisenmen. By age 17, he was actively performing solo and fronting bands like Who Cares, Gypsy Why Don’t Ya, and Tree, writing and playing diverse music.
At 21, Marcus roadied for The Whiskeyhickon Boyz and worked at Studio Tritonix in Lansdale, PA. Seeking new experiences, he headed west by Amtrak at 26, studying music at Portland Community College. In 2022, his journey led him to New Orleans, where he spent six months in the French Quarter learning from street musicians. Since then, he has continuously traveled, performed, taught, and released original music.
Prior to joining the Reno team, Marcus was part of School of Rock Oceanside in North County, California. He now brings his passion and expertise to School of Rock Reno, building a new chapter on the West Coast.
Rick Winfield
Owner
School of Rock Reno is the embodiment of Rick's lifelong passion for music and entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in the Reno community where he is raising his two boys.
Rick's diverse background includes a successful career in internet technology and marketing, teaching college business, and mentoring/investing in over 100 startups. An avid adventurer, he's even skied on all seven continents.
Music has been a constant since he started guitar in fifth grade. His musical depth includes studying music theory and jazz history and playing in a variety of bands, including progressive bluegrass and Grateful Dead tributes. A career highlight was performing with his hero, Phil Lesh (founding bassist of The Grateful Dead), in 2022.
Rick now combines his business acumen and deep love for music and community at School of Rock Reno. He also actively participates in the local music scene with the Grateful Dead tribute band A Carny Vibe.