Heather Riley
Owner, General Manager
Heather was born in England and grew up with a love of all things music. She was immersed in decades of British artists, sang The American Songbook at home, and performed vocals for a cover band. In the mid-80s she attended a company conference in the U.S. and discovered that she had "found her tribe" with her northern California colleagues. She has lived in the U.S. since 1991, mostly in the north Bay Area, and is a dual citizen.
Heather has had many careers including as a sales executive for computer peripherals, property manager for a large REIT, project coordinator for HP products, owner of an insurance business, HR administrator, and certified massage therapist. All roads led her to School of Rock Santa Rosa which she helped open from the ground up. Here, while utilizing her extensive customer service and business administration experience, she discovered just how important music is to her, and just about everyone else it seemed.
Heather fully fell in love with School of Rock when she joined the adult performance program as a vocalist and bass student. In 2021 she was able to realize her dream gig by establishing School of Rock San Rafael, serving Marin County.
Evan Kolesar
Music Director
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Evan was immersed in music from a young age, picking up his first guitar at the age of 10, and going on his first tour by the time he turned 15. After high school, he attended the Musicians Institute’s GiT program where he graduated top of his class in Guitar Performance, all while being immersed in LA’s singer-songwriter scene as a hired gun, collaborator, and songwriter.
After graduating, Evan started his journey as a music educator at School of Rock West LA as an instructor, working his way up to Music Director and General Manager of the South Bay LA location. Now relocated to the Bay Area, Evan serves as our Music Director and instructs guitar, bass, and drums. Evan loves all music and has a particular interest in funk, fusion, prog, and singer/songwriter. He thinks the best thing about working at School of Rock is being surrounded by those who love music as much as he does. Outside of School of Rock, Evan loves photography, nature, video games, his partner Tiffany, and his dog Preston.
Cristin Seppa
Studio Manager
Cristin Seppa has been part of School of Rock San Rafael since day one, helping build the school from the ground up into the warm, welcoming, music-filled space it is today. As Studio Manager, she ensures everything runs smoothly and makes sure every student and family feels right at home.
With some encouragement from the crew, Cristin decided to dive into music herself, picking up the bass in February 2023 and starting lessons with instructor John Woodall. What began as a way to better understand the student experience quickly became one of her biggest passions. Since then, she’s rocked through multiple seasons with the Wednesday Adult Performance band, Loaf, performing in School of Rock shows and gigs around town.
Cristin’s taste in music spans just about every genre, though her favorite song is usually whatever her band is working on next. When she’s not at the school or on stage, she’s probably outside hiking, walking, or kayaking—or relaxing with a sci-fi or fantasy novel and a crochet project in hand. And while she doesn’t have pets of her own, she’s always delighted when students stop by with their dogs for a visit.
For Cristin, the best part of School of Rock is seeing that spark of joy when someone connects with their passion. Watching students light up as they grow as musicians is, as she puts it, “real-life magic.”
Philip Thorneycroft
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Assistant Music Director
Philip Thorneycroft is a guitar and bass player based in San Francisco. He is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and has been playing music since he was 16 years old. Philip was raised in a musical family and gained a rich appreciation for jazz, blues, and country music. Over the years, he has been passionately pursuing rock and post-rock styles.
As a self-taught player, Philip got a chance to perform at an early age on the worship team at his church and has since performed and toured all over the country in a variety of bands. He currently performs at clubs and weddings on guitar with his girlfriend and songwriter, Kim Capria, and is the bassist for local San Francisco band Alvie and the Breakfast Pigs.
Philip brings his love for music to every person he comes into contact with and is driven to help people achieve their musical goals, not just with technique and theory, but with consideration for personal expression and stagecraft. For him, it's an art and a craft, and nothing brings more satisfaction than being able to pass that on to others.
Philip has been teaching music since 2018 and specializes in rock, pop, and blues styles. His philosophy about music is that it's a language that serves as a skeleton key capable of opening many doors and helping to understand the world around us. In addition to acting as Assistant Music Director, Philip teaches bass and guitar, and directs Rookies, Rock 101, and Performance bands at School of Rock San Rafael.
Michael Papenburg
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Michael is a Bay Area native with over 35 years of teaching and performing experience. He has performed and recorded with many local artists including The Jerry Hannan Band, Matadore, Matt Nathanson, Brittany Shane, Orange, Penelope Houston, Lilyvolt, The Mad Cattle Ensemble and Missile Harmony. He currently plays lead guitar for Petty Theft, a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Michael specializes in rock, alternative, slide guitar, blues, funk, country and folk. His influences include Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Bill Frisell, Robin Guthrie, Daniel Ash, Mike Campbell and many others. He is a very patient teacher with students ranging from beginning to advanced players. His focus is on playing technique, chords, scales, music theory, musicianship, and transcriptions of songs and solos in either tablature or standard notation. Michael taught at School of Rock Santa Rosa for three years and led many performance and adult performance bands who succeeded under his patient direction and critical ear for detail. He is a Lead Instructor at School of Rock San Rafael.
Ella Keilt
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Ella grew up in the North Bay, immersed in music through her family from the very start. Between vocal and guitar lessons, and listening to a new album each day before school, she exposed herself to genres and eras of music that most of her peers were unaware of. Ella attended Artquest, a public school magnet program for the Visual and Performing Arts at Santa Rosa High School, where she also honed her visual artistic skills.
In 2019, she joined the staff at School of Rock Santa Rosa, where kids of all ages loved her teaching style and ability to connect. She also brought her energy and enthusiasm to group classes, including Rookies, Summer Camps, Rock 101, and the Performance Program rehearsals. As a singer-songwriter, Ella combines her unique smoky voice with relatable and memorable lyrics. She is a vocal and guitar teacher at School of Rock San Rafael, and co-directs the House Band with a special emphasis on vocals.
Ella is also an active musician and songwriter, playing with her band The Letterwriters alongside fellow instructors Jacob and Michael.
Abbi Samuels
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Abbi’s mother used to play classical music for her in the morning before school, which inspired her to pick up the violin and later transition to voice. She attended MSA and then Sonoma State, where she attained a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in vocal performance. Abbi loves to listen to and perform a complete variety of genres from classical to folk to rock to progressive metal. We love to hear Abbi sing her warm-ups before her students come in because her voice is so beautiful!
Abbi teaches vocals and keyboard + piano at School of Rock San Rafael. Her mission is for her students to find joy in the music they create and build their self-confidence on stage. Abbi shares her life with her partner Jack, and enjoys cooking, reading, and playing video games. She loves that School of Rock is a safe space for self-expression and making music, where everyone is welcome.
Andrew Griffin
Drum Teacher
Andrew is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. He has taught hundreds of aspiring drummers at his own East Bay Drummers’ Studio and has taught master classes at the Jazz School in Berkeley and for the California Percussive Arts Society. Additionally, Andrew has taught at Redhouse Studios (Walnut Creek), Vibo Music (San Bruno), and St. Joseph Elementary (Alameda).
Andrew has performed and/or recorded with several bands, artists, and producers including CAKE, Camper Van Beethoven, Steve Fisk (producer for Nirvana, Soundgarden, the Posies, and Soul Coughing), and Jeff Bhasker (Grammy-winning producer for Fun, Kanye West, and the Rolling Stones).
Andrew is also a singer/songwriter and producer and currently fronts the Oakland-based indie rock group Felsen. In addition to teaching drums, Andrew directs Performance and Adult Performance bands at the School of Rock in San Rafael, CA.
Eli Streich
Drum Teacher
Both of Eli’s parents are musicians and it was natural for him to follow in their steps without thinking about it. In his teen years, Eli started getting involved with the Bay Area DIY scene and was “immediately obsessed.” He loved experiencing what was happening in his neck of the woods and he has continued to play and attend local gigs ever since. Eli’s main gig is with the Oakland art rock trio Gumby’s Junk and he freelances for small jazz combos and various other local bands.
Eli is a graduate of Oakland School for The Arts as well as Sonoma State University, from which he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. He loves any music that excites or tickles his brain. Punk is his first love, but he acknowledges that jazz got him where he is as a player. Asked about his favorite music his answer is, “Usually anything between punk and jazz is right up my alley. Rhythmic, angular, obnoxious, humorous, overall weird, I love it all!” In his personal time, Eli creates visual art, attends local shows, and collects tchotchkes.
Eli teaches drums and the Rookies program and directs Rock 101 bands (the rehearsals are always fun and filled with jokes). He loves the bond he has with his students and hopes that their journey in music continues way past their time with him.
Emily Lewis
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Emily Lewis is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who teaches vocals and beginner keyboard + piano at School of Rock San Rafael. She’s been singing for as long as she can remember, but her musical spark really lit up when she heard “Fireflies” by Owl City and was inspired to learn all the lyrics, her first true dive into discovering her own voice. Today, she sings for the emotional fulfillment, the creativity, and the joy of shaping sound in new ways.
Emily holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a concentration in Classical Vocal Performance from Bard College. Though she’s trained primarily as an opera singer, she also has a strong background in pop, rock, jazz, and choral singing. Her goal in lessons is to help students grow confident in their own sound, play with their voices, and discover the music that inspires them.
A musician of many colors, Emily also plays clarinet, piano, ukulele, and oboe, and even writes her own songs. Her experimental album was released under the artist name Nettlesprings. When she’s not teaching or creating, you can find her crafting, painting, traveling, swimming, playing board games, or hanging out with her fluffy black cat, Cocoa Bean.
Born and raised in Sebastopol, Emily loves working one-on-one with students and giving each person the focus they deserve. For her, helping someone unlock a new part of their voice is the best kind of music.
Erik Trignani
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Erik Trignani has been drumming up a storm for 18 years, and he wouldn’t have it any other way! Coming from a musical family, Erik’s love for rhythm started early and has only grown stronger with time. He’s also a talented guitarist and bassist, but drums will always have his heart (and his kick pedal).
Erik studied at Marin School of the Arts in Novato and trained at Marin Music Center, though he’s self-taught on all things melodic. Over the years, he’s performed in a range of Bay Area bands, jamming through everything from rock and indie to jazz and reggae. Those experiences not only sharpened his skills but also introduced him to some lifelong friends who share his love of music.
At School of Rock San Rafael, Erik teaches drums and guitar, and directs Rookies & Rock 101 bands. His goal is simple: help students gain confidence in their music and in themselves, while having an awesome time doing it. Whether it’s their first beat or a full-band performance, Erik brings the energy, patience, and encouragement every student needs to grow.
When he’s not behind the kit, Erik’s usually outdoors, watching football, or gaming. For him, the best part of working at School of Rock San Rafael is getting to do what he loves every single day: play music, connect with students, and keep the groove going!
Gillian Eichenberger
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Gillian Eichenberger has been at the piano since before she could read, picking out melodies by ear and discovering that music could be both a challenge and a comfort. Raised on her dad’s rock n’ roll collection and inspired by her piano teacher Sandra Simich, Gillian grew up loving everything from classical storytelling to the wild joy of rock. Twenty-five years of piano study, fifteen years of vocal training and theater studies at San Francisco State University, she’s now a professional musical theater performer (with companies like Marin Theatre Company, Marin Shakespeare, The Mountain Play, and Shotgun Players) and the lead singer for the Taylor Swift tribute band Swifty. She’s also taken her synth and backing-vocal skills into the neon-punk world with The Hot Takes and works as a music director for youth theater.
Gillian teaches piano and voice, and she’s a big believer in cross-training across genres and art forms. To her, music is a lot like the best friendships: joyful, comforting, sometimes challenging, and always full of growth. She hopes her students discover their own creative voice and learn to love music for all the ways it can show up in their lives.
Her listening lineup ranges from Blondie and Ella Fitzgerald to Queens of the Stone Age, The Ronettes, Stephen Sondheim, and Frederic Chopin. She loves artists with strong points of view, big emotions, and a flair for theatricality. Outside of music, you can find Gillian hiking, exploring museums, thrifting, or hanging out with her beloved senior chihuahua, Petey. She loves working at School of Rock San Rafael because the passion is contagious, everyone supports one another, shares their knowledge freely, and keeps students at the heart of everything. Studying music helped Gillian find her place in the world, and now she’s excited to help her students find theirs.
Hazel Gillmer
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Hazel Gillmer can’t resist picking up any instrument within reach, but bass has been their favorite for over 12 years! A graduate in Music Composition, Hazel loves exploring how sound connects people and emotions. They first started playing music to share something special with their mom, and it’s been a lifelong way to connect with others ever since.
At School of Rock San Rafael, Hazel teaches bass guitar, guitar, and keyboard + piano, helping students not just play music but feel it, both on their own and in a band setting. Whether it’s breaking down a tricky song or jamming together in a group, Hazel’s all about building confidence, creativity, and community through music.
Hazel’s musical taste is all over the map, from Talking Heads and Crowded House to Steve Reich and PinkPantheress, and they love any music that’s personal, experimental, and full of heart.
When they’re not teaching or playing, Hazel’s probably watching movies, diving into video games, or talking about great soundtracks (ask them about Spider-Verse, Zelda, or Cowboy Bebop!). They share their home with two cats, Windy and Deli, who are, in Hazel’s words, “the real stars of the show.”
Jacob Connor
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Jacob Connor has been drumming for over 20 years, but his love of music started even earlier, when he picked up the trombone at age seven (doctor’s orders to help with childhood asthma… and it worked!). Growing up with a punk-loving mum and a prog rock–obsessed dad, Jacob developed a wide musical taste that still fuels his creativity today.
At School of Rock, Jacob teaches drums, keys, and vocals, and also leads two performance bands. His goal? To help students find lasting fulfillment through music. Jacob believes in balancing fun and focus so his students can build confidence, skill, and, most importantly, a lifelong love for playing.
Outside of teaching, Jacob composes for film and TV, chasing new sounds and textures to bring stories to life. You might’ve heard his work on projects like Red Eye (Hulu), As We Speak (Showtime), and Drops of God Season 2 (Apple). He’s also an active musician, playing with his band The Letterwriters alongside fellow instructors Ella and Michael, and has gigged everywhere from The Royal Albert Hall to Manchester’s post-punk scene.
When he’s not teaching or composing, Jacob’s usually outdoors with his wife, Nicole, an ultra-runner who’s inspired him to start running too, or cheering for his hometown team, Manchester United. For Jacob, the best part of School of Rock San Rafael is seeing students’ excitement as they discover the same love of music that’s driven him all these years.
Jayme Shimsky
Studio Coordinator
As a studio coordinator, Jayme is the welcoming presence who helps students feel at home, keeps the schedule running smoothly, and makes sure School of Rock San Rafael stays a place people love to walk into.
A lifelong musician, Jayme has been playing violin since third grade, viola for more than 30 years, and has most recently picked up the bass guitar. What started as a simple school requirement quickly grew into something deeper: over time, her instruments became part of who she is. Now she’s adding bass guitar into that identity, one groove at a time.
Jayme doesn’t teach, but she loves watching students grow with the support of our amazing instructors. When she’s not surrounded by music here, she’s listening to a mix of goth and industrial, Baroque classical, and a splash of ’70s/’80s prog, proof that a great playlist can span centuries.
Outside of School of Rock San Rafael, Jayme has been happily married to her husband Karl since 2001. At home, she answers to her feathered trio, Jake the parrot and cockatiels Goldie and Millie, and somehow still finds time for cross-stitching, cooking, and volunteering as a costumer with Verismo Opera in Vallejo.
John Woodall
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
John was hooked on music early in his life when, at age 5, he began playing piano. By the age of 10, he started writing music and playing guitar. John considers himself a ‘lifer’ who must practice and play daily because it is his love. He attended the Academy of Guitar and the N.S.W. Conservatory of Music in Australia where he attained a master's degree in Music. Once in California, John worked as an engineer and production coordinator at The Record Plant in Sausalito with legendary producer/engineer Jim Gaines. He assisted in the production of many great bands and artists including Santana, Heart, Starship, Dan Fogelberg, Journey, Huey Lewis, and John Fogarty.
John became a working musician in the Marin band Frontline and formed Powerof2Music in 1989, which has scored over 700 episodes of television as well as commercials and video games. John received the Excellence in Composition and Songwriting Award from Yamaha Music USA, scored two Emmy Award-winning shows, and received Ace and Gold Awards for his work on children's audiobooks such as the beautiful Baru Bay with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead.
John is a longtime ASCAP writer and publisher, and a consultant regarding licensing in perpetuity issues, publishing, and placing music. He puts thought, passion, and nurturing into his teaching, bringing out the very best in his students and the bands he directs.
Matthew Peters
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Matthew Peters has been playing guitar for 18 years, but his musical journey started way before that—when he first convinced his parents to buy him a guitar around age seven. After taking a short break, he discovered Nirvana, and that was it: he fell in love with the sound, the energy, and the freedom of playing music. He’s been performing in bands ever since, starting with his first group, Losing Frequency, and continuing through projects like Moan Alisa, Sundazed, N.A.S.A., and the Apollo Era.
At School of Rock San Rafael, Matthew teaches guitar and bass guitar. He also directs Rock 101, Performance, and Adult Performance bands. Matthew's goal is to give students the tools to build a lifelong connection to music, one that goes beyond just playing songs. He encourages curiosity, creativity, and understanding of how music works, believing that even a little theory can open up whole new ways to express yourself.
Matthew’s taste in music spans decades and genres: from ‘50s rock ‘n roll to post-punk, from glam to shoegaze, and, of course, a lifelong love for Led Zeppelin. He’s also played in jazz combos, wedding bands, and pretty much every rock setup imaginable.
When he’s not teaching or performing, Matthew enjoys making candles, spending time in nature, and cooking. What he loves most about School of Rock San Rafael? Watching students grow, gain confidence, and rock the stage together is what makes every show worth it.
Seth Pressley (Pressley)
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Seth Pressley (Pressley) has been rocking the guitar for over 35 years, and he’s still finding new ways to make it sing! A true multi-instrumentalist, Pressley also plays bass, drums, and even lends his voice to the mix. Inspired by his dad, who played music too, he picked up a guitar early on and never looked back. These days, music is Pressley’s creative outlet and favorite way to connect with others.
At School of Rock San Rafael, Pressley teaches guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals. His lessons focus on helping students grow in skill and confidence while feeling comfortable expressing themselves through music. Whether it’s nailing a tricky riff or finding your stage groove, Pressley’s goal is to make learning music as exciting as performing it. You can even check out his song “I Need You Now” on Spotify and Apple Music! When he’s not teaching or playing, Pressley loves building guitars and hanging out with his partner, Sarah, and their dog, Fletcher.
Outside of School of Rock San Rafael, Pressley also works in special education at his local high school, proof that his passion for helping others learn goes far beyond music. For Pressley, it’s all about sharing the joy of music and watching students discover their own sound.
Tom Paslay
Drum Teacher
Tom Paslay has been teaching, recording, and performing drums for over 30 years. Tom attended the Grove School of Music in Los Angeles where he received his certificate in drumset studies. In addition to his teaching experience, he has toured in Tokyo, Japan, and extensively throughout the West Coast.
Tom has shared the stage with such notables as Beck, No Doubt, and The English Beat among many others. Tom teaches beginning to advanced drum lessons in a variety of styles including rock, worldbeat, funk, and traditional snare drum rudiments. He emphasizes reading, balance, hand technique, and coordination, and caters each lesson to the student’s goals and aspirations.
Tom naturally connects with and inspires students of all ages, and believes playing drums should always be fun!
Victoria Pappalardo
Studio Coordinator
Victoria Pappalardo is one of the friendly faces that make School of Rock San Rafael such a fun place to be! As Studio Coordinator, she’s the go-to person for warm welcomes, scheduling lessons, helping families, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Basically, if it helps the music happen, Victoria’s on it.
When she’s not coordinating all things School of Rock, you’ll find her behind the drum kit. Victoria started playing drums two years ago after a lifelong love of music sparked by listening to records with her dad. What began as a dream turned into a passion, and now she rocks with the Thursday Adult Performance band, Lost at Sea.
Victoria’s musical taste leans heavily toward the ‘90s, alternative, rock, indie, and a bit of old country for good measure. She loves any song that speaks to the heart, no matter the genre. Outside of music, Victoria enjoys practicing yoga and exploring her creativity through visual arts. What she loves most about working at School of Rock San Rafael? Seeing students’ smiling faces and hearing the incredible music they create every day, it’s the best soundtrack a job could have.