Chad Fondren
Owner, General Manager
Chad and Tracy Fondren have been running the School of Rock in Issaquah since 2016, and are very excited to open the School of Rock in Seattle Downtown with their new partner, Cole (long-time instructor and Music Director at School of Rock Issaquah). Chad is a father of two (both School of Rock students), and a local music industry veteran, having recently retired from his position as Director of Sales for Disc Makers, the nation's largest CD/DVD/vinyl manufacturer.
Also prior to his career at School of Rock, Chad ran a successful record label focusing on punk music, was Director of Operations for the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, ran a booking agency, and managed a studio teaching private trumpet lessons. Chad earned his bachelor's degree in Music Business from Central Washington University, with a minor in Trumpet Performance. He is especially excited to be dedicating himself to School of Rock full-time.
Tracy Fondren
Co-Owner
Tracy Fondren is a lifelong Pacific Northwest native and experienced musician (drums, voice, and piano/keyboards) with heavy ties to the Seattle music community and scene. Prior to becoming the co-owner and GM of School of Rock Issaquah, she spent ten years working in Music and Image Licensing at Getty Images.
Tracy met her husband, Chad, when previously working in Project Management for indie artists and labels at a CD manufacturer. Her passion for music and kids drove her to pitch the opening of a music school to Chad in 2014, and two years later, School of Rock Issaquah was born. Her love of sharing music with kids continues with the opening of School of Rock Seattle Downtown.
Cole Paramore
Music Director, Co-Owner
Cole was the first instructor at School of Rock Issaquah and has taught thousands of lessons and led hundreds of rehearsals.
Primarily a drummer, Cole has been playing and teaching for over 15 years and has studied under acclaimed drummers such as Mike Johnston, Mark Guiliana, and Robert Searight.
Cole enjoys all music with a particular love for indie and alternative rock. You can catch Cole playing in the Pacific Northwest with Harrison B and Little Rumor. Shows Cole has directed include Nirvana, The Beatles, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, The Strokes, and many more.
Rachel Q
Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Rachel is a vocals teacher, keyboard + piano teacher, and touring heavy metal singer with a passion for music and education. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Rachel began her vocal journey at a young age, training privately in contemporary vocal techniques for over 11 years.
Rachel has been in the School of Rock community since 2014. As a vocals teacher, Rachel has had the privilege of working with top-tier clients, including Joel O'Keeffe of Airbourne, and as a teacher at School of Rock Seattle Downtown, has contributed to School of Rock’s Summerfest appearances.
In addition to her teaching career, Rachel is the singer of Graveshadow, a metal band that has toured extensively, nationally and internationally. Graveshadow has shared stages with artists like Burning Witches, Tarja Turunen, Sirenia, Anvil, and more, showcasing their unique brand of power metal meets melodeath on some of the biggest stages in the metal scene.
Evan H.
Drum Teacher
Evan has been playing and performing on the drums for over seven years. He first developed fundamentals on his own, then took lessons with Phil Bowden, and later performed for his high school band program.
After high school, Evan has been committed to a variety of local bands, with his current and most prominent being Alex Vile. Evan specializes in all forms of rock drumming, including proficiencies in punk, jazz, and traditional forms.
Al M
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alika is a guitarist, session musician, songwriter, and teacher. He is known for his work in rock and metal, including Boston bands Whitelock and Dirty Lyxx, Bay Area artist Thadeus Gonzalez, and Seattle bands Hammerdog, Greyhawk, Drägorhast, Hairstorm, and Dual Analog. He graduated cum laude in 2014 from Berklee College of Music. His experience includes electric and acoustic blues, jazz and bluegrass, including numerous awards for musicianship at Washington State Jazz festivals, while in the Nathan Hale High School Jazz Band, summer programs at National Guitar Workshop and Canada’s Guitar Workshop Plus. He has taught since 2008, including privately, Guitar Workshop Plus, Guitar Center, and at School of Rock Seattle Downtown.
Jane W
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jane Walker is a former School of Rock student from Oak Park, Illinois, and a current student at the University of Washington. They have been involved in music since they were four years old, starting with violin and expanding to piano, flute, mandolin, cello, bass, and guitar. In the summer of 2024, they toured Europe with the School of Rock Oak Park show team, playing in venues such as Shoko Madrid and the Rock in Rio Lisboa festival.
Jane teaches guitar, bass, and keys at the School of Rock in Seattle Downtown. They have been classically trained in violin, flute, piano, and guitar, and have extensive theory training that they incorporate into their teaching. They love all things classic rock, folk, grunge, and classical, and they are so excited to share their love of music and learning with the students in Seattle. Some of their favorite artists are Van Halen, the Flaming Lips, Stevie Wonder, and Fleetwood Mac.
Michael E.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Michael is originally from Minnesota and developed a love for playing shows through the School of Rock in St. Paul. He loves all types of music with a strong emphasis on alternative rock.
Michael attends the University of Washington and nothing makes him happier than playing guitar and bass with awesome people!
Bethany M.
Vocal Teacher
Bethany began singing in front of crowds when she was 12 years old. After graduating with her AFA in vocal performance, she has since performed and written music with her husband in their latest project, Saint Jane.
Bethany believes in the power of performance as a moment of art; singing is no exception.
Tosca R.
Drum Teacher
Tosca (she/they) has been a drummer for over 16 years. Starting in a program focused solely on jazz drumming, Tosca has since honed their skills to expand into funk, rock, metal, experimental, and rock drumming. They have experience teaching students of all ages, ranging from as young as six years old to folks in their late fifties.
Tosca loves to discover new passions and challenges with her students and looks forward to watching her students' love and appreciation for music grow. Whether you are just starting your journey as a musician or you've played for years, Tosca would love the opportunity to meet and guide you along this exciting path. In Tosca's free time, she is an artist, a roller skater, and a movie buff!
Jordan F.
Drum Teacher
Jordan is a multi-instrumentalist (drums, guitar, bass) from Boston with a professional drumming career spanning over a decade. After graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree, he continued to drum in his two college bands alongside his budding project engineering career. In 2020, Jordan put his bands on hiatus and moved to Seattle for a fresh start with new music projects. Since then, he has played drums for multiple bands with genres ranging from acoustic singer-songwriter to metal-tinged rock.
Having completed 3 U.S. tours, playing hundreds of shows, and the release of dozens of songs, Jordan is now focusing on teaching music at the School of Rock locations in Issaquah and Seattle. He is currently playing in two local bands, Silver Pattern and Bandski. Jordan loves to share his enthusiasm for playing music and give back to Seattle’s historically rich music community which inspired him to pick up an instrument in the first place.
Jonah M
Studio Coordinator
Jonah (he/him) is a human, an artist, and a connection builder. His love of music has followed him, from pots and pans in his momma's kitchen to present times in his new project, A.R.O.S. & Kin. He is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, uke lover, piano chord chucker, and tabletop drummer.
Throughout his career, Jonah has worked with many youth-focused non-profits, each a unique contributor to his perspective and care for students of every identity and expression. Nowadays, Jonah is an active community member and is on the board of directors for Rain City Rock Camp, where he also serves as a workshop facilitator and band coach. He is jazzed to join the School of Rock team as a Studio Coordinator.
Alex T.
Vocal Teacher
Alex is originally from Seattle and has a background in jazz, classical, and rock vocals. She attended School of Rock herself and is so excited to teach techniques and lessons she learned over her years there to her students! Aside from singing, Alex also plays alto and tenor saxophone.
Alex is currently a music education major with a vocal emphasis at the University of Washington and is so proud to be a music student learning every day herself. Alex loves music of all kinds and strives to share this love with her students and help them appreciate and learn the art of vocal performance!
Colbi C
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Colbi Childs is a multi-instrumentalist recording artist who plays and teaches the rhythm section: guitar, drums, bass, MIDI, and vocals. Colbi has formal experience spanning from school symphonic/jazz band to training with Michael Derosier (former drummer of Heart) at Donn Bennett's drum studio. He also studied audio engineering at the Art Institute of Seattle and has been playing in local bands since 2004. Colbi enjoys rocking the greater Seattle area with his grunge-funk band Sun Mother.
Margo M
Studio Coordinator
Margo (She/Her) is originally from Yakima, Washington. She studied psychology and mixed media art with an emphasis on illustration at Western Washington University. She now lives in Seattle with plans to continue her education! Music has always been an integral part of her life. Growing up with musicians and artists in her family has inspired her own passion for artistic expression as well as enthusiasm for the self-discovery and community it creates. She carried that passion for creativity through her exploration of art from a young age, through her education and until today.
Margo has previous experiences in youth programs that encouraged self-expression and self-awareness. Through these experiences, she has seen how the power of music and free artistic expression amplifies and uplifts connection!
An enjoyer of all types of music. Big lover of Kate Bush, Blood Orange, and Talking Heads! She is thrilled to join School of Rock Seattle Downtown!
Luke G
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Luke is an academically trained guitarist and recent performance graduate of Berklee College of Music with over a decade of experience in a variety of genres, including jazz, rock, classical, and pop. As a former student at School of Rock Seattle, Luke knows how to put his students in the best position to succeed on stage.
His methods as an educator emphasize equipping his students with the necessary tools for continuing to teach themselves after School of Rock. Luke’s favorite artists include Kurt Rosenwinkel, Chick Corea, and Chon.
Nenu R
Vocals Teacher
Nenu is a classically trained musician from the East Coast, where she studied vocals and bassoon at the University of New Hampshire. She spent some time studying in London as well, where she further cultivated her love of Brit Pop. Her range of musical taste is very diverse, from Top of the Charts, post-punk, New Wave, Rock, and all the way to country. She has done live sound at the original Crocodile and studied recording at Shoreline Community College as well.
In the past, Nenu has also fronted her own band, and writes her own songs when not teaching at School of Rock Seattle.
Connor L
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Connor is multi-instrumentalist based out of St. Louis Missouri, whom at the ripe age of 13 “caught the bug” (a musical awakening) after hearing the Nirvana songs “Lithium” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. At that moment, he devoted his life to listening, playing, and writing music. Connor got his start at School of Rock as a young teen learning how to be a musician, mastering his instruments as well has learning about live performing. He loved it so much that during the summers, he would help teach the summer camps there. For nearly a decade, he has been honing in his craft, playing in numerous bands and playing venues like the blueberry hill duck room, pops, Busch stadium, and festivals like Pointfest. He also a fair amount of experience in composing and recording in studio sessions by himself and with his many bands.
Connor's natural knack for rhythm and melody has led him to grow proficient with many instruments including Drums, Guitar, Bass, and even piano. Funnily enough, before Connor embarked on his musical journey, he scoffed at the idea of being a musician, thinking “I guess that’s cool, but I can’t ever see myself being able to do that”. In fact it’s the last thing he thought he’d do!
Connor looks up to players and songwriters such as Dave Grohl, Kaki King, Mario Duplantier, John Bonham, Josh Homme, Geezer Butler and many more. Music is Connor’s passion and he would love to share it with as many people as he can through educating and helping students at School of Rock Seattle Downtown find their musical identity!
Michael K
Drum Teacher
Michael Knight started playing drums and receiving private instruction at age 11 and played in all the school bands through high school: Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and even Steel Drum Band. Michael took music theory and piano classes at Shoreline Community College post-H.S. As an adult, Michael was fortunate enough to continue studying drums with many deeply knowledgeable teachers, some of whom include: Mike Stone, Dave Jette, Mike Byrne, Tim Miller, Bill Mathews, and more.
Michael has played in multiple bands throughout his life and continues to perform locally/regionally/nationally. Some performance highlights have been playing The Showbox, The Crocodile. Marymoor, The Triple Door, The Tractor, KEXP live, and many more. Some festivals he has played include: Bumbershoot, Sasquatch Music Festival, Timber Music Festival, Treefort Music Festival, Capital Hill Block Party, and SXSW music festival.
As much as Michael loves performing, he loves teaching even more! With 15 years of experience, he's taught over 1000 students. He thoroughly enjoys the process of customizing lesson plans for each student based on their individual level of experience, stylistic interests, personality type, and learning style because everyone is unique! Michael is comfortable teaching all ages and skill levels. He teaches all styles/genres- Rock, Funk, Jazz, Pop, Latin, etc. He believes that it's beneficial to help students understand how to read drum notation in addition to ear training.
"Multiple times, I have had the joy of working with the same student from early elementary school age to adulthood, when they themselves have become professional musicians in their own right. I consider getting to do this work a true blessing!"
Alex P
Keyboard + Piano Instructor
Alex is a multi-instrumentalist (keyboard + piano, trombone, vocals) and electronic musician from Seattle. Alex has experience with classical, rock, jazz, and hip-hop. Starting with piano at age four, Alex knows how beneficial piano experience can be no matter what path a musician takes, and is committed to giving his students at School of Rock Seattle Downtown the tools they need to thrive as young musicians.
Alex is currently pursuing degrees in Jazz Studies and Music Technology at the University of Washington. He is also active in the local music scene, and creates original music with his fellow students.
Eli P.
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Eli is a multi-instrumentalist (drums, keyboards, percussion, vibraphone, vocals), composer, and producer based in Seattle. His experience spans various genres, including jazz, orchestral, rock, and more. He has performed with notable groups such as The Seattle Symphony, Joe Hisaishi, and several local jazz and rock bands. An additional highlight includes singing in a choir for the Eagles during the Seattle stops on their Hotel California 2021 tour.
Eli's playing has been recognized by organizations such as KNKX, the Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival, and groups recognized by King FM. Eli holds an associate's degree in music - instrumental music from Shoreline Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in performance with a minor in jazz studies at Western Washington University.
Sean D
Summer Camp Teacher, Drums Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Sean (they/them) is a Seattle-based musician who has played drums for 17 years. Starting off in their school's symphonic band, Sean soon began playing in rock bands with classmates first at school events and eventually moving on to clubs and venues in Seattle. As a School of Rock alumni, Sean's passion for performing was ignited at the School of Rock after realizing their own potential and ability to play "real" shows and venues. Since then Sean has always been in one or more bands at any time, playing anything from punk, jazz, pop, metal, and everything in between.
Sean teaches drums at School of Rock Seattle Downtown but is also proficient in guitar, bass guitar, and vocals. Sean currently plays drums in Seattle bands Stratofortress and Cottage Corpse, while also recording and performing solo as Swan Dadd.
Josh C
Summer Camp Teacher
Josh is a born-and-raised Seattleite and longtime bassist and guitarist. He got to know and love School of Rock through the Greenwood location's performance program, playing bass in ten shows. Josh enjoys busking songwriting, and an impromptu jam session. He likes all types of music but has a particular taste for "indie rock with some twang;" his favorite band is the replacements.
Josh attends Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He is excited to bring his enthusiasm and background in music and camp counseling to School of Rock Seattle Downtown this Summer!