TJ
General Manager
TJ’s love of music began at a very young age, but it wasn’t until the age of 11 that he got his first guitar. Not long after, he began playing with some neighborhood friends, forming their first band in the eighth grade. While playing in the local music scene, TJ also developed a love for photography which continues to this day.
After graduating with a degree in Music Production Technology, TJ moved back to his hometown of Atlanta, GA. He soon discovered his love of sharing music through working at a local music lesson studio. He spent the next 10 years managing music retail stores and lesson studios in Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek before Covid. During the pandemic, TJ left the retail world and focused on his photography and also got married! In April 2022, he joined the School of Rock family as the new General Manager at School of Rock Johns Creek. He is now the General Manager at School of Rock Snellville.
“Working at School of Rock is more than just a job. Being a part of the community, you actually see your students grow up and find their own voice. You feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself. You are making a difference.”
Nicole
Studio Coordinator
Nicole’s journey into music and the arts began with a connection to her roots, growing up in South Florida with a Mexican mother and Cuban father. Inspired by the resilience of DIY culture, Nicole found a home in communities built around music, poetry, and independent events. She has organized and promoted shows, created collaborative art projects, and released her own zines, often pairing them with live performances from notable acts in South Florida’s scene.
With a foundation in audio studies and event work, Nicole brings a real curiosity and love for fostering creativity. Now based in Georgia, she is excited to contribute to students’ journeys of self-expression and the life-enriching magic of music at School of Rock Snellville.
“Community exists in the quiet shimmers of encouragement, dissolving the false idea that only grand gestures make it real. It’s like lighting a candle. If you want to experience something particular, initiate it, instead of resenting others for their conformity. The richness of your palate is your responsibility.”
Nick
Music Director
Nick is a passionate musician with a strong background in live performance, recording, and teaching. He is a multi-instrumentalist with expertise in drums, guitar, bass, and piano, which allows him to teach all ages and experience levels in private lessons and group programs.
Nick is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but has relentlessly gigged in the indie/alternative rock scene that Georgia has to offer since moving to Atlanta in 2021. Nick headlines shows and records albums with his band Made Up and is excited for what the future holds musically, both in his live performance and teaching at the School of Rock in Snellville, Georgia.
Ati
Vocal Teacher
Ati is a singer/songwriter and actress from the Metro Atlanta area. She holds a BFA in acting with a minor in musical theatre from Point Park University.
Ati has performed nationwide at various venues including The Muny in St. Louis and Feinstein’s 54 Below in New York City! She has always been passionate about singing and is excited to share her passion with each of her students here at the School of Rock in Snellville, Georgia!
Ivy
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Ivy is a passionate vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and dedicated music educator with a lifelong connection to music. Growing up in a musically gifted family, Ivy was immersed in the sounds of live rehearsals and performances, often sitting in on her dad’s band practices. Starting as a student at School of Rock in Buford, GA, Ivy went on to teach at School of Rock in Litchfield Park, AZ, before returning to Georgia to join the School of Rock Snellville team.
As a musician, Ivy has a variety of personal music projects, performing with multiple bands and writing solo material. With a deep love for teaching, Ivy brings a dynamic approach to lessons in vocals and keyboard + piano, helping students build both technical skills and musical confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your vocal range, master the keys, or simply jam out, Ivy is excited to help students discover and develop their musical potential.
Matthew
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Matt began playing guitar at the age of 12 and would spend hours in his room playing along with albums by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Albert Collins, Chet Atkins, and Brian Setzer. He went on to attend and graduate from the Atlanta Institute of Music. Before becoming a guitar instructor, he played in bands in Athens and worked gigs in Nashville.
Matt's main love for teaching is the ability to share his guitar knowledge with people who are (mostly likely) going where he’s already been. The opportunity to guide students on the instrument is a gratifying experience. Matt has taught almost every age group and has studied multiple genres of music. He is excited to work with the School of Rock in Snellville, Georgia, and be part of a team crafting the next generation of musicians.
Harper
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
With a passion for music that spans genres including punk, folk music and alternative rock, Harper started learning music at age ten on multiple instruments. They attended private lessons and began teaching guitar as a counselor for students at all levels of music proficiency.
Harper graduated from Georgia State University in 2024 with the goal of building a love for music and education in their students, and now teaches at School of Rock Snellville.
Queran
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Queran is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up playing many instruments starting with violin in elementary/middle school orchestra, eventually moving on to keyboard and now specializing in guitar and bass.
He studied audio engineering and producing at The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences and currently spends most of his time recording music and playing shows in the Atlanta area.
Tafari
Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Tafari is a multi-instrumentalist with a primary focus on voice and piano. He has performed as a singer and musician for over 14 years including in Georgia's All-State Mixed Choir three times. Tafari received his primary music education in music recording, production, and engineering from Brown University.
When he's not working on music, Tafari will probably be at a rollerskating rink or hanging out with his rottweiler, Honey!
Trevor
Drum Teacher
Trevor is a lifelong drummer born from a family of touring musicians. He has learned many skills from his family and his goal is to pass those skills to as many people as he can to spread the joy of playing music.
Having taught drumline at multiple high schools with constant high placements at competitions, Trevor brings his knowledge of rudimentary drumming and translates it onto the drumset in a non-complicated, digestible way for audience members and students to experience and learn.
David
Drum Teacher
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, David has been a lifelong music lover and has been drumming for several years. Raised in a musical home, his father influenced him with The Beatles, as well as classical, gospel, jazz, and many other genres. After dabbling in guitar and bass, David found the drums and never looked back.
After joining the Atlanta music scene and touring and recording with various groups in 2016, he attended and graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media for drum performance. David is passionate about teaching the joys of music, along with recording and touring with acts such as Hey Dreamer and The Pussywillows in Atlanta.