Wexford
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Wexford

December 2024 Open House   RSVP Today!
Map
School of Rock Wexford
11171 Perry Highway
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 934-5692

Location Specifics

Located next to Dunkin Donuts.

Get Directions
Hours
  • Monday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM - 2 PM

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

Programs we offer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock Wexford, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

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

School of Rock Wexford'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 Wexford 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 Wexford.

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 Wexford 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 Wexford.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Wexford

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Wexford

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Wexford 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 Wexford, 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 Wexford 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 Wexford, 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 Wexford.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Wexford

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Wexford 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 Wexford 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 Wexford, 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 Wexford 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 Wexford, 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 Wexford

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Co-Owner, Music Director Quinn Lukas
Quinn Lukas
Co-Owner, Music Director
Quinn Lukas is a musician based out of Pittsburgh, PA. He started playing drums at the tender age of 2 and moved on to playing live at 5 years old. At the age of 9, Lukas picked up the guitar and hasn't put it down since.

In a musical career that spans nearly two decades, Lukas has traveled the globe, opening for and touring with the likes of Black Sabbath with Dio, Twisted Sister, YT, Winger, Cinderella, Kamelot, and more. For three years, Lukas toured North America as the lead guitarist for Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno. He has developed a style of his own, merging the best elements of neo-classical metal, modern rock, classic rock, and Southern blues.

Lukas is currently the guitar player for Icarus Witch, a hard rock band signed to Cleopatra Records. Lukas tracked axes on the last three critically acclaimed Icarus Witch albums.
Benjamin Wells Drum Instructor, Little Wing and Rock Rookies Director
Benjamin Wells
Drum Instructor, Little Wing and Rock Rookies Director
My name is Ben Wells. For as long as I can remember, I've had a huge passion for music. Both of my parents were musicians (my father being a rock drummer and my mother having her master's in operatic voice from CMU) so I was always around great music and was encouraged to pursue my interests. I started playing drum set when I was five and never stopped. I was mesmerized after discovering bands like Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin etc, and I steeped myself in as much music as I could. Because of this, my roots lie in classic/progressive rock, as well as funk, but I was fortunate enough to attend the University of North Carolina, and received my bachelor's degree in music industry and jazz studies. In my time studying music, I got to play jazz with so many amazing musicians and I feel as if this has really influenced my style for the better. These days, I love playing jazz and hip hop style grooves, but I make sure never to forget the artists that got me behind the kit in the first place.
Giovanni Mori - Guitar Instructor, Studio Coordinator
Giovanni Mori
Guitar Instructor, Studio Coordinator
Giovanni Mori (also known as Gio) has been playing music since his parents bought him his first guitar for his twelfth birthday. Prior to joining School of Rock as a student in 2016, Gio has already obtained many years of performance experience by singing and acting in musical theater productions since elementary school. He began taking the guitar seriously after listening to the simple but powerful guitar work from Angus Young of AC/DC and taking lessons from a local Pittsburgh musician named Joe Rossi (also known as Smoking Joe), who introduced Gio to blues guitar and musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix. Some bands that inspire Gio to this day include The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Nirvana, Green Day, Evanescence, Black Flag, Soundgarden, and tons more! Gio is currently attending Point Park University as an English major and plays in multiple Pittsburgh bands including Eye Candy, Chub Clampion, and Faith By Order.
Michael Conrad Drum Teacher, Little Wing Director, Rock Rookies Director
Michael Conrad
Drum Teacher, Little Wing Director, Rock Rookies Director
What started as a childhood obsession is quickly becoming a way of life for me. Drumming since diapers, I started my musical journey on the Trombone in 4th grade. I wanted to play the drums, but since I had the longest arms in the group, that was what was assigned to me. Since then, I have always taken the approach of music first, instrument second. I see music as a language. As an output for your emotional expression. As a way of life and breathing. The instrument is the paintbrush. It does not matter what kind of brush they use, a painter will paint.

My lifelong passion is education. As Neil Peart would say, “what is a master, if not a masterful student?” I feel that every single person on Earth is here for a purpose, and mine is to teach music. Since graduating from IUP in 2021, I have made it my mission to become the best educator on the Earth.

I have been playing in musical ensembles for as long as I can remember, and I have been playing with a Western PA funk band called “Black Ridge” for the better part of 6 years. Together, we have built an incredible trajectory while releasing 3 studio albums, the last, “Raw Power”, being nominated for Album of The Year by Rock Station 99.7 FM.

I feel that I have the tools, knowledge, drive, and energy to help your children succeed at any age level. Everyone deserves to have an opportunity in music, and I cannot wait to share it’s gifts with you.
Krystyn Snyder-Houck Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
Krystyn Snyder-Houck
Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Krystyn is a classically trained violinist with over 20 years of experience including piano and vocals. Krystyn grew up outside Baltimore, Maryland with a passion for music that started at 4 years old. After moving to Wexford and graduating from North Allegheny, she returned to Towson to continue her music education. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Krystyn has been teaching private piano, vocal and violin lessons since 2003, and performing with various bands, string groups and The Pittsburgh Philharmonic. In 2019 she coproduced a folk soundtrack for 116 MacDougal the movie, alongside Grammy award winning engineer Jimmy Hoyson at the Vault Recording Studio in Neville Island.

Krystyn is passionate about living life with joy and laughter and helping each student identify and expand their talents in fun and creative ways.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Assistant Show Director Roger Harris
Roger Harris
Bass Guitar Teacher, Assistant Show Director
Roger is a musician born and raised in the southern United States and is now located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Roger asked for a bass guitar for Christmas when he was 13, and the rest is history. Self-taught on bands like Green Day and Blink-182, Roger joined his high school’s marching, percussion, and jazz bands to expand his knowledge and expertise. In college, he played both bass and guitar in a variety of bands, from a ska punk rock band to a country pop cover band and everything in between.

Roger currently plays around the Pittsburgh area with his group River & Root and is always looking for new musical pursuits and collaborations. He is excited to bring his passion for music to his teaching and wants to help students become the rock stars they truly are.
Guitar Teacher, Show Director Jon Haden
Jon Haden
Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Jon has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He started at 15 and grew up with the grunge and rock hits of the '90s. During college, this interest in music deepened and Jon began learning music theory and advanced/virtuoso techniques. He wanted to not only be able to play music but understand it, helping to spur his creativity and ability to improvise.

Always chasing inspiration, Jon values rehearsing and writing music just as much as being able to express something in the moment. Since college he has been active in local bands, gone on some small tours, and left a 14-year accounting career to work in the trades of his passions. Although he specializes in rock, metal, and blues, Jon is well-versed in most styles of music. He is also a vocalist, plays Native American flute, and dabbles with harmonica.

Some of Jon's favorite artists include Led Zeppelin, Nile, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Morbid Angel, The Black Keys, and Gorguts. Being a self-taught musician, he has developed a passion for helping others find their path in the never-ending journey of learning and expressing.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Show Director Brandon Vallejo
Brandon Vallejo
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Immersed in music from childhood, Brandon began writing music and performing across many genres from a young age. He initially studied music performance and theory in college until he began touring nationwide and playing festivals at just 19 years old with various bands and artists such as Swiss metal band Virvum and Colorado’s Vale of Pnath.

After taking a break to return to school, Brandon is now studying music technology at Duquesne University and is eager to pass on the joys of playing music to the next generation.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar, Show Director Chris Beaulieu
Chris Beaulieu
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar, Show Director
Chris started playing bass in 2006 and a couple of years later he joined his high school jazz band and started a band called The Winter Brave with two of his best friends. The Winter Brave mostly played small local shows until 2013 when they caught the attention of Dave Grohl in a Reddit AMA and received a bunch of internet fans overnight. In the year that followed, the band relocated to Boston, played SXSW, and received attention from record executives. Unfortunately, the band was young and had no idea what they were doing. With little social media presence, little touring experience, and little connection to an actual music scene, their momentum fizzled out and Chris ended up leaving the band.

Chris moved back to Pittsburgh to get involved in the DIY music scene here and began practicing guitar. He soon started releasing experimental folk music under the moniker "vireo" and toured the East Coast, performing everywhere from clubs, coffee shops, colleges, punk houses, and stranger’s living rooms. Occasionally, Chris composes music for short films that no one sees. Chris also plays electric guitar in the rock band Herbivore and sometimes plays banjo for other projects. He joined the Pittsburgh Indie band String Machine in 2022. The band has been featured in Stereogum, Pitchfork, and Paste magazine and has toured nationally.

Chris believes you don’t have to be the most technically proficient guitar player to exercise creativity and write songs. Conversely, he also believes that you don't have to be the most creative individual to be a good musician! He loves to help students identify their musical goals and then help them work towards achieving those goals.
Vocal Teacher, Show Director, Studio Coordinator Emily Stroup
Emily Stroup
Vocal Teacher, Show Director, Studio Coordinator
Emily has been singing for as long as she has been talking. When she was 10 years old, Emily emphasized her love for music which then allowed her parents to put her into music lessons, starting with violin and eventually leading to vocal lessons. The more she sang, the more she started to find her love for all different kinds of music, especially hard rock and metal. She wanted to be in a band but did not know where to go for it.

When Emily was a freshman in high school, her mom found out about School of Rock and enrolled her right away. The shows that she played in during her time in the program allowed her to find new interests in music. That allowed her to then pick up the bass and start to play it. Some of the artists that continue to inspire Emily include Paramore, Nothing More, Icarus Witch, Twenty One Pilots, and Sleep Token.
Drum Teacher, Show Director, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher Stephen Kaib
Stephen Kaib
Drum Teacher, Show Director, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Stephen has been connected to music in some form for as long as he can remember. He started taking drum lessons when he was 3 years old and after a few years, he joined his school bands and never stopped. Stephen played in school bands ranging from orchestras to jazz bands. He began learning the set-in-middle schedule and quickly started playing in rock bands with his friends spanning the gamut of genres.

After high school, Stephen decided music was his calling and decided to go to college to be a music teacher, playing in all types of jazz bands, orchestras, and musical pits. Since graduating, Stephen has played shows all around Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas in multiple bands.
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

An awesome way to express talent!

We are so proud of our grandson and what School of Rock provides beyond the nurturing of their talents, like confidence, self-esteem, growth and friendship.

We're beyond pleased.

The progress our daughter has made as a musician, a teammate and a role model to younger kids since she started taking lessons at School of Rock 16 months ago is amazing. It has been the perfect place for her to grow personally and artistically.

The live performances are great!

School of Rock provides kids with not only music instruction, but many opportunities to perform in amazing venues in front of audiences. The experiences my son has received has done wonders in building his self-esteem.

Thank you, School of Rock!

The performances are amazing. We are so proud of our daughter and how she has come out of her shell. It's all because of you guys!

By submitting your email address you are verifying that you are 13 years or older.