Our Experienced Music Teachers
All of School of Rock Zionsville’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.
Steve McFarland Owner
Steve began his musical career at age 16 playing with bands such as Kiss, Aerosmith, Van Halen and Rush. Okay, it was air guitar, but he was a rocking pretender from an early age. Actually, if you fast forward 30 years... Steve saw the idea for School of Rock and wished it would have been around when he was young. After seeing his children take endless lessons with no motivation, the idea of getting kids on stage with School of Rock just made sense. With a sports background and having coached youth sports for many years, the idea of School of Rock was natural to him: individual lessons (practice), group rehearsals (team practice) and the show (the game). "I've always wondered why some people 'make' their kids take an instrument just because they think it's a good idea to learn an instrument. You don't hear of anyone making their kids take a sport and never playing on a team or in a game. Why make them take endless lessons with no chance to perform?" As the owner, Steve challenges his team to make sure we are enriching kids' lives in everything they do: lessons, shows, camps or just having cheese bread.
Allyssa Huff General Manager
Allyssa has had a soft spot for music since she was just a little kid, singing Disney songs at the top of her lungs. She still sings Disney at the top of her lungs, but music has played such a huge part in her life since her younger days. Allyssa has been a member of her school choirs since she was in fifth grade, then went on to perform as a vocalist with her high school's jazz band at places like Walt Disney World and in the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.
After attending Ball State University, she joined a local band and was fortunate enough to travel the country, singing her heart out.
Now Allyssa is so excited to be a part of the incredible team that makes up School of Rock. Not only because she gets to work around music, but because she gets to watch music take hold in a young person's life.
James Pacovsky Drum Teacher
James Pacovsky is a drum instructor at School of Rock Zionsville. He has been playing drums since he was 12. He started performing live in front of crowds
with bands he formed with neighborhood friends and has since played in schools, night clubs, large stages opening for national acts, and restaurants. He has produced bands, booked shows for bands, and also manages Zionsville local school marketing. His coolest ‘gig’ was playing in front of 30,000 runners during the Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
Abigail Clark Singing Teacher
Abigail is a music teacher, session singer, performer, and recording artist. She has been performing and recording on a professional level for 14 years. She has had the privilege of teaching music in Amsterdam and Africa, as well as working with music industry veterans such as The John Mellencamp Band, Carlene Carter, Ben and Noel Haggard, John Sebastian, and Elliot Murphy.
Ethan Rupert Keyboard Teacher
Now a full-time musician, Ethan found his passion for music when he was very young. Eager to get onstage, he formed a band with his friends at the age of 13 and hasn't looked back since. In the last decade, Ethan has performed in over 200 live shows with approximately 20 different musical groups. He currently gigs in and around Indiana with his psychedelic rock group "Pushing Daisey's Band." With influences such as Stevie Wonder, The Grateful Dead, and The Meters, Ethan loves to branch out and experience all genres of music.
Tommy Hajduk Guitar Teacher
Born and raised in the Midwest, Tommy has been writing and playing in bands for over two decades. Beginning his musical journey in punk, then progressing through various styles (e.g., metal, prog rock, folk, and alternative), he’s played with many different groups.
In 2015, he released his first solo record The Sailor and the Sea, beginning his foray into audio production and engineering. He subsequently wrote, recorded, and produced two more full-length albums under the moniker Tommy Icarus (We are Safe & Musing from the mind of Madness I).
Though sometimes playing with a full outfit, Tommy does most of his live performances as a solo operation, and often can be found at local venues or touring regionally/nationally.