School of Rock is a music school available to eager musicians of all ages, founded by Paul Green in 1998.
School of Rock has allowed many kids experience what live performances are like through their many performance programs. Many of said musicians are of middle to high school age.
“My overall favorite part of School of Rock is being able to share my love of music with other people,” said freshman Emma Lewis. “It makes me feel more confident in my own abilities as a musician, as well as making it easier to build connections with the other kids!”
Lewis is a vocalist at the school and has been attending for eight years. She even managed to learn piano and guitar on top of her singing abilities. Lewis also attends the Governor’s School of the Arts.
School of Rock offers a variety of opportunities depending on what a potential student is looking for. From songwriting to their House Band program, there is sure to be something for any eager musician. The majority of programs have a performance at the end because the School of Rock’s musical education methods are performance-based. However, private lessons are also offered.
“Performances are interesting!” said James Wolford, a sophomore at Grassfield High School and a drummer at his local School of Rock. “They’re extremely nerve-wracking, but I’ve noticed the more I’ve performed, the less serious it’s become and is more about having a good time!”
At the end of each performance program, which consists of weekly rehearsals with a band filled with students, there is a concert where the kids and teens perform the set they’ve been rehearsing together over the course of a few months.
“My overall motivation for performing is to connect with other people. If someone in the audience is really sad and I sing a song they connect with, it can make them feel less alone,” said Lewis. “Those kinds of nonverbal connections are what I think music is all about: making people feel heard.”
All are accepted into the performance bands. However, the House Band is an additional year-long program that requires an audition, authenticating a real band and gigging experience. Students interested in the House Band program are required to perform multiple songs and answer music theory questions in front of their school’s judges. Those accepted will have weekly rehearsals and multiple performances throughout the year. The amount of performances depends on the School of Rock location they are attending.
“House Band is a little more serious compared to performance groups. Since there’s an audition required to get in, the people you play with are all considerably good,” said Alaina Barker, a freshman at Hickory High School and a drummer at her local School of Rock. “Being able to play for House Band has been very beneficial for me as a musician.”
School of Rock is also very adaptable for those who are unable to find a location locally by providing online services.
The School of Rock is geared towards kids who want to advance their musical talent and gain experience performing on stage. Their programs advance the skills of those who attend and teach them cooperation and confidence in addition to musical competence. On top of that, they also offer a free trial lesson, meaning there’s nothing to lose by taking a chance on this school.
