Virginia Beach
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Virginia Beach

Map
School of Rock Virginia Beach
1552 Mill Dam Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(757) 227-5797
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

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

School of Rock is happy to serve Virginia Beach and surrounding areas with quality music lessons from real, practicing musicians. We teach everything from singing to piano, bass guitar and drums. While the Virgina Beach area is particularly fond of rock, country music and hip hop are also popular. Pharrell Williams is from Virginia Beach and hosts a huge music festival here called Something in the Water. At School of Rock, students can perform live shows and develop their skills in a supportive learning environment. With enough practice, maybe they can one day rise to the level of performing at Something in the Water.

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in Virginia Beach
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Virginia Beach

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Virginia Beach

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Virginia Beach

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Owner Eric Lonning
Eric Lonning
Owner
School of Rock Virginia Beach is owned by Eric Lonning, a life-long Virginia Beach resident. Throughout his childhood, Eric took guitar and drum lessons, played in bands, and had success touring and recording with a great group of friends and bandmates. Later, Eric pursued a career in marketing before returning to music with School of Rock. Eric's mission is to create a music school where students will become outstanding musicians, but more importantly, inspiring and amazing individuals. Eric went to nearby First Colonial High School and attended Wake Forest University where he studied Communication and Religion.
Jennifer Lonning
Owner
Jennifer and Eric Lonning own the School of Rock in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jennifer pursued a career in Orthopedic Sales. She loved working with doctors and patients throughout Hampton Roads, but she jumped at the chance to join School of Rock full-time in 2017. Jennifer focuses on community outreach, early childhood music programs, camps and overall school operations. When she's not at School of Rock, Jenn keeps busy with the Lonnings' three children, Max, Emily and Izzy.
Drum Teacher Cary Greco
Cary Greco
Drum Teacher
Cary Greco started playing drums at the age of 13 and was a decorated musician in the national award winning Kempsville High School Marching Chiefs. Cary was drumline captain and recipient of the Top Percussionist and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. In 2004, Cary won the Guitar Center Drum Off in Virginia Beach, VA. Cary has worked in local studios and most recently with Soul Haven Studios. He can be heard on The Right On Band’s Gold and Platinum Plus albums. He also had performed on a #5 hit on Billboard’s CD singles with “Never Alone” off of The Right On Band’s Platinum Plus album.

Cary is currently performing with “The World’s Greatest 80s Tribute Act,” The Deloreans Band. He has also performed locally and worldwide with 58 bands! Cary had the honor of performing with Steve Cropper at The Kentucky Derby and Smokey Robinson at President Obama’s first Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball. He has also played at President George W. Bush’s 2nd Inauguration, in the White House, in 3 continents, for 3 U.S. Presidents and many African Leaders, and in front of MILLIONS of viewers for the 2009 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Time Square Live on Fox News.

In 2017 Cary began teaching at The School of Rock in Virginia Beach. He has been a drum instructor, master class instructor, and even an instrument repair tech.
Jake Small
Music Director
Jake has degrees from the University of Virginia in Music and Physics. Jake has been playing live music for close to a decade and has extensive experience teaching music. Jake began at School of Rock when the Virginia Beach location opened, and quickly moved from a guitar instructor, to Rock 101 instructor and Show Director. Jake has experience working with all age groups at School of Rock. As Music Director, Jake creates a safe and engaging environment for students to achieve their musical and creative goals. You can catch Jake's band, Pretty Ugly, playing throughout Virginia Beach, and they recently released their first album. Jacob is passionate about sharing his touring and recording experience with musicians of all levels.
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Carlton Baker
Carlton Baker
Assistant Music Director, Camp Director
Carlton Baker knew music was his calling by the age of twelve. After sharpening his skills in church and throughout grade school, Carlton attended Norfolk State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in Voice. During his time at NSU, he was on scholarship through the Concert Choir, which entailed extensive travel and classical performances. Carlton is also a self-taught guitar player which allows him to be a versatile singer-songwriter and performer. Carlton has a genuine love for cultivating young people’s gifts and wants to encourage them to share their talents with the world.
Guitar Teacher Jason Cale
Jason Cale
Guitar Teacher
Jason Cale is a singer/songwriter and guitarist from South Mississippi. After traveling the world performing all styles of music, he's made his home in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia where he regularly performs as a solo, duo, trio or with The Jason Cale Band (Contemporary Blues Fusion). When he's not performing music, you'll find him teaching at The School of Rock or in his studio where he enjoys writing, recording, and producing all styles of music. Jason has used his diverse talents with a number of different professional acts: Sandra Bernhard (celebrity comedian/actress), John Popper (Blues Traveler), Joe Bonamassa (Blues guitarist), The Conan O'Brien Show w/Jimmy Vivino and Grace Potter, Melina Leon (musician/actress), and many others!
Drum Teacher Tyler Connelly
Tyler Connelly
Drum Teacher
Tyler is a Virginia Beach native who grew up learning from many of the area masters. Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist, but his true passion is the drum set. He loves taking advanced patterns and rudiments and applying them to the drum set. Tyler is an experienced performer, playing in punk and rock bands and even drumming for established country acts. Tyler has been a mainstay at the School of Rock, where students enjoy his laid back demeanor and care-free beach vibes.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher Alfred Evans
Alfred Evans
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alfred is an established musician in the local scene, known for his use of the organ in rock and blues settings. Alfred grew up learning classical piano and loves teaching students fundamentals and music theory as well as the skills they need to conquer the stage in a live music setting. Alfred keeps his lessons fun and unpredictable while still giving kids the tools they need to read music and grow as musicians.
Guitar Teacher Joe Graves
Joe Graves
Guitar Teacher
Joe is a local legend and popular guitar teacher at School of Rock Virginia Beach. Joe has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember and recorded and toured throughout the east coast with his band, TRUCK. A mainstay at School of Rock, you will find Joe teaching guitar lessons, coaching bands, and fixing whatever is broken.
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Igor Kuzmin
Igor Kuzmin
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Igor Kuzmin loves to drum! Born in Russia, Igor moved to the US at age 9. Igor's love of rhythm began when he heard someone making beats on the table in elementary school. The rest is history! Igor's formal music instruction began with middle and high school band courses which ultimately led him to study music at Old Dominion University. Prior to teaching at School of Rock, Igor assisted the drumlines at Indian River and Granby High School. Since 2006, Igor has performed in ten bands ranging from grunge to jazz and everything in between. Igor joined School of Rock in 2017 and has yet to have a bad day.
Mike Morgan
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Piano Teacher
Mike Morgan is a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience playing drum set and other percussion including congas, bongos and timbales. Mike also has significant experience on keyboard, bass and guitar. Prior to joining School of Rock Virginia Beach, Mike worked at the Norfolk location for over two years. Mike officially began playing drums when he was around 10 years old on popcorn tubs covered with towels and large pots. Mike still uses the same white CB percussion drum set he got when he was 16 for recording and gigs. Mike drums for several local bands in the Hampton Roads area, including Mosquito Cabaret, Janks, Saving Daylight and Ghost Town Union. He also records his own instruments and vocals for his one-man band project, Sundef. Mike's drumming influences include Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, jazz great Elvin Jones, Abe Cunningham of Deftones, Chico Hamilton, Poncho Sanchez and Santana just to name a few.
Cory Pettiford Guitar Teacher
Cory Pettiford
Guitar Teacher
Cory Pettiford started playing guitar at age 9 and has almost 50 years of playing experience! Cory was awarded the prestigious C1 special skill identifier by the US Army Element, School of Music, indicating that his playing ability and musicianship was among the top 10% of all Army guitarists worldwide. Over the years, Cory has won multiple Guitarmageddon competitions put on by Guitar Center and was flown to Atlanta and Orlando to participate in higher levels of competition. Cory is well versed in rock, jazz, pop, and funk guitar styles.
Guitar Teacher Joe Graves
Joe Graves
Guitar Teacher
Virginia Beach native Joe "Whitebread" Graves has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember. Joe formed his first band at First Colonial High School and went on to record several albums and play extensively around Hampton Roads.

Joe loves working with the Rock 101 students at School of Rock Virginia Beach. He is so happy to see that rock and roll is alive and well, and he loves inspiring the next generation of performers.
Singing Teacher Maria Ramirez
Maria Ramirez
Vocal Teacher
Maria Ramirez is a bilingual performer, producer, vocalist, and keyboardist who owns her own mixed media production company. Maria jumped into the world of musical theater and chorus as a high school student, before moving into music production and mentoring vocalists in the recording studio environment. She also has experience with music production including music engineering, mixing, and mastering. She has also toured with the American Electric Light Orchestra and has many years of building client relationships.

Maria is excited to be a part of School of Rock Virginia Beach while she continues to pursue her dreams of recording original music and working on various creative projects.
Vocal Teacher Morgan Hopkins
Morgan Hopkins
Vocal Teacher
Morgan is a highly accomplished singer/songwriter with a proven track record in the music industry. As the lead vocalist and band manager of the popular local band, Soft Plan, she has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent. Before her involvement with Soft Plan, Morgan showcased her skills as the singer/front woman for the band Candi and as a singer for The Michael Goldberg Band.

In addition to her musical achievements, Morgan has also demonstrated her versatility as a performer, both as a singer and actor. She showcased her talents in the production "Deja The Wall" at the prestigious Sandler Center.

Morgan's expertise extends beyond her own performances. She has received training from renowned institutions such as Starling Voice Studio and the William Esper Studio in New York. With a passion for exploring different vocal techniques, Morgan is dedicated to finding what works best for each vocalist. She believes in creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment that allows artists to grow and thrive. Morgan's love for her craft shines through in her commitment to providing a nurturing space for aspiring artists. She finds joy in guiding and supporting others on their artistic journey.
Guitar Teacher Ross Ellis
Ross Ellis
Guitar Teacher
Ross is a dedicated and experienced instructor with over three years of teaching expertise. With a passion for the performing arts, Ross boasts more than seven years of performance experience, including an impressive three-year stint entertaining audiences at Busch Gardens. His extensive background in theater spans over eight years, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his teaching.

In addition to his work on stage, Ross has showcased his talents on cruise ships, contributing to his well-rounded and diverse performance background. Not only is Ross a skilled performer and instructor, but he is also fluent in Japanese, adding a unique cultural perspective to his teaching approach. With a commitment to fostering creativity and skill development, Ross is a valued teacher who brings a rich blend of performance and instructional experience to every class!
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

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

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