Amanda Zurich General Manager
Amanda's passion and appreciation for music began at a young age through her father's collection of rock and roll. That collection shifted into her own library of endless genres as she began traveling and volunteering at various music festivals and concerts across the states. In her early years, Amanda took the stage in choir, musical theatre and dance. Upon graduating the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a BA in Communication, she was able to channel her passion for live entertainment and media by successfully starting a career in New York City. Her profession began in talent & production with music television channels such as Fuse, Vh1, MTV and VICE. After transitioning her career from TV to music, Amanda began managing numerous summer tours under Primary Wave Music. Today, Amanda manages and books artists on the East Coast. Her goal is to bring the power and escape of music to other's lives. She is thankful for the opportunity to do so here at School of Rock!
Joey Cassata Music Director and Drum Teacher
Joey’s band ZO2 toured nationally with such acts as Kiss, Poison, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Scorpions, Dream Theater, Cinderella and many more. Joey has been a member of the world-renowned Trans Siberian Orchestra for over 13 years and also starred in, co-wrote and co-produced the hit IFC comedy series "Z Rock." Joey performed over 500 shows in the "New York Times" critically acclaimed Broadway musical "The Great Comet of 1812." It starred Josh Groban and received 12 Tony nominations. Recently, Joey began drumming for Mr. Big’s Eric Martin and in Broadway's new hit comedy, "Gettin’ the Band Back Together."
Michael Reuben Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher
Mike Moon Reuben is a guitarist/producer/songwriter/vocalist who is known for his work with p-funk legends Bernie Worrell &The Woo Warriors, Dawn Silva and The Brides Of Funkenstein, and George Clinton and Chops Horns. He has also worked and performed with hip-hop groups EPMD, Shock-G of Digital Underground, the R&B group Xscape, Gloria Gaynor and Leela James. He has worked with rock artists such as Kip Winger, Buckethead, TM Stevens as well as jazz/fusion artists such as Wayne Escoffrey, Jeremy Pelt, Ian Hendrickson Smith, Larry Goldings, Stanley Jordan and Johnnie Oneal. Mike Moon Reuben has also written, produced and mastered albums under his own name entitled "Blacklight Lullabies" and "Alice To The Moon," both which delve into the areas of funk, R&B, rock, hip-hop and jazz/fusion genres. Mike currently works with various bands and vocalists in the NY & NJ metropolitan area, specializing in R&B, jazz, funk, rock, hip-hop and hospel genres, as well as producing and writing music for various artists.
Kendall Lantz Drum Teacher
Kendall has been playing drums since he first put the sticks in his hands at the age of nine. Since that time, he has followed his passion and dream to play drums. In 2005, Kendall studied percussion at Berklee College of Music's summer program. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he enrolled at Musicians Institute and obtained an Associates degree in Performance Art. Since then, Kendall has been playing drums in New York City, and across the country with countless bands of various genres. Kendall has a love for teaching and enjoys helping students learn to play music. His ability to adapt and play what the music calls for is his strength. His versatility and capability to play all genres give Kendall a unique ability, which he brings to teaching here at School of Rock.
Elizabeth Sullivan Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher, and Singing Teacher
Elizabeth teaches piano, guitar, vocals, ear training, songwriting, composition and music theory. She has been cultivating her musical knowledge for over 30 years. Elizabeth is a graduate of the Hunter College Music Department with a BA in Music and Phi Beta Kappa honors.
Elizabeth believes music to be a true gift, and is always excited to share her knowledge and passion for learning instruments with everyone and anyone that is seeking to learn.
Joey Walsh Vocal Instructor
Joey Walsh found punk rock at the age of 13 and it changed his life. After growing up performing musical theatre, he began to embrace music that he’s truly passionate about. A self professed rock n' roll encyclopedia, he loves all things loud, fast and leather clad. After honing his vocal and songwriting abilities at Berklee College of Music, he now actively pursues the life of a working/touring musician. Taking his tunes across the US and Canada, he lives to write, perform and record. He believes School of Rock is the perfect way to teach kids about crucial technique and skills, but most importantly to love music. He is a vocal instructor at School of Rock Clark.
Carolyn Hislip Studio Coordinator
As a child, Carolyn had a passion for music and her parents nurtured that passion by putting a juke box in their living room. That was the first place she performed, right in her living room. As soon as school began, she performed at any given opportunity, singing at any talent show she could. A few years later, she started writing, singing, and performing her own songs. This passion has continued to follow her through her life. She still writes songs and sings to this day. Carolyn is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and truly believes in School of Rock. She believes that nurturing a child’s passion for music can lead to great things, even if it means putting a juke box in the living room.
Benji Daniels Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher and Keyboard Teacher
Benji Daniels is a Chicago born bassist, producer, and educator who recently relocated to New Jersey. He first gained a passion for music at the age of 5, as he began studying the piano. As this passion grew, Benji was referred to the School of Rock in Chicago. Here he flourished as his passion for music became even greater! In 2014, Benji was offered a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he majored in Bass Performance. Since graduating, Benji has been performing and producing in the Chicago Music Scene. He has performed at venues such as, Rivinia, Canopy Club,Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, and more!
Josh November Bass Guitar Teacher and Guitar Teacher
Josh November graduated in 2014 from William Paterson University's renowned Jazz Performance program. During his time there, he had the privilege of playing upright bass in ensembles directed by jazz giants such as Mulgrew Miller, James Weidman, Cecil Bridgewater, and Harold Maybern. Since graduation, he has enjoyed many teaching and performing opportunities. Some highlights include teaching the bassist for Sleeping With Sirens, performing with award winning Netflix director and musician Blitz the Ambassador, rocking out with American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis, performing at Hezekiah Walker's Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, touring with his own rock band for up to a month on the road, and appearing alongside Anne Hathaway in an episode of Modern Love. Josh looks forward to connecting with students at School of Rock to help them achieve their musical dreams!
JILL BECKETT Bass Guitar Teacher and Guitar Teacher
Jill has been growing up around guitar and music since she was a child. At the age of 12 she picked up guitar and never wanted to put it down. Once discovering her greatest love for alternative and rock music, she decided to start a band playing guitar and writing original music at the age of 14 and since then never stopped playing in a band. She learned all about music theory, guitar and songwriting from her father and from playing with other people in high school. In 2017, Jill started a new project called "Pollyanna" singing/writing and playing guitar. After graduating high school she decided to pursue playing and touring around the country, as well as playing Warped Tour in 2018. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge on guitar and writing music and believes School Of Rock is an amazing way to truly connect with learning to play music and have fun while doing it.
Jack Wagner Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Jack Wagner is a 2020 graduate from the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Jazz Studies. At the end of his senior year he received the Outstanding Undergraduate Performance Award, the Excellence in Jazz Award, and the New Jersey Jazz Society Scholarship.
During his time at Montclair, Jack got to study with renowned musicians such as Dave Stryker, Marcus Printup, David Cook, and Mike Lee. He has experience playing in a wide variety of ensembles-- from pit orchestra performance’s to playing in multiple local rock bands. Jack looks forward to inspiring his students and sharing with them the joy of creating music while nurturing their creativity.