Contact Information, Hours and Basic Information for School of Rock Franklin
About School of Rock Franklin
Welcome to School of Rock Franklin—a haven for aspiring musicians who love rock n’ roll. We believe live performance is the most fun and effective way to teach an instrument, which is why we get kids playing on stage as quickly as possible. Our classes are tailored to all age groups and levels of proficiency, and instructors are passionate about creating a legacy of music by helping students succeed in music and beyond.
We also believe that music is more than a solo act. That’s why School of Rock Franklin teaches kids to play alone and as part of a team. This approach promotes accountability, speeds up the learning process, and fosters an inclusive community of rockers in Franklin. Students are not only learning an instrument—they’re making friends, building confidence, and becoming better people.
Want to know more? Visit School of Rock Franklin to get a feel for our methods and community.
School of Rock Franklin's Performance Program is all about translating our students' abilities to play in the lesson room to performing for real on stage. In addition to refining their overall skill and proficiency as musicians, students learn what comes with being part of a band: teamwork, collaboration, and the special brand of fun that only comes from sharing awesome experiences with others.
Students learn, absorb, and perform iconic hits from some of history's greatest rock and roll performers including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Van Halen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and many more. No matter what they perform, our students will learn incredible skills and enjoy epic experiences that will last a lifetime.
All students in Franklin's Performance Program can expect:
• Weekly private music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • Weekly band rehearsal to get students prepared for real shows • Real-life performances on stage at amazing venues • Advanced instruction in fundamentals such as stage performance, harmonies, musicianship, and more • Fun, music, and education wrapped into one all-inclusive experience!
Our Rock 101 Program at School of Rock Franklin is focused on making the first steps of a young student’s journey both fun and successful. The days of mundane music instruction are over. At School of Rock Franklin, we believe that playing music together is the only real path to mastering an instrument and developing a true love for music.
In Rock 101, we focus our instruction on the one instrument that students have chosen to study. Whether we’re teaching scales, chords, notes, or time signatures, we put concepts in context so students understand how the principles they learn are applied to real music. Using some of the world’s most famous songs and infusing fun into every chord, Rock 101 allows Franklin students to enhance their skills and move on to our Performance Program.
School of Rock Franklin’s Rock 101 students can expect:
• Weekly private music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • Weekly group rehearsals to reinforce basic concepts and skills in a band setting • A firm grasp of the fundamentals of technique and music theory • An understanding of what it means to play solo and in a group • Real knowledge gained through real fun!
Our top performers can audition for School of Rock Franklin’s most prestigious honor: a spot in our AllStars program! School of Rock’s AllStars represent the best of the best from School of Rock’s global network of schools and students. Equipped with incredible musical abilities, killer work ethics and leadership skills, our AllStars have the talent and drive to grow into the next generation of musical greats.
Every summer, our AllStars embark on an authentic concert tour for a one-of-a-kind experience. Our Franklin musicians perform with All Star bands in multiple live shows at high-profile venues across the country, including Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Hangout Music Fest, NAMM, Gathering of the Vibes, and countless others. AllStars also get to share the stage and learn from music legends like Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder, and Slash, to name a few. The AllStars experience gives aspiring musicians the best glimpse of what a professional music career is like.
AllStars selected from School of Rock Franklin can expect:
• Real-world performances where they can master their skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and/or vocals • An authentic tour experience with multiple live shows in various cities • Taking the stage with the best of the best from School of Rock’s global community • A chance to perform at legendary events and venues, side-by-side with top artists • A truly epic rock experience like no other!
School of Rock Franklin’s Rookies Program is designed for first and second graders to provide a fun introduction to music fundamentals. Among other tools, we use proprietary setups for guitar, bass, drums and keyboard to provide a gateway to understanding music. The skills and passion for music that we teach our students gets them ready for Rock 101 and a lasting appreciation for music.
Our Franklin Rookies learn the fundamental concepts of pitch, rhythm, form and dynamics with age-appropriate exercises, tools and games. We encourage our students to explore a variety of instruments and play styles so they can get familiar with all parts of the musical landscape; even the most incredible solo guitar players or drummers need to understand how the rest of the band works together.
All students in Franklin’s Rookies Program can expect:
• Weekly group lessons using guitar, bass, keyboard and drums • Exposure to essential fundamentals like music theory, pitch and rhythm • A focus on teamwork and collaboration • An understanding of what it means to play solo and in a group • Fun combined with practical learning!
School of Rock Franklin's Performance Program is all about translating our students' abilities to play in the lesson room to performing for real on stage. In addition to refining their overall skill and proficiency as musicians, students learn what comes with being part of a band: teamwork, collaboration, and the special brand of fun that only comes from sharing awesome experiences with others.
Students learn, absorb, and perform iconic hits from some of history's greatest rock and roll performers including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Van Halen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and many more. No matter what they perform, our students will learn incredible skills and enjoy epic experiences that will last a lifetime.
All students in Franklin's Performance Program can expect:
• Weekly private music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • Weekly band rehearsal to get students prepared for real shows • Real-life performances on stage at amazing venues • Advanced instruction in fundamentals such as stage performance, harmonies, musicianship, and more • Fun, music, and education wrapped into one all-inclusive experience!
Our Rock 101 Program at School of Rock Franklin is focused on making the first steps of a young student’s journey both fun and successful. The days of mundane music instruction are over. At School of Rock Franklin, we believe that playing music together is the only real path to mastering an instrument and developing a true love for music.
In Rock 101, we focus our instruction on the one instrument that students have chosen to study. Whether we’re teaching scales, chords, notes, or time signatures, we put concepts in context so students understand how the principles they learn are applied to real music. Using some of the world’s most famous songs and infusing fun into every chord, Rock 101 allows Franklin students to enhance their skills and move on to our Performance Program.
School of Rock Franklin’s Rock 101 students can expect:
• Weekly private music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • Weekly group rehearsals to reinforce basic concepts and skills in a band setting • A firm grasp of the fundamentals of technique and music theory • An understanding of what it means to play solo and in a group • Real knowledge gained through real fun!
Our top performers can audition for School of Rock Franklin’s most prestigious honor: a spot in our AllStars program! School of Rock’s AllStars represent the best of the best from School of Rock’s global network of schools and students. Equipped with incredible musical abilities, killer work ethics and leadership skills, our AllStars have the talent and drive to grow into the next generation of musical greats.
Every summer, our AllStars embark on an authentic concert tour for a one-of-a-kind experience. Our Franklin musicians perform with All Star bands in multiple live shows at high-profile venues across the country, including Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Hangout Music Fest, NAMM, Gathering of the Vibes, and countless others. AllStars also get to share the stage and learn from music legends like Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder, and Slash, to name a few. The AllStars experience gives aspiring musicians the best glimpse of what a professional music career is like.
AllStars selected from School of Rock Franklin can expect:
• Real-world performances where they can master their skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and/or vocals • An authentic tour experience with multiple live shows in various cities • Taking the stage with the best of the best from School of Rock’s global community • A chance to perform at legendary events and venues, side-by-side with top artists • A truly epic rock experience like no other!
School of Rock Franklin’s Rookies Program is designed for first and second graders to provide a fun introduction to music fundamentals. Among other tools, we use proprietary setups for guitar, bass, drums and keyboard to provide a gateway to understanding music. The skills and passion for music that we teach our students gets them ready for Rock 101 and a lasting appreciation for music.
Our Franklin Rookies learn the fundamental concepts of pitch, rhythm, form and dynamics with age-appropriate exercises, tools and games. We encourage our students to explore a variety of instruments and play styles so they can get familiar with all parts of the musical landscape; even the most incredible solo guitar players or drummers need to understand how the rest of the band works together.
All students in Franklin’s Rookies Program can expect:
• Weekly group lessons using guitar, bass, keyboard and drums • Exposure to essential fundamentals like music theory, pitch and rhythm • A focus on teamwork and collaboration • An understanding of what it means to play solo and in a group • Fun combined with practical learning!
Upcoming Events
June 29
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
School for Rock Franklin/Nashville House Band Rock the Nashville Shores Concert Series
Concert
The Barefootin' Concert Series will be held on Fridays in June and feature some of Music City's top local talent, including the talented kids at School of Rock Franklin/Nashville! The concert will ...
The Barefootin' Concert Series will be held on Fridays in June and feature some of Music City's top local talent, including the talented kids at School of Rock Franklin/Nashville! The concert will be held from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm during waterpark hours. Concert is included with a season pass or that day's waterpark admission.
Take a tour of School of Rock to see how our approach to music education teaches kids to rock their worlds.
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OUR SCHOOL OF ROCK INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are passionate, experienced, and student focused, and understand the power of mastering instruments through the group experience. Most of our instructors are multi-instrumentalists,...
Our instructors are passionate, experienced, and student focused, and understand the power of mastering instruments through the group experience. Most of our instructors are multi-instrumentalists, which helps them excel in providing private lessons and managing our group sessions.
Tyler Harris
General Manager
Tyler Harris holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from Morehead State University. He has been an educator for 13 years and has performed in musical ...
Tyler Harris holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from Morehead State University. He has been an educator for 13 years and has performed in musical situations that entailed everything from working as a freelance musician in duo, trios, quartets, etc. for various society functions and dinners, playing in the orchestra aboard a cruise ship where he performed with Herb Reed and the Platters, to playing in many musical theater productions. He has also performed with notable artists such as Vince DiMartino, Mike Hackett, Lou Fischer, Pat Harbison, Greg Abate, Ken Hatfield, Jamey Aebersold, Gordon Brisker, David Glover, Don Rigsby, David Bixler, Jason Tiemann, Lynne Arriale, and Steve Davis. Tyler worked as a graduate teaching assistant at Morehead State University where his duties included teaching private applied lessons, directing jazz ensembles and combos, and directing and arranging for guitar ensemble. He was private applied instructor of guitar, piano, and various other instruments in both Pikeville and Morehead, Kentucky as well as an adjunct instructor of music at the University of Pikeville where he taught Music Appreciation: Rock and Roll and Class Piano courses. Tyler’s musical background embraces a wide range of stylistic influences. Any music, as long as it “speaks” to the listener/student, is valid and can be used as an educational opportunity. From rock to jazz to blues to country and bluegrass, a diverse musical background will only broaden one’s musicality and usefulness in any performance or educational situation. His teaching philosophy is very focused on proper technique, a working knowledge of musical theory, and an ability to play in many styles. The most important lesson a student can be taught is not just how to play their instrument, but how to think about music.
Steve Rossi brings many years of experience to the Franklin School of Rock as a seasoned performer. Steve has performed on stage with Rock legend and guitar virtuoso, Peter Frampton on his North ...
Steve Rossi brings many years of experience to the Franklin School of Rock as a seasoned performer. Steve has performed on stage with Rock legend and guitar virtuoso, Peter Frampton on his North American tours, as well as other well-known artists such as vocalist extraordinaire, Taylor Dayne; eighties rock legends, Cinderella (North American tours); 60's rock roll pioneer, Gary U.S. Bonds, and many other high profile bands and artists across several continents. He has appeared on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Arsenio Hall Show and NBC's 'A 70s Celebration'Â with Taylor Dayne. Steve has also appeared with headliners 'The Bee Gees'Â and other notable 70's artists. Other appearances include Solid Gold with Gary U.S. Bonds and on MTV's The Grind. Steve's album credits include Stevie Wonder, John Kay Steppenwolf, and various other artists. He is an independent composer/producer of music for television multimedia. Clients include ABC/Disney, AE, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon Networks, and The Travel Channel, as well as various other corporate and independent clients. Steve scored 2 seasons of 'Surprise by Design'Â, hit home improvement series on Discovery Channel and is currently composing and producing original, in-program music for 'Good Morning America'Â
Angie has loved music her entire life. One of her earliest memories is listening to artists like Elvis Presley, the Doobie Brothers, Elton John and more with her parents and dancing around the liv...
Angie has loved music her entire life. One of her earliest memories is listening to artists like Elvis Presley, the Doobie Brothers, Elton John and more with her parents and dancing around the living room as a toddler. Angie was involved in dance as a young girl for 10 years and started singing at the age of 5 and joined her church choir as the the youngest member at the age of 8. Growing up, music class was her favorite and she will never forget her first music teacher for helping her develop and nurture her passion for music while in elementary school. In middle school, Angie was a member of the Ketron Singers who performed at the World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee and continued to develop her vocal skills with private instruction from 6th grade all the way through college. Angie continued to perform in high school with her high school jazz band and secured a spot her junior and senior years in the Tennessee All State Choir, as well as a slot in the Tennessee Governor's school for the Arts.
Heading into college, although Angie did not pursue a degree in music, she continued her vocal training and participated in many activities that allowed her to continue to sing on stage, as well as continuing to sing in her church choir and for other private functions. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology and worked in the pharmaceutical research industry for over 20 years. She did not, however, lose her passion for music and in 2011, after leaving her career in the pharmaceutical industry, she and her husband Kelly decided to open the first School of Rock in Tennessee in the Franklin/Cool Springs area and opened the Nashville location 2 years later. Having not been encouraged to pursue music as a career when she was younger, but to "get a real job", Angie is very passionate about providing this outlet for budding young musicians and has also seen both of her own children participate in the program and become School of Rock National AllStars in the process. Every day is a gift when she sees the students get excited about their music and performing in live music venues, and even when they get excited about just being in the building!
Bassist, guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, pianist, educator, and artist these are only a few words that describe Amanda McCoy. Amanda is one of the most in demand musicians working in the Nashville...
Bassist, guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, pianist, educator, and artist these are only a few words that describe Amanda McCoy. Amanda is one of the most in demand musicians working in the Nashville music scene. If Amanda isn't touring with one of many bands or artists, you will find her performing original material in Nashville, recording in the studio, teaching at the School of Rock, or getting messy with charcoal and paint. Since stepping onto the scene in late 2009, Amanda has delivered a power packed punch to Nashville. In those four years, she has shared the stage with Tristen Smith, Kevin Skinner, George Jones, Clint Black, Jo Dee Messina, the Charlie Daniels Band, Little Big Town, Daisy Mallory, Neil McCoy, the Eli Young Band, Eden's Edge, Lorrie Morgan, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Edgar Winter, and Molly Hatchet. Amanda has taught electric bass and guitar since 2001. Having received a BA in Music from Bethany College, she has studied extensively with Pandel Collaros, Victor Wooten, Regi Wooten, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Bailey, Frank Gambale, and Molly Pauken. Currently, Amanda is touring and recording with her band The Hurt, world-renowned progressive rock band - Pavlov's Dog, Tristen Smith, Zasz, Pandel Collaros, Kevin Skinner, Colleen Orender, The Sheagles, and The Broadband among others.Her latest album, The Hurt , is now available - she chose to do a physical release of the album first, before releasing on iTunes. Previous releases are now available on iTunes - they include the Jade EP, and The Rain Barrel single. Whether it's touring, recording, writing, teaching, or being creative with pencils, brushes, and film '“ Amanda brings something special and unique to the table. With extraordinary creativity, drive, dedication, work ethic, and talent, Amanda McCoy is a force to be reckoned with.
Vocal Instructor/Rookies Instructor/Rock 101 Director
With deep roots in Durham, North Carolina, Katie Basden grew up in a home full of musical influences. She started her solo career at just 15, and migrated to Nashville, TN after high school in 201...
With deep roots in Durham, North Carolina, Katie Basden grew up in a home full of musical influences. She started her solo career at just 15, and migrated to Nashville, TN after high school in 2010 and has been traveling to play ever since.
Katie most recently placed as a Top 20 finalist on NBC’s show The Voice with her coach Blake Shelton, after working with Adam Levine. Prior to the show, she released her sophomore project, Release the Sound, featuring “Gypsy Prophet”, which was chosen “Best Country Video Performance” by talented singer-songwriters Chris Stapleton and Charlie Worsham for American Songwriter Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Song Contest.
Release The Sound is not only full of original, genre-bending songs written by a travelled female artist, but Katie's powerful voice is honest and effortless. Katie plans to release new music this year and looks forward to traveling to play for her newfound fans from her time on television.
Alaina Blair
Vocal Instructor
Currently residing in Nashville, TN, Alaina Blair has performed all over the world. The Country Singer/Songwriter has supported many national acts, including Jana Kramer, Jamie Lynne Spears, Lauren...
Currently residing in Nashville, TN, Alaina Blair has performed all over the world. The Country Singer/Songwriter has supported many national acts, including Jana Kramer, Jamie Lynne Spears, Lauren Alaina, Jackie Lee, Jonny Lang, Macy Gray, 3 Doors Down, Aaron Lewis, Anna Nalick, Montgomery Gentry, Marc Cohn, Jason Michael Carroll, Lukas Nelson and Promise Of The Real, Lee Rocker, Martha Davis and The Motels, and Casey Abrams of American Idol. She was also part of American Idol's Farewell Season, making it into the Top 75 out of 75,000 people who auditioned.
Blair has a passion for supporting the brave men and women of our military and tours overseas to perform for them. So far she has been on three tours, and has visited Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Djibouti(twice), Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt. Stateside, she actively supports the Wounded Warrior Regiment and performs annually at the Marine Corps Trials.
Alaina has been fortunate to work with amazing producers, and songwriters in both LA and Nashville. She has been a nominee for the LA Music Awards, LA Music Critic Awards and The San Diego Music Awards for her album "Love It or Leave It" produced by Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray, James Blunt). She was also honored to be named an Artist To Watch in a recent CBS Los Angeles article.
Erskine "E.J." Ford, Jr.
Keyboard / Guitar Instructor
Erskine Ford, Jr., or “E.J.” as he is known, hails from Bessemer Alabama. He displayed musical talents early in life, beginning piano lessons at the age of 5. For the next several years he ear...
Erskine Ford, Jr., or “E.J.” as he is known, hails from Bessemer Alabama. He displayed musical talents early in life, beginning piano lessons at the age of 5. For the next several years he earned his stripes playing piano in numerous churches in his hometown, in Birmingham, and other neighboring cities. He honed his abilities in school learning to play other instruments including bass guitar and percussion.
In 1997 he moved to Nashville to attend college at Tennessee State University, continuing his musical education by marching as a snare drummer with the Aristocrat of Bands and playing bass guitar with the TSU Gospel Choir. In the years following college, he has worked with some of Nashville’s who’s who of soul, blues, and r & b including Herschel Bailey, Clarence Dobbins, Scat Springs, and Johnny Jones to name a few. E.J.’s persistent drive to grow musically landed him further work with Southern Soul singer Charles Wilson, Damian Horne from the Muzik Mafia, country music writer and singer Erin Ashleigh, and Maria Howell from the movie “The Color Purple.”
He began recording in 2005, coproducing the “Your Reflection” album for r & b singer Justice. The album landed in the top 40 of independent albums in the United States, and in the top 10 in Japan. It was also nominated for Best R & B Album of 2008 by the Southern Entertainment Awards.
Today he continues his pursuit of musical excellence with the same formula that has brought him to this level. He instructs private piano and guitar lessons at Oak Hill School in Nashville, serves his church as minister of music, performs regularly with blues, soul, r & b and funk bands, and is the band leader for the up and coming alt-country band Koriander. Most recently he’s been a part of the cast of the new television series “Nashville Unleashed” which airs in the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.
Jason Schmidt
Drum Instructor
You can tell a lot about the aspirations of a musician from where they draw inspiration. Drummer, Jason Schmidt, was following two of the best by the time he was six years old. Jason is a student ...
You can tell a lot about the aspirations of a musician from where they draw inspiration. Drummer, Jason Schmidt, was following two of the best by the time he was six years old. Jason is a student of music and all things drum related. His intense passion for the instrument he loves and constant study of precision and style have morphed into his unique style of play.
For Jason, his passion started early. Growing up on Long Island, NY, he saw a rebroadcast of The Beatles first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Seeing Ringo Starr playing drums changed his life. He started banging on pots and pans and anything that would make a sound. When his parents bought him a toy drum kit at the age of three, he was hooked. Watching the older kids in his neighborhood, he said he heard Zeppelin by the time he was six and knew it was amazing.
After high school, North Carolina would become home base for Jason's budding music career. In 1993, he started teaching private lessons and toured with a number of different rock and funk bands. Gaining some attention, he was featured in the 1996 March issue of Modern Drummer in Pro-Mark Sticks’ “Salute to the Not Yet Famous Drummers.” His dedication to the instrument and tireless pursuit of improvement made him someone even MD had their eye on. In 1997, he added another educational element to his music studies, attending Berklee College of Music in the summers between ’97 and ’99. In 1998, he was added to the faculty at the Raleigh Conservatory of Music. Never one to stop learning, he continued to take lessons outside of his Berklee studies from the likes of Rick Latham, Jim Chapin, Trichy Sankaran, and many others.
He moved to Nashville in 2006 and connected with the drum community in town and says they are still an inspiration. Over the next four years, he played with a number of artists including Phil Vaught and Rick Monroe. Jason joined Florida Georgia Line in late 2010. In 2013, he was offered the position of being Brian Davis' drummer and musical director.
When Lindsay Ell’s drummer, Mark Poiesz, was tapped to play with Tyler Farr, Jason replaced him on that gig. He joined her at Stagecoach, on a two and a half week run in Europe, and at CMA Fest. When Jon Pardi was in need of a drummer to sub in for a month to play his album release shows last year, Jason sat in with his band, The All Nighters. He also subbed with Miss Willie Brown on a tour with Frankie Ballard and Jon Pardi on a west coast run. Rounding out his efforts for the year, he started Banged Oddities Productions, offering a multitude of production options out of his home studio.
Jason takes the responsibility of teaching very seriously, seeing his role as not only teaching skills, but being in charge of their inspiration, and if you’re not fully committed to that, he doesn’t believe you should take the job. To be a good teacher, you first have to be a good student.Jason finds lessons in everyday living, some musical, some otherwise. His attitude is that every day is another day to make music, and he tries to be creative each day. His goal is to challenge himself and try to improve every day. He’s been like that from the beginning, when he used to play to records with headphones on in his bedroom, getting lost for hours learning to play drum parts.
Brandon Patrick
Drum Instructor
Brandon is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Music in Drumset Performance. Brandon has studied and played drumset since he was 19 years old, the ...
Brandon is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Music in Drumset Performance. Brandon has studied and played drumset since he was 19 years old, the same year he joined the US Navy. After spending nine years in the military, he decided to pursue his passion at Berklee College of Music. Brandon specializes in live performance with experience in musical theater, rock shows, acoustic sets and worship services. His presence on stage and the love for drums is undeniable. He truly believes music is meant to be felt, whether you are the performer or the listener. Brandon’s music preference is rock, but he is well versed in country, blues, funk, R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop. His focus as a percussion teacher is on helping the student play and perform the music. There will be fun exercises and developmental workouts to gain technical skills, as well as an introduction to different styles of music from all over the world. Brandon will gear his lessons to focus on the student and what is pulling on their musical heart.
Brendan has been playing drums for as long as he can remember. Growing up on the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath, Brendan fell in love with rock music at a very young age, join...
Brendan has been playing drums for as long as he can remember. Growing up on the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath, Brendan fell in love with rock music at a very young age, joining the Main Line School Of Rock as a student and playing with their House Band. After graduating from the School Of Rock, Brendan attended Berklee College Of Music where he studied with teachers Terri Lyne Carrington, Kim Plainfield and Dave DiCenso. In 2016 he graduated with a B.M. in Professional Music with a focus on performance and education. Since graduation, Brendan has moved to Nashville and now plays and tours with the band From Earth, as well as local artists Aaron John and Mel Bryant.
Matt Drummey
Guitar Instructor / Show Director
Matt Drummey is a musician from Kingston, MA. A versatile player, Matt is equally comfortable as a bassist or guitarist. Years of performing and teaching make him an excellent resource for any aspi...
Matt Drummey is a musician from Kingston, MA. A versatile player, Matt is equally comfortable as a bassist or guitarist. Years of performing and teaching make him an excellent resource for any aspiring musician. His playing style is an exciting blend of a wide range of influences. Over the course of his time playing Matt has studied blues, classic rock, jazz, neo-soul, bluegrass, funk and many more.
Matt received a degree in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music in 2011. During his time at Berklee he studied under master guitarist Tim Miller. His time at Berklee also led to being one of the co-founders of Boston jam band Skyfoot. During his time with Skyfoot Matt performed over 200 shows spanning over 20 states. Skyfoot released their debut album "Eternal Bend" in 2011. This album features Matt on both electric guitar and bass. His deep understanding of both instruments gives him a unique perspective on playing and teaching. In the spring of 2016 Matt relocated to Nashville to continue to pursue a career in the music.
As an instructor Matt’s goal is to make lessons a fun and engaging environment for students. His sense of humor and approachability make him a great fit for all levels of students. Matt puts a strong emphasis on helping the students learn their favorite songs and to discover improvisation. Matt can teach music theory, reading, ear training, improvisation concepts, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, fretless bass techniques, various musical genres, songwriting, and more.
Sean McCreight
Guitar Instructor
Born and raised in the Nashville, TN area, Sean first picked up the guitar at age 6 but didn't become serious about playing the guitar until he was in 6th grade when he started taking private lesso...
Born and raised in the Nashville, TN area, Sean first picked up the guitar at age 6 but didn't become serious about playing the guitar until he was in 6th grade when he started taking private lessons and learned about the band KISS. Sean's first guitar influence was Ace Frehley, which led to his first live performance in a Little Kiss Tribute Band and other performances including the Halloween KISS House right off of the square in Franklin, TN. To this day, Sean can still play every Ace Frehley solo! Eventually Sean became a student at the School of Rock and quickly began to learn about more genres of music and develop a love of the blues, progressive rock, Motown, classic rock, jam bands and much more. As time went on Sean's influences grew to include Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks, Gov't Mule, The Grateful Dead, The Aquarium Rescue Unit and his all time favorite Widespread Panic. During his time at School of Rock, Sean was a member of the House Band for 5 years and was a 3 time National AllStar. After graduating high school and the School of Rock, Sean attended Belmont University majoring in Commercial Music - Guitar and quickly formed his band Sonic Voodoo, a seven-piece fusion rock band based in Nashville, TN. Sean's band has played many high profile gigs including playing at the Nashville Predators games and Plaza Parties, as well as opening for Echosmith. The band released their first EP on Spotify, and iTunes in March of 2017. Sean is continuing his music education in the Segue 61 program in Nashville, TN and continues to record and perform live with Sonic Voodoo and other artists around town.
Jacob Patterson
Guitar/Bass/Keyboard Instructor/Rock 101 Director
Jake Patterson was born in Seattle, Washington. He plays guitar, bass, piano, and sings. He’s been professionally playing music since a young age. He attended Berklee College of Music and graduat...
Jake Patterson was born in Seattle, Washington. He plays guitar, bass, piano, and sings. He’s been professionally playing music since a young age. He attended Berklee College of Music and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.M. in Guitar Performance. He has toured nationally and internationally with Paul Brown and the Killing Devils, and will release two albums with them in 2018. He produced, co-wrote, and played guitar on Danielle Angeloni's "Setting Fires". In 2017, he music directed a children's production of Aladdin Jr. in Boston. Jake has an extensive musical theory background, but loves to cater to individual students learning styles and musical preferences.
Derek Pham
Drum Instructor/Rookies Instructor
Derek Pham is a freelance drummer and percussionist in the Nashville area. Originally hailing from West Des Moines, Iowa, Derek found his love for drums at 10 years of age. Since then, Derek attend...
Derek Pham is a freelance drummer and percussionist in the Nashville area. Originally hailing from West Des Moines, Iowa, Derek found his love for drums at 10 years of age. Since then, Derek attended Temple University and Belmont University to study music with drum set players like Brian Fullen, Derico Watson, Todd London, and percussionists Christopher Norton, Phillip O’Banion, and Bill Wozniak. Afterwards, Derek went on to perform in music festivals such as Worship in the Square in Franklin, TN, and 80/35 in Des Moines, IA.
Derek found his love for music at an early age. Growing up, he attended Interlochen’s Center for the Arts during the summer. There, he would take masterclasses from John Tafoya, Jean-Baptiste Leclere, Cleaence Penn, Anders Astrand, and Jeff Irving. Derek also won top ballot at the Iowa All-State Orchestra auditions as well as Best of Center for Percussion at the Iowa All-State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
During college, artists like Alan Abel, Chris Deviney, She-e Wu, and Sam Bacco would continue to inspire Derek through masterclasses and hands on education. Derek participated in percussion ensembles, jazz combos, wind ensembles, world percussion groups, and chamber orchestra. Derek’s highlight from these experiences is performing a featured concert in the wind ensemble with Terell Stafford and Dick Oatts for Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday celebration.
Currently, Derek is playing shows around Nashville and inspiring our next generation of rock stars through music education.
Kevin McGowan
Drum Instructor
Originally from Long Island, New York, Kevin was awarded a partial scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in drumset performance. In college his main mentor...
Originally from Long Island, New York, Kevin was awarded a partial scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in drumset performance. In college his main mentors were Terri Lyne Carrington (Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz) and Casey Scheuerell (Chaka Kahn, Jean-Luc Ponty).
As a drummer, Kevin has toured and recorded with Rock & Roll duo "Larkin Poe", pop-country artist Jessie James Decker, "The Sisterhood", and more. He has played festivals all over the world including Glastonbury (UK), Rock Am Ring (Germany), Rock Am Park (Germany), Stage Coach (Indio, CA), CMA fest (Nashville, TN), amongst others. Kevin currently resides in Nashville and continues to tour, record and teach private lessons.
As an educator, Kevin has taught at the Long Island drum center, School of Rock (Plainview, NY), School of Rock (Franklin, TN) and School of Rock (Nashville, TN).
Come out to the Wildhorse Saloon in Downtown Nashville to rock with us! The School of Rock will pay tribute to Michael Jackson, performing songs from the beginning of his career to his most popular...
Come out to the Wildhorse Saloon in Downtown Nashville to rock with us! The School of Rock will pay tribute to Michael Jackson, performing songs from the beginning of his career to his most popular songs from some of the best selling albums of all time. The doors open at 12:30pm and is open and FREE to the public.
The Music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Come out to the Wildhorse Saloon on Sunday, January 21st to hear the School of Rock perform the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers! This show is gonna be awesome so you won't want to miss it! This ...
Come out to the Wildhorse Saloon on Sunday, January 21st to hear the School of Rock perform the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers! This show is gonna be awesome so you won't want to miss it! This show is FREE and open to the public so bring your family and friends out and have a great time!
It’s never too early to become a rock star and that’s exactly what our Rock 101 Program is designed to do! This beginner based performance program, for students 7-11 years old, will help studen...
It’s never too early to become a rock star and that’s exactly what our Rock 101 Program is designed to do! This beginner based performance program, for students 7-11 years old, will help students learn the foundational skills of their chosen instrument in both a group setting, at band rehearsal, and one-on-one during their private lessons.
Call Franklin School of Rock for more information at 615-221-9700.
NOW ENROLLING! TOM PETTY TRIBUTE!
"What's a Tribute to Tom Petty?"
Unfortunately, we lost one of rock and roll's truly legendary and all around cool guys this past October. In recognition of Tom Petty's influence on generations of...
"What's a Tribute to Tom Petty?" Unfortunately, we lost one of rock and roll's truly legendary and all around cool guys this past October. In recognition of Tom Petty's influence on generations of musicians and songwriters, we are honored to be able to pay our respects to his music and legacy.
This show will feature many of the memorable songs from his catalog of recordings with the Heartbreakers and his solo work that has been apart of the soundtrack of the American rock and roll experience for the past 40 years!
A Tribute to Tom Petty is an intermediate-advanced skill level show and students must have the approval of their private instructor and the Music Director.
NOW ENROLLING! GREEN DAY AND FRIENDS
"What's Green Day and Friends"
Green Day is one of the premier pop punk bands to come out of the 90's and are still going strong! The "and friends" will encompass many of the other pop punk bands ...
"What's Green Day and Friends" Green Day is one of the premier pop punk bands to come out of the 90's and are still going strong! The "and friends" will encompass many of the other pop punk bands from the era to include groups like Blink 182, New Found Glory, The Offspring, Sum 41, Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, No Doubt, etc.
This will be a very fun show for all of the high-energy students. This show will be open to all skill levels---but challenging and fast-paced!
Testimonials
“My 15 year old has been in the SOR program for 18 months. The best aspects of this program is he has become a much better drummer, he has learned to work within a group, and it has given him confidence that he never had before. To watch he, and his friends, on stage playing iconic music with skill and swagger is amazing. One of the best decisions we have made as parents for our son!”
- B. Heffley, Franklin, TN
“I love the attentiveness and true compassion by the entire staff. Beautiful people inside and out!”
- M. Pollard, Franklin, TN
“I've attended School of Rock for many years, spending upwards of 15 hours a week there, honing my skills as a singer and guitarist. I was lucky to become comfortable on stage early on, but there was a group of students at the school who were not yet confident enough to play in a performance setting. I started coming in an extra three hours a week to work with them, and it was the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.”
- Cameron, 17, Franklin, TN
“I love my daughter's bass instructor! She goes above and beyond to accommodate my daughter's busy schedule. As soon as you walk into SOR, you are welcomed with a smile and greeted by name. I love how the focus is on my child. It's all about the kids at SOR! Wonderful and overly safe learning environment!!”
