Steve Rossi Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher
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, 80s rock legends Cinderella (North American tours), 60s rock n' roll pioneer Gary U.S. Bonds, and many other high profile bands and artists across several continents. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Arsenio Hall Show" and NBC's "A 70s Celebration" with Taylor Dayne. Steve has also appeared with headliners The Bee Gees and other notable 70s 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 two seasons of "Surprise by Design," hit home improvement series on Discovery Channel, and is currently composing and producing original, in-program music for "Good Morning America." He is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher and piano teacher at School of Rock Franklin.
EJ Ford Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher
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. He is a guitar teacher and piano teacher at School of Rock Franklin.
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-Lynn 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 the "American Idol" farewell season, making it into the Top 75 out of 75,000 people who auditioned.
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.
Matt Drummey Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
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 him 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 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 students learn their favorite songs and 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 Teacher
Born and raised in the Nashville, TN area, Sean McCreight first picked up the guitar at age six but didn't become serious about playing the guitar until he was in sixth 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 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 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 many 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 five years and was a three-time national AllStar. After graduating high school and School of Rock, Sean attended Belmont University and majored 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.
Bryan Royals Vocal Instructor, Piano Teacher
Bryan Royals is a voice instructor who has been passionate about music, performing and the arts from an early age. This Alabama native holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the University of Mobile, where he studied Voice, Musical Theater and Church Worship Ministry. He attended the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany before moving to Orlando, Florida, where he had the opportunity to do session recording and performing in various places such as Walt Disney World and professional theater. He also worked in church ministry for over seven years, working with children, students and adults as a worship leader, children’s worship director and student minister. Bryan has had the opportunity to perform in the Orlando area, around the country and abroad, but he is continuing his career in Nashville while working with artists young and old, helping them develop their talents and gifts in music.
Justin Powless Drums Teacher
Originally from Canton, Michigan, Justin Powless got his musical upbringing in the church, absorbing live music at an early age. At eight years old, he began drum lessons, forever setting him on an endless pursuit of knowledge. In 2014, he began attending Berklee College of Music, becoming immersed in an ocean of music. After graduation, Justin had the privilege of traveling to Ghana to study West African drumming and dancing with a former professor. Since moving to Nashville in 2017, Justin has been working with artist Erin Jarvis, Nashville Broadway artists and local Franklin churches.
Doug Louiselle Drum Teacher
Doug Louiselle is a Nashville-based musician. He graduated from the Tech Music Schools of London (now The British and Irish Modern Music Institute) from the Master's Performance Course in 2011 for Drum Performance and Music Composition. Doug has a long musical background, starting with nine years of piano, and he plays guitar and bass as well. Inspiring and motivating musicians young and old to pursue their musical passions has always been one of his lifelong goals. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Franklin.
Abigail Emmons General Manager
Abigail Emmons has been living in the greater Nashville area for seven years and graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Music Business from Belmont University. Throughout her life, Abbie has always been heavily involved with all things music. With a childhood rooted in musical theatre and songwriting, moving to Nashville after graduating high school was practically written in the stars. Abbie has an extensive work background in customer service, hospitality, artist management and event production, and now thoroughly enjoys working with children who love music just as much as she does. She is the General Manager at School of Rock Franklin.
Stacey Kelleher Vocal Instructor
Stacey Kelleher is a Nashville-based musician from Ossipee, New Hampshire. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Songwriting. With a career in music spanning her entire life, Stacey is a vocalist and plays guitar, keys, bass and percussion. Stacey is passionate about music education and encourages creativity in folks of all ages. She is a vocal instructor at School of Rock Franklin.
Harold Jones Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Harry Jones, now living in Nashville, is a New Hampshire native. He began performing in his early teens. He attended Keene State College and studied classical guitar under Dr. Jose Lezcano and Professor Ted Mann. He studied jazz guitar with Scott Mullet. He graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and was awarded the Jesse F. Davis Scholarship Award for academic achievement and service to the community and music department.
Harry has been performing and recording in Austin, Texas for the past five years. Proficient in all genres of music, Harry has performed and recorded with blues /country/ punk/ funk/ rock/soul and R&B groups. He has recorded several full-length albums at Orb Studio with producer Matt Meli. He has also had the privilege of world premiering several classical guitar pieces with the Boston Classical Guitar Society. He is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Franklin.
Reagan Godlewski guitar and bass guitar teacher
Growing up in a rural community west of Houston and deeply rooted in his small-town Texas upbringing, Reagan Godlewski began playing the guitar at the age of twelve taking lessons at his hometown’s hobby shop. He quickly realized his musical inclination and love for the instrument, but it would not be until Reagan’s father introduced him to the music of Texas-blues guitar titan Stevie Ray Vaughan that he would recognize his life’s calling. Having spent his formative years with all things blues music, his musical aspirations would eventually expand into several other instrumental styles including rock, country, pop, and jazz. Taking time off from school after graduating high school in order to further hone his craft and make his mark on the local Houston music scene, Reagan then enrolled in the commercial guitar program at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where he will graduate with his B.A. in Commercial Music in August 2020. During his academic career and three years spent in Nashville thus far, Reagan has had the fortune to study under some of the industry’s finest musicians, take part in numerous professional recording sessions of varying genres, and go on tour playing behind several established Nashville acts. More recently, he has been focusing on his songwriting career, leading and fronting his roots-rock band Charlotte West, and participating as lead guitarist for local Nashville powerhouse, Alyssa Lazar.
Anthony Saddic Keyboard Teacher
Philly native Anthony Saddic loves nothing more than sharing his love of the piano. He is a long time member of Alternative Rock band The GoAround and has played on stage in almost every state in the US. While he studied classical and jazz piano at West Chester University, rock music is his first and best love. He is a certified Beatles-geek and also loves artists like Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Billy Joel, Relient K, Hozier, etc. Due to his somewhat eclectic educational background and music taste, Anthony loves working with students with any and all different kinds of musical goals.
Melissa Calabro Studio Coordinator
Melissa is relatively new to the Nashville area, she relocated from New Canaan, CT where she previously worked and studied at School of Rock New Canaan. She is a recent graduate of Northern Vermont University - Lyndon with a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Industry with a concentration in Music Production. Music has been a huge part of Melissa's life, she participated in theatre and songwriting in high school and she always planned on moving to Nashville.
Melissa has experience in studio production as well as live sound production and looks forward to continuing to pursue an active role in the music industry; whether that includes music education, event production, or audio production she's excited to see where this journey takes her!
Alex Fansel Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Alex is a studio drummer, music producer/engineer, and orchestrator based in Nashville. With a passion for developing new music and young musicians, he’s spent the last several years teaching, recording, and writing music across the US, Canada, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Serbia. Outside of School of Rock, you can usually find him recording in the studio, or writing music for orchestras, world instruments, and choirs. In 2019, Alex graduated from Berklee College of Music with a dual degree in Contemporary Writing & Production and Music Production & Engineering.