Chandler Eggleston Guitar Teacher
A Gahanna native, Chandler Eggleston has been playing the guitar since he was 15, and has been touring professionally since 2011. As the backing guitarist/bassist for pop-rock band New Hollow, he honed his chops while sharing stages with groups like Fall Out Boy, Meghan Trainor and Fifth Harmony. He currently is the lead guitarist for Carter Winter, and has toured with some of country’s biggest names, including Sam Hunt, Chase Rice and Brantley Gilbert. Fueled by his passion for the blues and classic rock, some of his influences include John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa. He is a guitar teacher at School of Rock Gahanna.
Brian Riggs Drum Teacher
Brian Riggs has been playing drums since the age of three. Music has always been his passion and he enjoys sharing his love for music with people. He currently plays drums for Nashville country artist PJ North and he has been playing for him since 2013. Through playing drums for PJ North, he has made friendships with Nashville recording artists and musicians, such as Gretchen Wilson, Ray Fulcher, Adam Doleac and Brett Young. He has previously played drums for multiple bands and artists, including hip-hop/R&B artist Jacey J, metal band The Rose Hill, pop-punk/rock band Merlot To Ashes and country artist Alan Carl.
Brian has taught private lessons on the drum set to people of all ages. He enjoys playing various styles and any genre of music. Brian has three children of his own, and his oldest son plays guitar and drums. His kids enjoy music as much as he does. As a parent he’s always supporting and encouraging his kids to follow their passion and dreams.
Some of his drummer influences are Mike Portnoy, Neil Peart, Matt Greiner, Benny Greb and Carter Beauford. Some of his favorite bands/artists are Third Eye Blind, Dave Matthews Band, Rush, The Beatles, August Burns Red, Twenty One Pilots, Beartooth, Four Year Strong, Luke Combs, Luke Bryan and Dan and Shay. Brian is always looking for a challenge to improve as a musician and teacher. He is very thankful for the opportunity to be a drum teacher at School of Rock Gahanna and be a part of the School of Rock family.
Jon Suh Guitar Teacher
Jon Suh is a guitar player who has been involved in the Columbus music scene since 2009. He has 15 years of playing experience, 10 years of performing experience, and five-plus years of teaching experience in all genres. After graduating from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's in Music Business, Jon performed with his band Harmless Habit in venues throughout the Midwest. As a guitar teacher at School of Rock Gahanna, he has the recording, performance and business experience to show students how to be performers in today’s music industry.
Matthew Bonder Drum Teacher
Matthew Bonder is a classically trained percussionist with a Bachelor of Music degree from Capital University. He has a variety of performance experience, from jazz big bands to heavy metal gigs and everything in between. Aside from regular performance, Matthew also has experience in the recording and production side of music. Due to writing, producing and engineering dozens of songs and albums, Matthew has a unique perspective of musical performance both on the stage and in the recording booth. You can hear his drumming performances and songwriting/production on work from artists such as The Lost Boys Collective and Of Two Minds. Combining his real world experience with a classical academic background in percussion performance, music theory and ear training, Matthew is able to give well-rounded musical advice and focus on specific interests or musical areas that his students want to learn about. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Gahanna.
Cooper Bourne Guitar Teacher
Cooper Bourne started playing guitar when he was 13 years old with a heavy influence on rock, blues and metal. He has been playing shows since then and has played in various Columbus bands and venues. At age 15 he started to play the bass guitar, as well as the drums. He played three years in the Olentangy Liberty Drum Line, placing 11th in the world in their class at WGI during his junior year. Cooper has shared the stage with such acts as The 1975, Post Malone, 30 Seconds to Mars, Alterbirdge, Charlie Daniels, Starset, AJR, John Bellion and many more. His influences include Randy Rhoads, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nuno Bettencourt, Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Jimi Hendrix and Warren Demartini. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Gahanna.
Michael Christian Music Director
Michael Christian is a veteran of the Columbus music scene. His background includes being a touring musician, band leader, sideman, songwriter, guitar instructor, executive chef and audio engineer for Newport, Promowest Productions and Turtle Creek Tavern. He is also a father. He is so excited to join the School of Rock Gahanna team as our Music Director and help shape the next generation of local musicians.
Steve Paxton Piano Teacher, Vocal Instructor
Steve Paxton was born and raised in Columbus, OH. He began playing piano and singing at an early age. You could find him on any given Sunday playing at his father’s church. This humble beginning ignited a love of music in him, which propelled him into what has now become a 25+ year career as a professional musician.
A decision to move to Nashville afforded him the opportunity to work as a session musician and songwriter. He played with Miranda Lambert, and toured with Buddy Jewell and Chely Wright to name a few. Steve also shared the stage with rock icons such as Kansas, ZZ Top and STYX.
One of his dreams was to play and sing at The Grand Ole Opry, where he’s now been able to perform many times over. For two years he played keys and sang backup in the house band for "Nashville Star."
Now settled back in his hometown, this native Buckeye spends his time writing and recording in his home studio and plays in several bands around town. Steve is the worship leader at his church in Pickerington. He also is a piano teacher and vocal instructor at School of Rock Gahanna. He is well-versed in many styles of music and finds inspiration from artists like Bruce Hornsby, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and John Legend. With his diverse experience, he wants to give back and inspire a new generation of artists. His dynamic piano and vocal stylings, along with his down-to- earth personality and approach, help him connect with his students to give them a quality learning experience that goes beyond traditional lessons.
Andrew Decord Guitar Teacher
Andrew DeCord is a professional musician and recording artist from South Jersey who moved to the Columbus, Ohio area when he was 18 years old. Specializing in guitar, he also plays drums, piano/keys and bass guitar. Andrew became a professional musician at the young age of 15, playing in multiple bands but ultimately being the drummer in the band Us+Them, a Pink Floyd tribute act. He played at many venues in Philadelphia and also the surrounding area. Andrew was a student at School of Rock Cherry Hill for three and a half years. He became a part of the first advanced team there. Andrew enjoys teaching younger students while helping them develop their own career path and guiding them to success. He is a guitar teacher at School of Rock Gahanna.