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Contact Information, Hours and Basic Information for School of Rock Naperville
About School of Rock Naperville
Find your place in the music at School of Rock Naperville. We have a unique approach to learning music that helps kids blossom in unimaginable ways. Students are not only being taught an instrument—they’re learning to deal with life situations, building confidence, and becoming better people.
At School of Rock Naperville, learning music in a lesson room is just the beginning. We get kids playing on stage as quickly as possible, teaching them to play as soloists and as part of a team. This immersive method motivates them to be their best, helping them learn skills faster and more thoroughly.
As both rockers and educators, School of Rock Naperville’s instructors are passionate about creating a legacy of music by helping your kids succeed in music and beyond. Visit School of Rock Naperville today to learn more about our creative community.
School of Rock Naperville'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 Naperville'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 Naperville 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 Naperville, 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 Naperville students to enhance their skills and move on to our Performance Program.
School of Rock Naperville’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!
School of Rock Naperville’s top students can audition for our most prestigious honor: the School of Rock AllStars Program. Our AllStars represent the best of the best students from School of Rock’s entire global network of schools. With incredible musical aptitude, a knack for teamwork and incredible focus, today’s AllStars truly represent the future of rock and roll.
Each summer, our AllStars embark on an authentic concert tour to perform in jaw-dropping live shows 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 with experienced, larger-than-life performers like Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder, and Slash, to name a few. There is no better way for a star on the rise to get a taste for what professional music is really like.
School of Rock Naperville’s AllStars can expect:
• Real-world performances where they can shine in their chosen medium: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and/or vocals • A fast-paced tour experience with stage shows at legendary events and venues • To play with the best performers from School of Rock’s global community • The opportunity to rock out on stage with world-renowned artists • An epic rock experience like no other!
School of Rock Naperville’s Rookies Program offers a gateway to understanding music for first and second graders. Using proprietary set-ups for guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, as well as other tools, we introduce our Rookies to music fundamentals in a fun way. The skills and passion for music that our Rookies learn prepare them for Rock 101 and a lifelong love of music.
With exercises, tools and games customized to their age group, our Naperville Rookies learn the concepts of music theory, rhythm, pitch, form and dynamics as they play alongside their friends. We encourage our students to explore various instruments and play styles so they begin to understand how individual contributions form a band; even the best solo keyboard players or vocalists need to understand how an ensemble works.
All students in Naperville’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!
At School of Rock Naperville, we teach preschoolers in our Little Wing Program the creativity, confidence, and knowledge they need to grow into life-long lovers and practitioners of music. Music is the gateway to childrens’ growth, whether it’s in the form of great friendships from shared musical experiences or the joy of hearing an inspirational song for the first time.
Our Little Wing students at Naperville enjoy a unique variety of music-minded games based on some of the most popular music in rock and roll history. Through great music and a foundation of fun, our students refine their motor skills, coordination, pre-literacy, and group cooperation in a safe and inclusive environment.
Young rockers in Naperville’s Little Wing Program can expect:
• Exploration of hand percussion and other tools to spark their imagination • Unique and engaging music games • Teamwork, cooperation, and group music activities • Fundamental skills for music and life • Fun and practical learning combined, perfectly tailored to growing minds!
School of Rock Naperville’s music camps and workshops are designed to bring out the best performance in a fast-paced learning environment. Just like our standard programs, our camps offer a high-energy experience that is fun, creative and team-oriented. Our students learn music by playing it with their peers, guided by experienced instructors from the music community.
From basic Performance Boot Camps to more advanced Guitar Building and Songwriting Training, School of Rock offers opportunities for musicians of all skill levels. Camps vary by location, so please contact us for a current list of camps and workshops at School of Rock Naperville.
Regardless of which camp they choose, students can expect: • Hands-on skill building for guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • One-on-one interaction with seasoned music professionals • A deeper appreciation for music theory and fundamentals • Greater confidence, collaboration and improvisation abilities • A fun and interactive experienceFind a Camp or Workshop
School of Rock Naperville'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 Naperville'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 Naperville 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 Naperville, 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 Naperville students to enhance their skills and move on to our Performance Program.
School of Rock Naperville’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!
School of Rock Naperville’s top students can audition for our most prestigious honor: the School of Rock AllStars Program. Our AllStars represent the best of the best students from School of Rock’s entire global network of schools. With incredible musical aptitude, a knack for teamwork and incredible focus, today’s AllStars truly represent the future of rock and roll.
Each summer, our AllStars embark on an authentic concert tour to perform in jaw-dropping live shows 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 with experienced, larger-than-life performers like Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder, and Slash, to name a few. There is no better way for a star on the rise to get a taste for what professional music is really like.
School of Rock Naperville’s AllStars can expect:
• Real-world performances where they can shine in their chosen medium: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and/or vocals • A fast-paced tour experience with stage shows at legendary events and venues • To play with the best performers from School of Rock’s global community • The opportunity to rock out on stage with world-renowned artists • An epic rock experience like no other!
School of Rock Naperville’s Rookies Program offers a gateway to understanding music for first and second graders. Using proprietary set-ups for guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, as well as other tools, we introduce our Rookies to music fundamentals in a fun way. The skills and passion for music that our Rookies learn prepare them for Rock 101 and a lifelong love of music.
With exercises, tools and games customized to their age group, our Naperville Rookies learn the concepts of music theory, rhythm, pitch, form and dynamics as they play alongside their friends. We encourage our students to explore various instruments and play styles so they begin to understand how individual contributions form a band; even the best solo keyboard players or vocalists need to understand how an ensemble works.
All students in Naperville’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!
At School of Rock Naperville, we teach preschoolers in our Little Wing Program the creativity, confidence, and knowledge they need to grow into life-long lovers and practitioners of music. Music is the gateway to childrens’ growth, whether it’s in the form of great friendships from shared musical experiences or the joy of hearing an inspirational song for the first time.
Our Little Wing students at Naperville enjoy a unique variety of music-minded games based on some of the most popular music in rock and roll history. Through great music and a foundation of fun, our students refine their motor skills, coordination, pre-literacy, and group cooperation in a safe and inclusive environment.
Young rockers in Naperville’s Little Wing Program can expect:
• Exploration of hand percussion and other tools to spark their imagination • Unique and engaging music games • Teamwork, cooperation, and group music activities • Fundamental skills for music and life • Fun and practical learning combined, perfectly tailored to growing minds!
School of Rock Naperville’s music camps and workshops are designed to bring out the best performance in a fast-paced learning environment. Just like our standard programs, our camps offer a high-energy experience that is fun, creative and team-oriented. Our students learn music by playing it with their peers, guided by experienced instructors from the music community.
From basic Performance Boot Camps to more advanced Guitar Building and Songwriting Training, School of Rock offers opportunities for musicians of all skill levels. Camps vary by location, so please contact us for a current list of camps and workshops at School of Rock Naperville.
Regardless of which camp they choose, students can expect: • Hands-on skill building for guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals • One-on-one interaction with seasoned music professionals • A deeper appreciation for music theory and fundamentals • Greater confidence, collaboration and improvisation abilities • A fun and interactive experience
Every year, School of Rock takes the most talented and experienced students, less than 1% of its 30,000 student system, and puts them on tours across the US. Past performances include Lollapalooza,...
Every year, School of Rock takes the most talented and experienced students, less than 1% of its 30,000 student system, and puts them on tours across the US. Past performances include Lollapalooza, MoPop, Red Rocks, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and other notable venues. Our local School of Rock DuPage Country Show Teams, including students from Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Napervilles schools, will join the All Stars for an awesome night of music.
Doors: 6:00PM, Show: 6:30PM Where: Wire: 6815 W. Roosevelt Rd. Berwyn, IL 60402 Tickets are $10, All Ages
School of Rock Naperville's Show team, a group of our most advanced and dedicated Performance Program students, return to perform at Naper Nights this summer!
Rock out to great music at Naper Set...
School of Rock Naperville's Show team, a group of our most advanced and dedicated Performance Program students, return to perform at Naper Nights this summer! Rock out to great music at Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series and dance the night away on our beautiful 12-acre grounds. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, your family and friends for a summertime tradition that features cold drinks and great food and fabulous music! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Location: Naper Settlement: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540
School of Rock 5-5:40 PM School of Rock, will be showcasing their top students during this rock n’ roll set featuring songs we all know and love!
Soulshine 6-7:30 PM Soulshine - An Allman Brother Band Tribute, features veteran Chicago-area professional musicians who share a mutual love for the iconic southern rock legends. “Soulshine” keeps the torch going, playing everyone's favorite ABB songs, as well as performing some of the songs Duane played on before the Allman Brothers. If you liked listening to “Live at The Fillmore East”, Eat A Peach, and the Brothers' first 2 albums, you’re going to love seeing “Soulshine!”
Chicken Fried 8-10 PM Authentic vocals, authentic music, and an authentic band! This is as close to the real deal as one can get as a Zac Brown fan. Elton Lammie, an award winning vocalist, is the lead singer for the chicken fried tribute show. Chicken Fried includes all the great songs and radio hits of ZBB in their show as well as some of the unexpected songs that Zac throws in their live concerts.
School of Rock Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Naperville show team's will be performing during Elmhurst City Centre’s 5th annual Rock the Block Party set for a 3-day weekend. It's a way to send the summ...
School of Rock Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Naperville show team's will be performing during Elmhurst City Centre’s 5th annual Rock the Block Party set for a 3-day weekend. It's a way to send the summer off in style at a two day party with the whole neighborhood! Enjoy free music by many popular Midwest bands, beer, wine, and delicious food from City Centre restaurants! Location: Elmhurst City Centre 147 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
Join us for a great afternoon of music at this family friendly concert. Students from our Performance Program will play music from four shows: Metal Mayhem, That 70's Show, Alt Nation, and Roots of...
Join us for a great afternoon of music at this family friendly concert. Students from our Performance Program will play music from four shows: Metal Mayhem, That 70's Show, Alt Nation, and Roots of Rock Admission is $10 at the door, kids 10 and under are free. Doors: 11:00AM. Show: 12:00PM to 4:00PM Location: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Take a tour of School of Rock to see how our approach to music education teaches kids to rock their worlds.
Staff View AllView Less
Adam Krier
Guitar, Bass, Keys & Vocals Instructor
Adam was 17 years old and attending high school in Naperville when he formed the Chicago punk rock band Lucky Boys Confusion. The group signed to Elektra Records and cut 2 LP's, one of which genera...
Adam was 17 years old and attending high school in Naperville when he formed the Chicago punk rock band Lucky Boys Confusion. The group signed to Elektra Records and cut 2 LP's, one of which generated a Billboard Top 40 Modern Rock single in May, 2001. In the years to follow, 'LBC'Â toured non-stop across the US, Canada and Japan and appeared on several national television programs for CBS and HBO. In 2007, Adam formed AM Taxi and signed with another major: EMI / Virgin Records. His original compositions have been featured on several major motion picture soundtracks, national television commercials and video games.
Andrew Pilacoutas started playing the drums at the age of 9 when he joined his middle school band, and received his first drums set one year later. By the time he got to high school he had been pla...
Andrew Pilacoutas started playing the drums at the age of 9 when he joined his middle school band, and received his first drums set one year later. By the time he got to high school he had been playing in a lot of bands that ranged from blues groups to heavy metal bands. During high school he focused his time on cultivating a versatile and consistent style, which has helped him progress his playing through out the years. After leaving high school he attended Landmark College in Putney, Vermont for a year. During that time he realized that he wanted to pursue his passion of music, and transferred to Columbia College of Chicago and entered the Music performance program. Since graduating from Columbia Andrew has pursued a career in teaching as well as furthering his playing career.
Dave began playing guitar at age 11 inspired by the dazzling fretwork of playerslike Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He went on to earn bachelor's degree in jazzstudies at North Central College stud...
Dave began playing guitar at age 11 inspired by the dazzling fretwork of playerslike Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He went on to earn bachelor's degree in jazzstudies at North Central College studying with jazz guitarist John McLean. He hasperformed and recorded with Chicago rock groups Oucho Sparks, Kazy, NYCO,and Umbra and the Volcan Siege. He has also recorded commercial music for MTVand Energizer. Dave currently plays with Gipsy Trio and Chanson Du Chat, twobands whose music is largely inspired by the works of guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Jordan is your standard "musical theatre nerd turned rockstar" story. She started singing probably as soon as she could talk, and throughout school, she's been a part of many curricular and extracu...
Jordan is your standard "musical theatre nerd turned rockstar" story. She started singing probably as soon as she could talk, and throughout school, she's been a part of many curricular and extracurricular choirs, as well as starred in many musicals and plays. She has also taken up the ukulele and dabbles a bit in songwriting. She is currently the lead female singer of a cover band called Recycle The Day. She loves all types of music, but some of her favorite bands or artists are Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Alice In Chains, Death Cab For Cutie, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Eva Cassidy, Fiona Apple, TWRP, and Weird Al Yankovic.
David Rader
Guitar & Bass Instructor
David Rader was first inspired to pick up a guitar after listening to a Ramones album when he was 15. He played in a punk band throughout high school that used to rip through twelve songs in eight ...
David Rader was first inspired to pick up a guitar after listening to a Ramones album when he was 15. He played in a punk band throughout high school that used to rip through twelve songs in eight minutes and then would fill the rest of their allotted time by making fun of people in the audience. As he grew older, David grew to appreciate the technical aspects of playing instruments and also learned that you shouldn't tease strangers. His favorite guitarists include Dick Dale, Leadbelly, Kurt Cobain and Jack White. He received a bachelor's degree in English Studies in 2012 and currently resides in Oak Park, which is only an hour's drive away from his parents and their washing machine.
Dan Tamillow
Drum Instructor
Daniel Tamillow is an enthusiastic drummer in the Chicago area. Originally from Virginia, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in music while also following his love of teaching. He has been in...
Daniel Tamillow is an enthusiastic drummer in the Chicago area. Originally from Virginia, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in music while also following his love of teaching. He has been in multiple bands and has played many venues in the city. Daniel strives to help students gain a love and appreciation for their instrument and thrives on a fun learning environment. He studied music for two and half years at the College of DuPage under Mike Folker and has personally taken private lessons from drummer Charles Heath (Ramsey Lewis) for two years. Dan is always looking to learn and grow as a musician to become the best teacher and influence he can be!
Collin Marks
Guitar Instructor
Collin has been writing and performing around Chicagoland for over ten years. He started playing piano at a very young age, and now sings, plays the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Collin started pla...
Collin has been writing and performing around Chicagoland for over ten years. He started playing piano at a very young age, and now sings, plays the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Collin started playing gigs in his teens and has had the opportunity to play a variety of stages, not only in Chicago but around the Midwest. His compositions have been used in advertisements and have been performed by local orchestras. With an emphasis on ear training, music theory, as well as improvisation, Collin has experience performing and teaching in a variety of traditions, including blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll. He looks forward to passing on these traditions to his students.
Lucas Hezze
Guitar, Bass, and Drum instructor
Lucas has been playing guitar and bass for 8 years. Previous to guitar, Lucas started learning music when he chose to play saxophone his first year of middle school, which he continues to play toda...
Lucas has been playing guitar and bass for 8 years. Previous to guitar, Lucas started learning music when he chose to play saxophone his first year of middle school, which he continues to play today. Throughout his high school years he has composed music with friends, performed in several bands around Illinois, and won second place in Oswego's annual Battle of the Bands, with his former band The Last Panda. After graduating high school, Lucas went to The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There he began to teach lessons to students of all skill levels as well as get more involved in local music and music business, all while pursuing his degree. After graduating from college Lucas was hired at School of Rock Geneva and Naperville where he continues to teach Guitar, Bass, and Drums today.
Lauren Wilcox
General Manager
Lauren Wilcox is a singer/songwriter from the Chicago suburbs. She began taking classical voice lessons when she was 10 years old and continues to learn every day. In 2013, Lauren graduated from Co...
Lauren Wilcox is a singer/songwriter from the Chicago suburbs. She began taking classical voice lessons when she was 10 years old and continues to learn every day. In 2013, Lauren graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Music degree with a concentration in Vocal Performance where she explored various styles of music including rock, pop, blues, and jazz. She was also fortunate enough to perform on stage at very prestigious venues and events such as the Auditorium Theater, Buddy Guy's Legends, the Field Museum, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, as well as many others. After graduation, Lauren was hired at School of Rock Hinsdale as a vocal, guitar, and keys teacher and also held such positions as show director, Little Wing Assistant Director, and Assistant Manager (Hinsdale). Most recently, Lauren was named the General Manager of School of Rock Naperville.
Lauren currently plays bass and sings background vocals in the Chicago power pop band, THE PUNCH. She is also one half of the acoustic jazz/pop singer/songwriter duo, Fonder Estates.
Although Lauren has not yet achieved her dreams of becoming the newest member of Green Day or being the face of a Disney princess, she is beyond grateful for her musical journey so far. She believes wholeheartedly that music has the ability to change lives and hopes to continue to educate kids about the positive power that music holds."
Emily Goodell
Studio Coordinator & Little Wing Teacher
Emily Goodell started playing piano at the age of 7 and percussion at the age of 10. Throughout high school and college, Emily played in concert band, jazz band, marching band, percussion ensemble,...
Emily Goodell started playing piano at the age of 7 and percussion at the age of 10. Throughout high school and college, Emily played in concert band, jazz band, marching band, percussion ensemble, and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Emily graduated from Lewis University with a degree in Music Business and a minor in Marketing. Although classically trained, Emily uses influences from all genres of music in teaching. She loves teaching kids and watching them grow musically.
Sean Walker
Music Director
Born a creative soul, Sean began playing music at the age of 15 in Southern, IL. Originally a drummer, Sean has learned music through performing with multiple bands over the past ten years and even...
Born a creative soul, Sean began playing music at the age of 15 in Southern, IL. Originally a drummer, Sean has learned music through performing with multiple bands over the past ten years and eventually added Guitar, Bass, and Vocals to his resume of rock. A showman at heart, Sean places an emphasis on listening and reacting to the music when teaching. Students should expect to learn warm-up techniques, and how to listen for pitch and style approaches; all while looking good and getting the crowd moving! Sean currently resides in Chicago,IL where he performs with his band Little Boy Jr. So, whether you're a Freddie Mercury, Alison Mosshart or anything in between, get ready to rock!
Promotions View AllView Less
SUMMER SEASON SHOWS AT LINCOLN HALL
The best way to understand what makes School of Rock different, is to see our students perform! Join us for an afternoon of great music featuring students from our Performance Program. Students will pay tribute to Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Where: Lincoln Hall: 2424 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 When: Saturday, September 15th. Doors 11:30AM. Show: 12:00PM-4:00PM Family friendly. Tickets are $10, kids 10 and under are free.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ON 2018 SUMMER CAMPS!
Enroll online through April 30th for 20% OFF any 2018 Summer Camp!
Use Promo Code: SOREB18
We offer a wide variety of one week summer camps designed to challenge and inspire students whether they are just starting out or are experienced musicians looking to take their playing to the next level.
(AGES 3-5) LITTLE WING BRITISH INVASION CAMP (JUNE 18-22) LITTLE WING REGGAE CAMP (JULY 16-20)
(AGES 6-7) INTRO TO ROCK CAMP (JUNE 18-22) INTRO TO ROCK CAMP (JULY 16-20)
Can't decide what to buy???? GET THEM A GIFT CERTIFICATE!! Let the budding rocker choose their own musical journey by giving them the ability to take their first step! Gift certificates are good towards any School of Rock camps or programming! Available in increments of $50. No limits, no expirations. Gift certificates are transferrable.
School of Rock students show power of teamwork and electric guitars at Summerfest
Taylor Palmby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A handful of those students have traveled to Summerfest for the past six years to perform three songs with their band, said Justin Nihiser, School of Rock...
Taylor Palmby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A handful of those students have traveled to Summerfest for the past six years to perform three songs with their band, said Justin Nihiser, School of Rock's vice president of international operations and franchise development.
Fockens, Romero and Weaver felt comfortable being in the spotlight, thanks to what they've learned at the School of Rock in Naperville, Ill.
"I'm super confident and my stage presence has gotten better," said Weaver, a drummer. "I've learned how energy, when you give it to the crowd it feeds off the crowd and comes back to you."
Vocalist Romero said School of Rock has made him more confident on stage, but it's also given him a place where he feels accepted for who he is.
"It's formed me into the person I am," Romero said. "It's more of a liberal environment where everyone is themselves and the whole community of School of Rock is just one huge family across the world."
Nihiser echoed Romero's sentiments about School of Rock being a place where everyone is accepted. "This is a place where kids go to fit in," Nihiser said. "This is specifically a place where kids feel comfortable with each other and they feel like they belong."
School of Rock students gain confidence and practice team work. Those skills start to permeate into other areas of the students' lives, Nihiser said.
Minutes before they were about to take the stage, Fockens teared up as she talked about what School of Rock has meant to her, and Romero slid over to squeeze her tight and kiss her on the cheek.
"I started as a little emo kid with short dyed hair, and some of the staff members have literally seen me grow up," Fockens said. "I'm going to cry thinking about it because I have to leave soon."
School of Rock performances will continue from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday on six stages Summerfest.
Down to Business: Learning to play in band more than just mastering music
From: Naperville Sun
By: David Sharos
Description of business: “Students are not only being taught an instrument, they’re learning to deal with life situations, building confidence and beco...
From: Naperville Sun By: David Sharos
Description of business: “Students are not only being taught an instrument, they’re learning to deal with life situations, building confidence and becoming better people. At School of Rock Naperville, learning music in a lesson room is just the beginning. We get kids playing on stage as quickly as possible, teaching them to play as soloists and as part of a team. This immersive method motivates them to be their best, helping them learn skills faster and more thoroughly,” Sean Walker says.
What was the reason for this more holistic development of kids and the approach you use? “We really feel the best way to learn music is to share and tying everything together gives them a direct application. I compare it to math – when I started balancing my own checkbook, math started making a whole lot more sense for me. This way, we turn it into a social experience which helps with the practicing and also they get to directly apply these theoretical techniques and concepts they are working on privately.”
What do parents say about molding their children into something else since you have this behavioral slant and yet your resumes don’t include behavioral psychology or being academic teachers? “We hear a lot from parents about the social element and the fact we’re putting students in groups with each other and it takes things one step further. We have these students who come in and are shy and very introverted and give them a couple months and parents are astounded how they are coming out of their shells and doing in public what they only did at home. We’re creating a place to nurture that behavior.”
Years ago, everyone wanted to be a guitar hero or a drummer or a keyboardist. Has that changed or does everyone still gravitate toward those instruments? “When I was growing up, everyone wanted to be the guitar player or the singer, but we’ve seen an influx with drummers with this generation more than anything else. I definitely feel there is a desire to play the traditional instruments.”
What do you do when someone comes in and wants to play something you don’t? You can’t possibly play all the instruments.”Between Lauren and me, as well as the staff, we pretty much cover all the basic instruments we teach. Our staff is always very in tune with that and if someone is talking to me and maybe I’m not a strong keyboard player, we’d set them up with a trial lesson with an instructor who can give them the best experience possible.”
“One of the most important things you can do with a youngster is to have an instructor the child can bond with,” Lauren Bolt adds. “We do everything to make sure the pairing is right.”
What are some of the strangest instruments you’ve been asked to teach? Very few people want to play the xylophone, for example. “I’ve heard harmonica and I’ve taught banjo lessons before,” Sean Walker says.
“Someone one asked me for sitar lessons, and I don’t think any of us know how to play that, but it’s a beautiful instrument,” Bolt adds.
How much do musical genres affect the whole lessons thing? With rap and country being more popular than, say, 20 years ago, what is that doing to affect the business? “For us, our big goal is to teach students where these influences came from and how the modern music was guided by them, so if we see kids really interested in Taylor Swift, we’ll try to take them back and show them some of the artists that came before and inspired them and still teach them the whole technique and how to apply that.”
How would you describe your business philosophy? “The philosophy is:’“Don’t let the mission get lost in the day-to-day administrative tasks and challenges.’ We exist because of our students and what the joy of learning and sharing can do for people intellectually and emotionally. As long as we operate keeping that in mind as the end goal, we’ll do a better job and have more fun.”
What is the best thing as well as the biggest challenge about owning your own business? “The best thing is being able to create the culture that you want to work in and be able to live according to the principles you feel are important. The biggest challenge of owning your own business is the ultimate responsibility. You have to keep the faith and that’s not always easy when you’re working a ton of hours.”
Here’s the $64,000 question: What’s the easiest instrument to learn? “We do get asked that all the time. It depends on where you want your child to be – each instrument has its own learning curve and it takes place at different areas. A bass is very easy to get started on, but hard to get good at it. You hit the learning curve a little bit later with chord theory and how it fits in. Drums are a coordination battle.”
School Of Rock Naperville's Fall Show Reviewed on Chicago Music News!
From Chicago Music News:
Mid December, I joined a crowd quite unlike any other I had ever seen. Packed with parents, siblings, friends, and fellow musicians, I witnessed the incredible talent of ...
From Chicago Music News:
Mid December, I joined a crowd quite unlike any other I had ever seen. Packed with parents, siblings, friends, and fellow musicians, I witnessed the incredible talent of Naperville’s School of Rock musicians.
The showcase took place at Bottom Lounge and featured music from famous recording studios like Abbey Road, Electric Lady, Motown, and Muscle Shoals. I was there to see the Sound City set which featured artists who recorded at the legendary studio prior to its 2011 demise. Their set included songs by Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Blind Melon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, War, and more.
I’m not sure what I was expecting of them, but I was blown away by their full sound and skillful playing. I, a 27 year IMG_1170old who wishes she were musically gifted, was in awe of how young and accomplished they all were. These up and coming musicians moved fluidly between instruments like seasoned pros with each new song. Armed with a killer setlist and rotating musicians as they went, their fifty minute set went by quickly.
School of Rock is doing amazing things. They are helping young musicians develop and further their skills while giving them the experience of performing in front of a live audience. For more information on Naperville’s School of Rock, go to http://locations.schoolofrock.com/naperville.
For more photos, go to http://chimusicnews.com/2015/12/14/from-the-pit-napervilles-school-of-rock/
Check out this awesome interview with Jake Deutschman, sharing how he has grown as a musician and how his band, Stellar, was formed at School of Rock Naperville!
Check out this interview of Joanna our Marketing Guru as she spoke about School of Rock on the local access cable show, The Busy Guy hosted by Vince LoCascio. Joanna provides a detailed rundown of ...
Check out this interview of Joanna our Marketing Guru as she spoke about School of Rock on the local access cable show, The Busy Guy hosted by Vince LoCascio. Joanna provides a detailed rundown of all our programs, how they work together and the ways in which they impact the students. Check it out!
“We knew SOR was the right place for him when on a 3rd grade writing assignment he wrote, " I feel most at home at School of Rock." "I love to stay late after my lesson and read my book while I wait for my Mom". To know that our son feels like he fits in and that he feels so comfortable there is very reassuring to us.”
- Kacie C., Mother of School Of Rock Naperville Performance Group student
“In Little Wing, my son learns scales and fundamentals but unlike other music programs, he loves the songs. Also, the children get to move around a lot and the teachers follow the musical interests of the children so they're always engaged.”
- Marta S., Mother of School Of Rock Naperville student in Little Wing, SoR's early childhood program
“At first, my daughter didn't want to go because we had just moved and she didn't think she could handle starting at yet another new 'school.' But, I really felt School of Rock was right for her because when you walk in, there's just a feeling of acceptance and so much passion in that building. A year later, she still loves it! Besides being able to play guitar (which is great), I know she has these priceless experiences and she's capable of taking creative risks. Recently, she said to me, "Mom, thank you so much for bringing me to School of Rock.' It just brings tears to my eyes.”
- Julie C., Mother of School of Rock Naperville Rock 101 student
“I don't know how they screen for teachers I imagine it's an extremely rigorous process but they do an amazing job of hiring professionally trained musicians that know how to teach kids at different skill levels. I knew that School of Rock puts a lot of emphasis on performance. But, I was pleasantly surprised that the teachers instill the importance of reading music and exposing them to different aspects of f world music, jazz and blues in addition to playing rock.”
- James D., Father of School of Rock Naperville Performance Group student
