South Bay L.A.
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

South Bay L.A.

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Map
School of Rock South Bay L.A.
1806 Artesia Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 379-2288
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 11 AM - 6 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 05/21/2024: Closed
  • 05/22/2024: Closed
  • 05/23/2024: Closed
  • 05/25/2024: Closed
  • 05/27/2024: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock South Bay L.A. combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Redondo Beach for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock South Bay L.A.'s top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in South Bay L.A. have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in Redondo Beach are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock South Bay L.A. who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in Redondo Beach
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock South Bay L.A. is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock South Bay L.A. Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Redondo Beach music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock South Bay L.A.'s music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a Redondo Beach music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Redondo Beach
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Redondo Beach
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock South Bay L.A. our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock South Bay L.A., songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in Redondo Beach is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock South Bay L.A. who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

Adult music program in Redondo Beach for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock South Bay L.A.'s Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock South Bay L.A. is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Redondo Beach.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock South Bay L.A. Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in Redondo Beach.

House Band program for gigging at local venues in Redondo Beach
House Band
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock South Bay L.A. House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock South Bay L.A.'s House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at CA rock venues throughout the year.

What To Expect
  • A GIGGING MUSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE
  • FREQUENT LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COMMUNITY

The Path to Take the Stage

Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. Therefore, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout Redondo Beach and the rest of CA. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in South Bay L.A.

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Redondo Beach

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock South Bay L.A., we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock South Bay L.A. is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Redondo Beach guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock South Bay L.A.'s beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Redondo Beach venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock South Bay L.A. offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our Redondo Beach guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Redondo Beach

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock South Bay L.A. is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock South Bay L.A. we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Redondo Beach, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in Redondo Beach. Unlike other Redondo Beach drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock South Bay L.A., our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Redondo Beach drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock Redondo Beach

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock South Bay L.A. offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock South Bay L.A. teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in Redondo Beach.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Redondo Beach

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock South Bay L.A. offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in Redondo Beach and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach Redondo Beach students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock Redondo Beach

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Redondo Beach. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Redondo Beach area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock South Bay L.A. Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Redondo Beach area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local Redondo Beach music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock South Bay L.A., our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in Redondo Beach, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock South Bay L.A.’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

Ryan Schiff
District Manager
Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Ryan began playing guitar at age 13 after seeing the movie "La Bamba" about rock legend Ritchie Valens. He studied with Grammy-nominated guitarist Steve Briody for several years before starting his own projects and soon became an instructor himself. While still in New York, his band Code Anchor independently released several EPs and one full-length album, "Rosada," while touring extensively nationwide from 2005-2009. A co-writer in the band, Ryan also played lead and rhythm guitar while singing lead and backup vocals. Memorable stages include the Vans Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum and headlining bills at some of New York City's greatest venues like CBGBs and The Knitting Factory. It was during this time that Ryan began teaching at School of Rock in Melville, NY. Hungry to pursue new musical ventures, Ryan departed from Code Anchor and moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Since then, he's been busy writing, producing and performing with his newest project, Lou Pine. As a Sony/ATV artist, Lou Pine’s music has been featured on television shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word,” and “Food Paradise." Ryan enjoys playing every genre including jazz, funk, country and folk, but credits the blues and rock n' roll as his main influences.
General Manager Justin Salmons
Justin Salmons
General Manager
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but raised in Dallas, Texas, Justin has been a music enthusiast since elementary school. Inspired by his cousin's ability to riff on a Les Paul as a kid, Justin finally picked up the guitar at 13. Initially a rocker, his thirst for a deeper understanding of the inner workings of guitar and music led him to a more diverse repertoire and a greater knowledge of music theory.

Justin took advantage of the immense blues, jazz, country, and R&B culture that Texas had to offer and broadened his influences and musical understanding, quickly becoming an old soul in a young body. This led to performing and recording with artists such as Nokie Edwards of the Ventures, Dave Bartholomew (songwriter for Fats Domino), hip-hop legend the D.O.C., and Texas country legends The Light Crust Doughboys, which eventually led to a Grammy nomination in Southern Gospel.

After graduating from the University of North Texas in 2007 and feeling the limitations of Texas, Justin relocated to Los Angeles in 2010. Justin began teaching at School of Rock West LA in 2011. He was promoted to Music Director in 2014 and then promoted again to General Manager in 2018. Justin is dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education.
Travis Simpson
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Travis Simpson started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old and never looked back. What started out as an interest in music quickly grew into an obsession for all things sound. After graduating high school, he studied Audio Engineering at the Musicians Institute. Starting out doing stage and audio work for venues around LA like The Saban and Canyon Club, he then found himself working in audio post-production. However, it didn’t take long to find himself returning to his first love, music, when he started as a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock South Bay. Now Travis, whose life has been shaped so much by music, is focused on giving back by helping develop the next wave of young musicians.
Assistant General Manager Drew Dvorsky
Drew Dvorsky
Assistant General Manager
Drew Dvorsky is a composer, producer, multi-disciplinary instrumentalist, session musician, and songwriter. He was born and raised on the westside of Los Angeles. Drew's obsession with music started with regular guitar lessons when he was 8 years old and has grown into learning every part of the recording process from engineering to writing all the way to mixing and mastering. Drew has gotten his music on dozens of major TV shows, and he has worked with industry giants in the studio and on the stage.

Music has been a gift for Drew, going beyond a career—it is the way he deals with his emotions, how he connects with the world around him, how he makes friends, and how he navigates through life. And his spark only continues to grow. Drew is a lifelong student of the craft, continuing to collaborate with amazing artists, learn, perform, and teach as much as he can. Spreading love through music is his mission, and he is honored and proud to be part of the School of Rock team.
Patrick Salmon
Drum Teacher
Patrick Salmon is originally from Brick, New Jersey, where he started playing the drums at age 12 and by 15 was playing at music venues and nightclubs on the Jersey shore. Shortly after, he moved to Hollywood, California to attend Musicians Institute. During his time at MI he studied under multiple world-class drummers and many other musicians. During his time with Tomorrow's Bad Seeds he completed many national and international tours, sharing the stage with multiple bands such as The Wailers, 311, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Pennywise, Rise Against, The Smashing Pumpkins and The Dirty Heads just to name a few. When the band was not touring they also achieved some notable feats, like making their national television debut on the late night show “The Craig Ferguson Show.” On the studio end of things, while with Bads Seeds, Patrick worked with Grammy award-winning producer Damon Elliot (Pink) and engineer/producer Josh “Igloo” Montgomery, who is known for making all of Ludacris’s tracks.

During a short hiatus from Bad Seeds he got the chance to perform and record with the band Four Minutes Till Midnight. After recording with world-renowned producer Hiroto Kobayashi (Earth, Wind and Fire) and legendary percussionist Lenny Castro, he completed a four-week full national tour of Japan. Patrick manages a busy schedule teaching as a drum teacher at School of Rock South Bay LA, and performing and recording still with Tomorrow's Bad Seeds. He also works with Bret Bollinger, the front man of Pepper, which has given him a great network of studio musician to work with.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Chad Leaf
Chad Leaf
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
For Chad, music has been a lifelong journey. Since Chad was 12 years old, he has been playing in bands and writing music that runs the gamut from hardcore punk to progressive rock. In 2016, Chad completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition and Performance at The Evergreen State College. Upon returning home to Southern California, he joined the alternative rock band, Modern Color. Over the past four years Modern Color has released 2 LPs via Other People Records and completed numerous tours in North America, Europe and Japan. Alongside his music career, Chad has pursued his passion for teaching by conducting virtual guitar lessons and tutoring high school and middle school students in various disciplines including math and science. Chad's goal as a teacher is to nurture creativity and inspire young musicians to play the type of music that they want to hear
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Darvin Aguilar
Darvin Aguilar
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Darvin Aguilar was born and raised in Hollywood, CA. He began playing bass guitar at sixteen. After graduating high school, he played in a variety of bands ranging from Death Metal to Progressive Metal. He played dozens of shows throughout that time including stints at The Whisky A Go-Go, and The Cobalt Café. He then decided to pursue a music degree at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. There, he began his musical journey into the jazz and classical world picking up the double bass as his main instrument. This led him to expand his horizons, playing in Jazz combos, Jazz Big Bands, Latin and Salsa groups, String Quartets, and even performing as a Principal Bassist in an Orchestra. He has performed at many other venues in Los Angeles including, The Lighthouse Café, The Study, The World Stage, The Grand Annex, Lido’s and many more. He is now completing his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis on Jazz Bass at CSUN.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Stephen Cunningham
Stephen Cunningham
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
With over 18 years of experience, Stephen has spent much of his time playing guitar with local musicians and has studied under many experienced instructors. From Rock and Metal to Jazz and Classical, Stephen has an extensive knowledge of music theory and knows how to apply it to each genre to achieve the sound you may be looking for. Stephen teaches primarily electric guitar/bass, is great with beginners, and is ready to take anyone’s playing to the next level.
Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher Zulheyk Rios
Zulheyk Rios
Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Music producer, songwriter, and vocal coach, Zulheyk was born and raised in LA. She was first introduced to music by her parents whose occupations were both in the entertainment industry. Zulheyk had her studio debut at the age of 5, covering background vocals for one of her dad's album tracks. Eventually, she began performing in musical theater where she developed her talent for singing, dancing, and acting. Before releasing her first single, Zulheyk received her degree in music production from the Los Angeles Film School in 2020.

Her main influences are female vocalists with powerful voices like Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, and Amy Winehouse. After graduating, she worked as an afterschool program director where she provided music and sound effects for all the special events that she planned for her students. When working in education, Zulheyk discovered a need to be more of a mentor and decided to begin teaching youth about music. She became a music instructor and began teaching at a small studio in Long Beach and helped set up student showcases after months of private lesson rehearsals. There she was able to work alongside other musicians which allowed her to expand her knowledge of music theory into multiple genres. Her favorite genre is a mix of R&B and soul with a hint of modern jazz. Zulheyk is also inspired by French producer FKJ, and plays piano and guitar, and sings in different languages.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Nash Montano
Nash Montano
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Nash Montano started playing guitar in high school after listening to “B.B. King Live at Cook County Jail.” After joining his high school jazz band, Nash quickly decided that playing music was what he wanted to do forever. A year after playing guitar he began playing in one of the top 5 musicals in Los Angeles in collaboration with the famed improv sketch comedy group, Second City. Nash then received scholarships to attend El Camino College where he studied Jazz Performance and received lessons from Matthew Greif of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Nash now plays all over Southern California in original bands and as a hired musician at venues like the Whisky A GoGo, House of Blues, and Chain Reaction.
Drum Teacher Adam Halitzka
Adam Halitzka
Drum Teacher
Adam Halitzka has 30 years of experience on the drum kit. His musical journey began when he started lessons at the age of 15 in the 90s rock scene of Cleveland, Ohio. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 2007 to pursue his degree in Music, Adam attended the Musicians Institute (M.I.), and he graduated with an Associate of Arts in Music Performance. During his time at M.I., Adam studied with Sammy J. Watson, Chuck Silverman, and other legendary drummers.

Adam began playing in Musical Theater in the LA area after attending M.I. where he played onstage in Altar Boyz, The Next Fairy Tale, and I Love Lucy Live on Stage for their Los Angeles runs. Adam also launched the national tour of Lucy Live.

As a seasoned artist, Adam has experience in rock, metal, and funk bands, as well as record producing, drum programming, recording, musical theater, and touring. Adam keeps busy between working, teaching at School of Rock Southbay LA, and recording and producing in his home studio.
Guitar Teacher Ed Yeo
Ed Yeo
Guitar Teacher
Ed Yeo has been playing guitar since he was a teenager when he first heard Clapton, Page, and Beck. Ed spent his early years figuring out classic rock guitar lines from listening to LP records. About 10 years later, his former father-in-law taught him music theory and set him up with lessons with his friend, swing jazz guitarist George Allen. Ed later took bebop jazz and classical guitar lessons with Rob Curtis, which is when he decided he needed a more modern jazz guitar approach. Since then he has been building his repertoire, working on left and right hand techniques and integrating said jazz and classical techniques into rock music to aid his guitar students. Ed started teaching about 15 years ago at two local music stores and has previously taught guitar and directed shows at School of Rock Chicago. He now teaches at School of Rock Venice and School of Rock West LA and is a guitar teacher.
Matthew Rivas
Guitar Instructor, Bass Instructor, Vocal Instructor
Matthew Rivas is a singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and freelance/session bassist. Matthew is all music and has always played music. He has studied both classical and jazz-level music theory for over a decade. His earliest memories are of him playing guitar and singing. Matthew started playing guitar when he was 5 years old but at age 10 he found that the bass was his most beloved instrument and spent the majority of his musical education studying bass.

Throughout middle and high school, Matthew joined every orchestra, jazz band/combo, musical, and choir. During his time in high school, Matthew formed and created multiple bands ranging from jazz to pop to heavy metal. Matthew’s main project in high school was a classic heavy metal band called Devil’s Knights who got the opportunity to perform at many venues and concerts including the charity event, Strange 80’s 3D.

As well as creating and performing with multiple bands in high school, Matthew also attended the Musicians Institute for a 5-Week express program to further his education in music performance. After high school, he went on to attend LBCC and Cypress College for his Music AA and worked as both a freelance musician and an audio-visual technician.

When Matthew isn’t teaching you can find him performing in various bands still as a freelance bassist or with his multiple bands Matt Rivas, Kovalent, and The Sence.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher A.J. Bartholomew
A.J. Bartholomew
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
A.J. Bartholomew was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, CA. He began playing guitar at 11 years old. After studying at the Musicians Institute for a year, he began touring in 2007 on the Vans Warped Tour and has been touring nationally and internationally ever since.

In between touring and gigging full-time A.J. has been teaching guitar privately for over two decades. He briefly taught as a sub at School of Rock back in 2014 and is excited to be back!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher Andrew Damian
Andrew Damian
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Los Angeles. Primarily a guitarist, Andrew graduated from Princeton’s music department in 2020 and has been rocking in LA since as a session player and gun for hire.

Andrew has played all across Southern California and Las Vegas and he has toured the East Coast. With extensive experience teaching students of all ages, Andrew is excited to work with you at School of Rock South Bay LA!
Drum Teacher Mckenna Reeve
Mckenna Reeve
Drum Teacher
Drummer Mckenna Reeve (she/her) is a versatile performer in many styles of instruments including drumset, vibraphone, and world percussion hailing from Fresno, California. She received her bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies in 2020 and her master's degree in Jazz Composition in 2022, both from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Mckenna's debut album (Lavender Skies and Golden Plains) was released in May of 2022 and can be found on Bandcamp, Spotify, and wherever else you find music. The album features original jazz compositions. Mckenna can be heard on Benjamin Boone’s Caught in the Rhythm (2023), No Hands Brass Band’s EP Off the Curb (2021), Julie Koenig’s Renaissance Woman (2021), Chloe Resler’s Amazilia (2019), and live with a variety of projects. Mckenna can be found teaching, writing, and performing in the Southern California area, where she currently resides.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Amanda Rosen
Amanda Rosen
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Amanda grew up in Los Angeles, California. She has been singing since the young age of 3 and started playing piano at age 10 to accompany herself and her songwriting.

Throughout her life, she has been a part of a multitude of different music groups spanning many genres. In addition to having experience in multiple bands and choirs, Amanda has years of performing experience in both group and solo acts.

Amanda graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 with degrees in both Psychology and Music. Since graduating, she has been focusing on recording and producing her first album.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Tita Farrar
Tita Farrar
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Tita is a veteran vocalist who has an unmatched passion and dedication to each project. She has over 30 years of experience in the music industry, and vocal performance, as well as innate market knowledge and professional skills in the areas of band development, vocal coaching, lead vocals, and background vocals. With a wealth of experience, Tita now focuses on her own recording and creating her online presence. She also has an absolute passion for teaching and making a difference in younger generations.

Tita is a member of Norwood Fisher’s Trulio Disgracias currently signed with Rope a Dope Records Los Angeles. Tita has also been a featured vocalist for many big bands in Los Angeles including the Ikeda Kings Orchestra and Big Band Express. She has also featured with smaller combos including the Liz Lomax Band, and the Paul McDonald Sextet here in Los Angeles.

One of Tita's greatest experiences was performing with the great Stevie Wonder at a private event at the Las Vegas Mirage Penthouse Tower. She has also performed with older jazz icons in Chicago and at dance clubs for featured diva performances with DJ sets. Tita also got the wonderful opportunity to perform with Roy Ayers at a Bridge Magazine launch in Chicago.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

Reviews

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

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