Austin V.
Drum Teacher
Austin took an interest in music at an early age, playing percussion in 4th grade at the age of 9 in the school band. At that time, he also began taking private drum lessons and won many awards for his work in the school’s solo music contests. Over the years, he participated in Day Jams, a local rock music camp, in which he excelled at performing in front of large crowds with a live band.
By the time he was a senior in high school, Austin had become the leader of his section in the drumline for the marching band as well as playing in all the top high school bands, including The Jazz Ensemble, The Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. Some of Austin’s other highlights include playing with the marching band in the 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl and also performing in the 45th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival.
In college, Austin chose to major in Film and Video at Columbia College Chicago but continued to study drums under jazz legend Ernie Adams. While in college, Austin also gained further experience and skills playing with a variety of bands and musicians. As of 2017, Austin has been the drummer for the local band, Conway, and also currently works as a freelance videographer, editor, and photographer. Austin also continues to pursue other music projects in other genres such as EDM, rap, and country.
Mike T.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Director
Originally from Philadelphia, Mike relocated to Illinois after high school. His love of music started early when he was classically trained on the clarinet. Mike later began playing bass with a church band. Later in life, Mike studied at NIU and earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis in Individual Development. He enjoys blending his love for music with his interest in development, coaching, and mentoring.
Mike is heavily influenced by the East Coast music scene and enjoys all genres of music. Mike has composed and performed guitar, bass, drums, and vocals on 14 LPs, various EPs, singles, and compilations. Mike has toured and performed on stages across the U.S. He is a current member of Stay the Course, playing lead guitar for the Wichita and Chicago-based pop-punk band.
Daniel O.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Daniel is a musician, instructor, songwriter, and producer with over a decade's worth of experience. Having spent years in music education and in the music, recording, and touring industry, he has been teaching music lessons to students of varying ages and skill levels for the last several years. Daniel takes a fun and intuitive approach to lessons and loves fostering skills in all his students. He loves making music, writing, creating, and going for walks with his family.
Daniel is currently working on a few musical projects in the pop, sync, and songwriter genres.
Ashley W.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Ashley comes to School of Rock with over 25 years of musical experience. Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, she began playing piano when she was 4 years old and her interest in music would take her through mastering six instruments with some collegiate experience. Notable performances include singing the National Anthem for the Boston Red Sox and performing at Disney World.
As an instructor now, Ashley believes in empowering her students to learn and develop their skills to the fullest extent, igniting their passion each week to do their best. She is a wife and mom with two fur babies. When Ashley is not teaching, you can find her behind her camera, participating in organ donor advocacy, and spending time with her family at home.
Daniel C.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Danny is a multi-instrumentalist with a B.A. in Music from Beloit College. He teaches guitar, bass, and vocals, and continues to record and tour on all these instruments (and the kazoo) with multiple Chicago-based bands. He brings this working background to the performance program, alongside directing experience with the Bristol Renaissance Faire and various choral groups.
Starting out as a drummer, Danny later transitioned to guitar and beyond. Growing up with a mix of folk, blues, country, and classic rock, he took on jazz, drum line, musical theater, and songwriting on various instruments as a teenager. He started playing shows around Chicago at 16 and hasn’t stopped since.
In 2017, Danny broke his wrist (ouch) and had to teach a replacement guitarist how to play his band’s songs. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he quickly realized he enjoyed teaching music, and that he was learning just as much from the experience as his student was. Danny’s favorite band of all time is Queen.
Stefan H.
Studio Coordinator
Stefan started taking lessons with School of Rock in September of 2020. Stefan quickly graduated into the performance group and then made it into House Band. Stefan's steadfast work ethic was very apparent when he would volunteer his time to help with our group classes.
Once Stefan graduated from School of Rock, he joined the team as an Assistant Studio Coordinator and then as our Main Studio Coordinator. You can find Stefan learning new songs on his guitar at the front desk and taking care of our clients.
Nick C.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nick is an active professional guitarist and vocalist in the Chicago music scene. For over two decades, he has played in the band 7th Heaven, which has charted #1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts. The band has opened for many well-known artists such as Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, and Styx. Nick is very excited to be part of the School of Rock Barrington team and to help mold the minds of the next generation of Rock n’ Roll! Nick believes in challenging students to reach their full potential.