Berkeley
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Berkeley

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School of Rock Berkeley
1313 Gilman Street
Berkeley, CA 94706
510-956-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 10 PM
  • Friday: 2 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Berkeley combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

Programs we offer

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

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Berkeley'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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Berkeley 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 Berkeley'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 Berkeley music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Berkeley
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Berkeley'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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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

The School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley'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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Berkeley

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Berkeley, 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 Berkeley is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Berkeley 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 Berkeley'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 Berkeley, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Berkeley

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley. Unlike other Berkeley 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 Berkeley, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Berkeley 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 Berkeley

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Berkeley

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Berkeley. 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley’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.

Assistant General Manager Simone Bushard
Simone Bushard
Assistant General Manager
Born in Santa Clara and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains, Simone Bushard is a budding vocalist in the Bay Area’s flourishing music scene. Simone’s interest in music was sparked by her exposure to the music of grunge, punk rock, and classic rock artists like Audioslave, Green Day, Queen, and Amy Winehouse. While Simone was very much inspired by these types of artists, she writes her own lyrics that take on a style similar to the blues. Simone is currently working on a full-length EP with her band, 3,4. She is the Assistant General Manager at School of Rock Berkeley.
Studio Coordinator Harry Kim
Harry Kim
Studio Coordinator
Born in Korea in 1993 but raised in the Central Valley of Southern California, Harry started as a musician at the age of 13 playing in local bands and writing music throughout high school. After graduating, he moved to East Bay Oakland where he would spend several years learning how to self-produce albums, busk on the streets, and get his footing as an artist. In 2016, Harry graduated from Laney College with a degree in Media Productions where he learned audio production and expanded his skills as a producer. Harry would spend the next several years self-releasing music and performing in local venues with the space rock band, Electric Vibe. In recent years, he has rekindled his love for drawing and reinvented himself as an emerging visual artist. He currently works as a part-time freelance artist, lives with his girlfriend in West Oakland, and is the Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Berkeley.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Dewey Reikofski
Dewey Reikofski
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Dewey Reikofski
Growing up, Dewey sang in the children’s and youth choirs at church as well as in middle school and high school choirs. He started piano lessons the summer before the second grade and studied through high school. As well as being the bass in his high school barbershop quartet, Dewey was a percussionist in band, a thespian, and a member of the 2000 Texas all-state choir. His love of music and theater led him to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas to become an opera singer.

Dewey’s first foray into the world of rock and roll came in the form of a Tenacious D cover band called Tenacious 3 in which he sang (beautifully). Since then he has played in a number of original projects ranging from rock (Vinyl) to funk (Jambunctious) to hip hop (AV The Great) and country. Before leaving Texas, he participated in Rock Lottery 14 as a member of Keytari at Dan's Silverleaf. Dewey has worked at School of Rock locations in Texas and California, bringing fun, quality music education to all students on his roster. Dewey currently teaches at School of Rock Berkeley, providing vocal and keyboard instruction to all ages, and directing rehearsals for the Rock 101 Program and Performance Program.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Sean Yarbrough
Sean Yarbrough
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Sean Yarbrough started playing guitar when he was 12 years old by sneaking onto his older brother’s 1973 Stratocaster every chance he got. When his brother saw Sean playing better than him he gave his kid brother the guitar. Sean grew up listening to massive doses of early Blues, Hendrix, and Motown, followed by Rush, DEVO, XTC, The Scorpions, Blondie, The Ramones, and The Clash. At 14, Sean began studying with Joe Satriani, a masterful connection that would define and shape his own artistry.

Sean writes, composes, and produces solo works for film and performance art and does sound for youth school events. He’s committed to sharing his musical expertise with aspiring young musicians in the Bay Area by teaching guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals. Sean currently lives with his 10-year-old son and teaches in Berkeley.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Danny James
Danny James
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
The San Francisco Weekly once described the music of Bay Area musician Danny James as "Larry Graham and Queen on the floor with the Raspberries"—a description James has quoted in interviews—which accurately sums up his passion for hooky rock & roll with a funky undertow. Born Daniel James Aaberg, Danny James was born and raised in Oakland, California, and first earned recognition as a vocalist, keyboard player, and songwriter with the garage punk band, the Cuts, who released three albums for Birdman Records between 2003 and 2006. After the Cuts called it a day, James and longtime friend Mike "General Luau" Generalao (also a veteran of the Cuts) began working on a handful of projects, and when James formed his own band using the name Danny James & Pear, Generalao signed on as lead guitarist.

The respected L.A. indie label Burger Records offered to release a long-player from James' band, and in 2013 they issued the album, Pear, on cassette (they also ordered some test pressings on vinyl, but a proper LP release did not materialize at the time). After receiving strong reviews, the album was reissued by Burger in 2015 on LP and CD.

When not occupied with music, James is part of the Two Over Ten Preservation Society, a group of Bay Area artists and creative minds dedicated to preserving methods, technologies, and ideals of the past. He is an active member of the School of Rock Berkeley staff, specializing in keyboard and vocal instruction.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Ryan Parks
Ryan Parks
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Ryan plays rhythm guitar in Oakland act, B. Hamilton. He wrote music for Boots Riley's film, Sorry to Bother You, and has been teaching at School of Rock Berkeley for about a year. Ryan’s primary instrument is the guitar, though he also teaches bass guitar. His approach to music instruction is appreciated by adult students and school-aged students alike, and he has some experience teaching groups here as well.
Drum Teacher Cairo McCockran
Cairo McCockran
Drum Teacher
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Cairo McCockran has devoted his life to the study of rhythm. His studies began in East Oakland under the instruction of master percussionist E.W. Wainwright and as a performer of the African Roots of Jazz Youth Drummers. Cairo continued his musical studies at the Berkeley Jazz School and completed his high school studies in instrumental music and performance at Oakland School for the Arts. He completed his BA in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs at the California Maritime Academy. Cairo performs with local blues, rock, jazz, and zydeco ensembles in the SF Bay Area. Cairo has been teaching drums at School of Rock Berkeley since 2019.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Owen Kelley
Owen Kelley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Owen Adair Kelley hails from Columbus, Ohio, where he studied classical and jazz guitar. After moving to the Bay Area in 2010, he established himself as a skilled guitarist, bassist, and performer. Owen is a member of Talkies, Sleepy Sun, and Fleetwood Macrame. His first album, Even Still, was released in August 2016, followed by Full Alpine Lace in 2019. His most recent album, Lest You End As I, was released in 2022 on Dandy Boy Records.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Michael Zamora
Michael Zamora
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Michael Zamora is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and performer based in Oakland, CA. He has spent much of the past decade mixing, recording, making music videos, booking tours, and playing countless live shows across the U.S. and Europe. Michael has brought his fun-spirited energy to many Bay Area bands, playing guitar, bass, and synthesizer as well as singing and songwriting across many different genres. A strong believer in drawing out students’ innate passion for music, he encourages students to bring their own unique tastes and preferences into the lesson room. Michael’s warmth and patience creates a place for budding musicians to grow and explore their musical interests.
Guitar Teacher Diego Peña León
Diego Peña León
Guitar Teacher
Born and raised in Berkeley, Diego Peña León is a guitar instructor at School of Rock Berkeley. Playing guitars for more than a decade, Diego had many influences in his musical journey leading him to love playing different styles of music such as rock, jazz, and sierreño. Diego can be seen playing in the Saint Mary’s College of California Jazz ensemble. Currently, Diego is a student at Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga and will be finishing up in May with his bachelor's degree in Applied Anthropology and a minor in Music.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Sean Whitman
Sean Whitman
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Sean Whitman has been playing the drums since he was 10 years old and the guitar since he was 13 years old. He received his BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona and recently received certificates in Live Sound, Sound Recording, and Sound Design from the City College of San Francisco. Sean says that teaching music has been the best job he’s ever had, and he feels very lucky to be able to do this for a living. Sean tries to let his students' interests lead the lesson whether it be learning basic chords, learning their favorite band’s songs, soloing using scales, or writing songs of their own. Sean is well versed in mainly guitar, bass, and drum instruction, but has also taught lessons involving other instruments.
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher Richard Stuverud
Richard Stuverud
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Richard has been an instructor of drums, keyboards, and vocals, as well as a director for performance groups such as The Who, the '80s, Women in Rock, Black Sabbath, and CBGB at School Of Rock Berkeley for the last three years. Currently, Richard is the director of the Rolling Stones group and School of Rock Berkeley's House Band.

Richard is a professional drummer and singer-songwriter who is known for his recording and touring with Seattle groups The Fastbacks, War Babies, and more recently Pearl Jam.
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Darwin Siegaldoud
Darwin Siegaldoud
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Darwin Siegaldoud was born in Santa Barbara and has been living in the Bay Area since 2013. He has been recording music and playing in bands since high school, and currently fronts the Helltones. Darwin provides top-tier music education to anyone who wants to expand the role of music in their lives.
Drum Teacher Sam Lefebvre
Sam Lefebvre
Drum Teacher
Sam Lefebvre is a percussionist and music educator with over 15 years of experience behind the drum kit. He lives in Oakland, CA, and maintains an active listening and improvising practice in addition to performing, recording, and touring with various groups.
Keyboard Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Brendan Casey
Brendan Casey
Keyboard Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Brendan has played piano since he was seven years old and has a classical and blues background in piano. While studying English and Russian at Oberlin college, Brendan played electric bass and guitar in different bands. After graduating, he joined the burgeoning music scene in the Bay Area and has played in numerous projects since then.

Brendan can teach multiple instruments including piano, bass, and guitar. In addition, he can teach music theory, how to read music, and all different styles from pop, rock, New Orleans, jazz, ragtime, or stride! In his spare time, you’ll find Brendan practicing music or reading about surrealism or history, or studying Russian or French.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Eli Eckert
Eli Eckert
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Eli Eckert is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter who has toured throughout the US and Europe. He has been teaching music for the past 12 years. One of Eli's favorite parts of teaching is helping students learn a song that they’ve always loved and the excitement that comes from being able to perform music they truly enjoy. Eli lives in Oakland with his wife and two sons.
Drum Teacher Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis
Drum Teacher
Jordan Davis has been playing drums since he was three years old. His grandfather and church were a big influence on his passion for music and his future career. Jordan has never stopped playing drums and loves inspiring people through teaching. He has taught students at School of Rock Berkeley for two years. Jordan currently plays in multiple groups, including TBA Music and The Purifiedment Tribe. He also plays on his own at UC Berkeley for fun, and for his community. Jordan wishes peace and blessings to all who cross his path.
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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