Jason Fein
Owner, House Band Director, Show Director & Vocal Teacher
Jason's musical journey started very early. He started piano lessons at the age of seven and it wasn't long after that he decided he wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Still not feeling like he had found his true musical calling he decided to give his school chorus a try when he entered high school. Things started moving fast from there. He formed his first band as the lead singer and by the time he graduated high school he went away to college on a vocal performance scholarship. While in college he formed his first touring band called Next Best Thing. They had some success including two albums and a song placed in a very popular motorcycle DVD that pressed over 500,000 copies. After college NBT broke up and Jason was left searching for a new musical outlet. Little did he know he would soon find it in multiple forms. He co-founded The Run Around. In the ten years The Run Around has been together they have played shows all across this country, sold thousands of albums, have a successful music video and shared the stage with such national acts as Tom Petty, Bowling For Soup, Local H, Blues Traveler, Alien Ant Farm, Mest, Head Automatica, Lucky Boys Confusion, Nine Days, Gavin Degraw and many, many more.
In the midst of all this, Jason was hired on as a vocal instructor at another School of Rock in the area. It wasn't long before he was recognized for his ability to direct and put on an impressive live show and was asked to direct the performance program. From there he went on to be the General Manager. He learned that he loved the School of Rock mission and everything it represented and decided he wanted to make School of Rock his life. Plainfield has always been a favorite town of his and just minutes away from where he grew up so he thought it was a great place to set up shop and start the next great chapter of his life. He can't wait to help mold the next generation of rock n' roll royalty.
Brandy B.
Regional Manager
Brandy is the Regional Manager of the School of Rock locations in Geneva, Plainfield, and Schaumburg, Illinois! She began music very young and continued her keys and vocal studies through college. She attended Loyola University Chicago where she studied English Literature, Classical Voice, and Opera Vocal Performance.
Brandy has a wide variety of musical tastes but Tom Petty will always be her favorite. You can often find her singing show tunes to herself for fun. She believes in the program wholeheartedly and can't wait for her children to be old enough to join in the magic!
Fun Fact: She is not your typical Muggle.
Dan R.
General Manager
Dan's journey as a musician was ignited at 14 when he found a stack of guitar books left behind by his older brother. While in school, he would perform in multiple bands and familiarized himself with the invaluable experience of playing with other growing musicians. After graduating, Dan started his own band and had the pleasure of performing with national touring acts as well as headlining in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. After seven years, he exited in pursuit of playing with other musicians while considering different directions that would offer fresh experiences, growth, and most importantly...fun!
In 2024, Dan released his first single under his metal passion project. If Dan isn't writing and recording music, he's probably at the movie theater watching the latest scary movie or skateboarding with his corgi named Shoyu.
Dan has spent nearly a decade managing multiple music retail locations and live events and is excited to level up at School of Rock. He is thrilled to bring a great vibe as a member of the School of Rock Plainfield community and help elevate everyone along the way. He's always happy to have a friendly chat!
Tim D.
Music Director
Tim plays drums, bass, guitar, and piano. He learned how to play the drums at 8 years old, and has over two decades of live performance experience. His influences include Travis Barker, Joey Jordison, Dan Carle, Mike Portnoy, Ben Harclerode, and Justin Foley. He has a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Illinois State University and has performed in ensembles such as the ISU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Orchestra, Big Red Marching Machine (drumline captain), and Pep Band (head drumset player).
He currently plays drums in the Chicagoland metal band Fools’ Brew and has opened for national acts such as Powerman 5000, (HED) pe, Adema, Korn, Butcher Babies, Soulfly, Kill Devil Hill (ex-Pantera’s Rex Brown and ex-Type O Negative’s Johnny Kelly), Kyng, December In Red, Bridge to Grace, Crobot, Upon A Burning Body, and Green Jelly. Tim has over a decade of experience in working with children and adults with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and Emotional/Behavior Disorders.
Taylor M.
Studio Coordinator
Taylor is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music enthusiast who is thrilled to be part of the team at the School of Rock in Plainfield, Illinois. With a musical journey that started in the magical realm of musical theatre at the tender age of 4, Taylor has since delved into various instruments including guitar, piano, saxophone, and voice. Her passion for music led her to pursue a degree in Contemporary, Urban, and Popular Music at Columbia College of Chicago, where Taylor honed her skills and expanded her musical horizons.
Taylor draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Goldsmith, Brooke Fraser, First Aid Kit, Marcus Mumford, Tori Kelly, and Florence & the Machine and cultivated a style that's uniquely hers yet deeply influenced by the greats. She was honored to receive the Hokin Honors Award for Songwriting in 2022, a testament to her dedication and creative prowess in crafting meaningful music. Alongside her academic pursuits, Taylor has been deeply involved in the music scene since 2018 as a member of her folk-rock band, Each Day, where she has had the privilege of sharing stages and connecting with audiences through the power of music.
As a Studio Coordinator at the School of Rock in Plainfield, Taylor is passionate about inspiring the next generation of rock stars, sharing her knowledge, and fostering a love for music that is as boundless as the sky. Whether strumming a guitar, tickling the ivories, or belting out lyrics, Taylor is committed to helping students explore their musical passions, unleash their creativity, and rock out with confidence. When she is not teaching or making music, you can find Taylor at concerts, continuously fueling her love for all things musical, and bringing fresh perspectives to her role at School of Rock. Taylor is excited to embark on this musical journey together and help students discover the joy, power, and magic of making music at School of Rock!
Martin
Rock 101 Teacher, Show Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Martin is a multi-instrumentalist who plays lead guitar, bass, sax, piano, vocals, and percussion. A high-energy rocker with infectious enthusiasm, he is passionate about music and devotes his heart and soul to teaching kids to rock! Martin has 24 years of professional stage, recording, and teaching experience.
Martin started his musical journey as a jazz saxophone player at 10 years old. An all-state saxophonist, Martin worked with elite directors gaining a solid foundation. Picking up the guitar at 16, he acted as lead guitarist in cover bands throughout high school.
After high school, Martin switched to bass and began his professional career as the primary songwriter and booking manager in the band Marble. Marble recorded with Ministry producer Fluffy at Chicago Trax and became a staple at Cabaret Metro in the '90s. Marble was a heavy, grunge act notably headlining FreeFest in front of over 10,000 people on Cricket Hill.
Martin then joined up with The Bennett Brothers Band, recording the timeless album Spy Boogie. The Bennett Brothers Band played many sold-out shows, ultimately treating a huge crowd at Taste of Chicago. The Bennett Brothers Band was southern-style rock and West Coast traditional blues.
Martin currently plays in the Chicago blues band King Cake (bass and keys), Psychedelic Music Revue: Pearl - Janis Joplin Tribute (lead guitar and vocals), and Big Weekend - Classic Rock (lead guitar and vocals).
Ruth
Show Director, Vocal Teacher
Ruth has always had a deep-rooted passion for music. She has been singing as long as she can remember and has played piano since the age of 8. In school, she was involved in choir in multiple types of ensembles, from traditional to jazz to pop. Outside of school, Ruth was the keyboardist and backup singer in her dad’s rock band, from the ages of 12 to 18. In college, she studied Music Education at North Central College and was the music director of a competitive a cappella group called Sonata Problem at NCC.
In addition to working at the School of Rock in Plainfield, IL, Ruth also works as a barista at Starbucks with her awesome River Square fam, and as an associate producer for the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes Festival.
Otto
Drum Teacher
Otto has been playing drums since he was 8 years old. He joined the school band in middle school and remained in the program throughout high school. During his high school years, Otto started a band with his friends which really ignited his interest in music. Playing with people, like in the School of Rock performance programs, was what secured his love for music.
Otto's high school band evolved into one of his more successful projects called Love in the Dark. After high school, he gained much of his performance experience playing jazz and R&B gigs with students from UIC. Currently, he has a residency in a jazz band at Hotel Lincoln on the Northside of Chicago.
Mike
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Playing guitar and singing since 5, Mike is skilled in many instruments including bass, drums, audio, and sound engineering. Not just playing solo, Mike is a part of many projects not only as a member but also as a musician for hire. When he's not performing, he is teaching music, working in many different settings including schools, theaters, summer camps, and his family-owned music shop where he started teaching at 16.
Working hard to keep his calendar full, Mike brings a very professional, technical, but fun and sarcastic atmosphere. For the last several years, Mike has been a music director at a summer camp out in Pennsylvania and briefly worked at the Gibson guitar factory in Nashville where he was a repair technician fixing and painting guitars.
Kit
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Kit is a multi-instrumentalist from Tinley Park, Illinois who has been surrounded by music for as long as he can remember. He has always had a passion for learning new instruments, starting with the piano at age 8 and continuing to learn other instruments such as the guitar, bass, and various brass. Throughout his childhood, he has been involved with many scholastic musical programs, including the marching band, jazz ensembles, choir program, and musical theater. In 2014, Kit was selected to sing in the ILMEA Honors Choir.
Outside of school, Kit performed in many different bands, covering and writing music of all genres including pop-punk, indie rock, funk rock, rhythm and blues, and singer/songwriter. He has enjoyed performing in venues all around the Chicagoland area since he was 12 years old and still enjoys it to this day.
Kit has a quite eclectic taste in music inspired by musicians such as Chance the Rapper, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Paramore, Snarky Puppy, Tori Kelly, and Vulfpeck. Kit truly enjoys being a teacher at the School of Rock in Plainfield, IL, and aspires to spread his passion for learning and performing music to kids and students of all ages.
Andrew
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Andrew has been teaching and performing professionally for over a decade. He went to Millikin University for his undergraduate degree and majored in Commercial Music and then went to graduate school at Northern Illinois University where he specialized in Studio Music and Audio Engineering.
As a singer, Andrew has a strong background in performing various types of music from jazz, blues, and rock to musical theater, classical, folk, and pop. He has also performed as a Bass II in the elite professional choral ensemble Cor Contiamo and can teach any student any style of music they are interested in.
As a pianist, Andrew specializes in performing jazz, blues, and rock and teaches his students how to improvise in these styles. He also has a strong background in music theory and music literacy for students interested in learning how to read and fully understand the music they are performing.
Madison
Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Madison was introduced to music at a very young age. Her dad has played guitar and been the lead vocalist in oldies cover bands since before she was born. Through his influence, she joined the choir and band in middle school and continued through college.
Madison graduated as a vocal major with a bachelor's degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, where she originally started with bass clarinet as her primary instrument. She continues to share her passion by playing guitar, bass, keyboard, and singing in a '50s/'60s band with her dad, and performing in local community musical theatre productions.
Emma
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Emma has been a musician since she was 5 years old and was inspired to have a love for music from her father. As a multi-instrumentalist, she has experience with piano, vocals, and guitar. At a young age, Emma was classically trained on the piano, had years of experience in musical theater, and was a former student at the School of Rock in Chicago. During her time as a School of Rock student, Emma performed many shows at venues and festivals such as House of Blues, Reggies, Summerfest, Wicker Park Fest, and many more!
Emma studied classical guitar at Lincoln-Way Central. Music has always been a part of her life and she loves almost every and any genre! While living in Phoenix, she was an instructor at School of Rock Scottsdale while studying Engineering at Grand Canyon University. Emma moved to California to study music production and graduated from Icon Collective in Burbank, studying in their Advanced Music Production Program and their Flagship Program. She was nominated for Ambassador of the Year at Icon Collective.
Emma has been a songwriter since a young age and embodies the ability to create original music from rock to electronic music. With her ability as a recording engineer and songwriter, she is writing three rock, indie, and folk albums for her artist project, Emma Vera Eve.
Emmanuel
Guitar Teacher
Emmanuel has over 13 years of experience in the music sector with a combination of skills in performing, producing, and teaching music. He is a talented musician proficient at both the electric and acoustic guitar, drums, and bass. He was the lead guitarist for several bands, such as Fracture the President and Overthrown. He has a multitude of experiences performing live in front of audiences of large venues and local DIY music scenes.
In addition to playing lead guitar, Emmanuel recorded music for Overthrown, releasing singles such as "Pariah" and a full-length self-titled EP. He has also done all the production for Party Rice's discography, with the most recent release of the EP, "Random Act of Violence."
Emmanuel is a guitar instructor at the School of Rock in Plainfield, IL where he teaches the fundamentals of guitar and performance-based music education to students ranging from small children to adults. He also expands his teachings outside the school and has launched his own business, Guitar with Emmanuel, where people of all ages and backgrounds can receive one-on-one beginner guitar lessons.
Emmanuel's passion for music expands even further. Aside from being a guitar instructor, he is also a Guitar Case Technician at Hoffee Carbon Fiber Cases, where he has developed rigorous craftsmanship for building carbon fiber cases for guitars, banjos, and mandolins.
Aidan S.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Aidan is a Vocal Music Education major at North Central College. As a multi-year band and choir student through grade school and a passionate musician, Aidan was a part of a multitude of extracurricular groups including both instrumental and vocal groups within the jazz, barbershop, and show choir ensembles. He now continues to take part in various ensembles at a collegiate and professional level.
Aiden J.
Vocal Teacher
With a deep-rooted passion for music and a dedication to excellence, Aiden brings a dynamic blend of experience and skill to teaching voice and keys at the School of Rock in Plainfield, IL. Currently pursuing a degree in Music Performance at North Central College in Naperville, IL, Aiden is committed to honing his craft and sharing his expertise with aspiring musicians.
As a member of the North Central College Choir, Aiden lends his versatile tenor/baritone/bass voice and perfect pitch to both the NCC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Furthermore, Aiden has been widely recognized for his vocal abilities, earning placement in prestigious ensembles such as the ILMEA All-State Honors and All-District Choirs while in high school. Aiden also prides himself on pulling knowledge from artists with more experience than him. Throughout his years of performing, he has workshopped with many accomplished musicians, some of whom include Kenneth Overton (Grammy Award-winning baritone), Dr. Casey Robard (U. of IL Prof. of Music), Stacey V. Gibbs (widely-accredited spiritual composer), and Dr. Aimee Beckman Collier (Then-Drake U. Music Prof.) to name a few.
Instrumentally, Aiden is proficient in violin, viola, and piano, with years of experience in each. His participation in the Woodstock High School Orchestra highlights his versatility and dedication to mastering multiple instruments. Additionally, Aiden has an extensive athletic background. He excelled on the football field, played a collegiate season as a defensive lineman, and earned accolades such as IL All-State 2nd Team, IL All-State Academic, and Team Defensive MVP as a high school middle linebacker. His leadership skills were evident as a Team Captain and IL Shriners All-Star Game Selectee, demonstrating his ability to lead and inspire by balancing music and athletics.
A decorated alum of Woodstock High School, Aiden graduated Cum Laude with an impressive array of accomplishments. Notably, he earned recognition for his academic prowess with a State Commendation Towards Biliteracy in Spanish, showcasing his commitment to multifaceted learning.
Aiden is determined to inspire the next generation of musicians with his passion, expertise, and commitment to fostering a love for music in all its forms. With a rich background in performance, he is well-equipped to guide students on their musical journey and help them reach their full potential.
Giselle
Vocal Teacher
Giselle has a passion for music which started when she was 5 years old singing in church choirs. Her love for music only blossomed and she proceeded to throw herself into music headfirst, doing both band and choir for over seven years.
Giselle is now a junior at Vandercook College of Music and working towards a bachelor's degree in Vocal Education. She often performs with Latin, jazz, and mariachi groups.