Eric Lonning
Owner
School of Rock Virginia Beach is owned by Eric Lonning, a life-long Virginia Beach resident. Throughout his childhood, Eric took guitar and drum lessons, played in bands, and had success touring and recording with a great group of friends and bandmates. Later, Eric pursued a career in marketing before returning to music with School of Rock. Eric's mission is to create a music school where students will become outstanding musicians, but more importantly, inspiring and amazing individuals. Eric went to nearby First Colonial High School and attended Wake Forest University where he studied Communication and Religion.
Jennifer Lonning
Owner
Jennifer and Eric Lonning own the School of Rock in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jennifer pursued a career in Orthopedic Sales. She loved working with doctors and patients throughout Hampton Roads, but she jumped at the chance to join School of Rock full-time in 2017. Jennifer focuses on community outreach, early childhood music programs, camps and overall school operations. When she's not at School of Rock, Jenn keeps busy with the Lonnings' three children, Max, Emily and Izzy.
Cary Greco
Drum Teacher
Cary Greco started playing drums at the age of 13 and was a decorated musician in the national award winning Kempsville High School Marching Chiefs. Cary was drumline captain and recipient of the Top Percussionist and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. In 2004, Cary won the Guitar Center Drum Off in Virginia Beach, VA. Cary has worked in local studios and most recently with Soul Haven Studios. He can be heard on The Right On Band’s Gold and Platinum Plus albums. He also had performed on a #5 hit on Billboard’s CD singles with “Never Alone” off of The Right On Band’s Platinum Plus album.
Cary is currently performing with “The World’s Greatest 80s Tribute Act,” The Deloreans Band. He has also performed locally and worldwide with 58 bands! Cary had the honor of performing with Steve Cropper at The Kentucky Derby and Smokey Robinson at President Obama’s first Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball. He has also played at President George W. Bush’s 2nd Inauguration, in the White House, in 3 continents, for 3 U.S. Presidents and many African Leaders, and in front of MILLIONS of viewers for the 2009 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Time Square Live on Fox News.
In 2017 Cary began teaching at The School of Rock in Virginia Beach. He has been a drum instructor, master class instructor, and even an instrument repair tech.
Jake Small
Music Director
Jake has degrees from the University of Virginia in Music and Physics. Jake has been playing live music for close to a decade and has extensive experience teaching music. Jake began at School of Rock when the Virginia Beach location opened, and quickly moved from a guitar instructor, to Rock 101 instructor and Show Director. Jake has experience working with all age groups at School of Rock. As Music Director, Jake creates a safe and engaging environment for students to achieve their musical and creative goals. You can catch Jake's band, Pretty Ugly, playing throughout Virginia Beach, and they recently released their first album. Jacob is passionate about sharing his touring and recording experience with musicians of all levels.
Carlton Baker
Assistant Music Director, Camp Director
Carlton Baker knew music was his calling by the age of twelve. After sharpening his skills in church and throughout grade school, Carlton attended Norfolk State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in Voice. During his time at NSU, he was on scholarship through the Concert Choir, which entailed extensive travel and classical performances. Carlton is also a self-taught guitar player which allows him to be a versatile singer-songwriter and performer. Carlton has a genuine love for cultivating young people’s gifts and wants to encourage them to share their talents with the world.
Jason Cale
Guitar Teacher
Jason Cale is a singer/songwriter and guitarist from South Mississippi. After traveling the world performing all styles of music, he's made his home in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia where he regularly performs as a solo, duo, trio or with The Jason Cale Band (Contemporary Blues Fusion). When he's not performing music, you'll find him teaching at The School of Rock or in his studio where he enjoys writing, recording, and producing all styles of music. Jason has used his diverse talents with a number of different professional acts: Sandra Bernhard (celebrity comedian/actress), John Popper (Blues Traveler), Joe Bonamassa (Blues guitarist), The Conan O'Brien Show w/Jimmy Vivino and Grace Potter, Melina Leon (musician/actress), and many others!
Tyler Connelly
Drum Teacher
Tyler is a Virginia Beach native who grew up learning from many of the area masters. Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist, but his true passion is the drum set. He loves taking advanced patterns and rudiments and applying them to the drum set. Tyler is an experienced performer, playing in punk and rock bands and even drumming for established country acts. Tyler has been a mainstay at the School of Rock, where students enjoy his laid back demeanor and care-free beach vibes.
Alfred Evans
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alfred is an established musician in the local scene, known for his use of the organ in rock and blues settings. Alfred grew up learning classical piano and loves teaching students fundamentals and music theory as well as the skills they need to conquer the stage in a live music setting. Alfred keeps his lessons fun and unpredictable while still giving kids the tools they need to read music and grow as musicians.
Joe Graves
Guitar Teacher
Joe is a local legend and popular guitar teacher at School of Rock Virginia Beach. Joe has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember and recorded and toured throughout the east coast with his band, TRUCK. A mainstay at School of Rock, you will find Joe teaching guitar lessons, coaching bands, and fixing whatever is broken.
Igor Kuzmin
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Igor Kuzmin loves to drum! Born in Russia, Igor moved to the US at age 9. Igor's love of rhythm began when he heard someone making beats on the table in elementary school. The rest is history! Igor's formal music instruction began with middle and high school band courses which ultimately led him to study music at Old Dominion University. Prior to teaching at School of Rock, Igor assisted the drumlines at Indian River and Granby High School. Since 2006, Igor has performed in ten bands ranging from grunge to jazz and everything in between. Igor joined School of Rock in 2017 and has yet to have a bad day.
Mike Morgan
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Piano Teacher
Mike Morgan is a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience playing drum set and other percussion including congas, bongos and timbales. Mike also has significant experience on keyboard, bass and guitar. Prior to joining School of Rock Virginia Beach, Mike worked at the Norfolk location for over two years. Mike officially began playing drums when he was around 10 years old on popcorn tubs covered with towels and large pots. Mike still uses the same white CB percussion drum set he got when he was 16 for recording and gigs. Mike drums for several local bands in the Hampton Roads area, including Mosquito Cabaret, Janks, Saving Daylight and Ghost Town Union. He also records his own instruments and vocals for his one-man band project, Sundef. Mike's drumming influences include Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, jazz great Elvin Jones, Abe Cunningham of Deftones, Chico Hamilton, Poncho Sanchez and Santana just to name a few.
Cory Pettiford
Guitar Teacher
Cory Pettiford started playing guitar at age 9 and has almost 50 years of playing experience! Cory was awarded the prestigious C1 special skill identifier by the US Army Element, School of Music, indicating that his playing ability and musicianship was among the top 10% of all Army guitarists worldwide. Over the years, Cory has won multiple Guitarmageddon competitions put on by Guitar Center and was flown to Atlanta and Orlando to participate in higher levels of competition. Cory is well versed in rock, jazz, pop, and funk guitar styles.
Joe Graves
Guitar Teacher
Virginia Beach native Joe "Whitebread" Graves has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember. Joe formed his first band at First Colonial High School and went on to record several albums and play extensively around Hampton Roads.
Joe loves working with the Rock 101 students at School of Rock Virginia Beach. He is so happy to see that rock and roll is alive and well, and he loves inspiring the next generation of performers.
Maria Ramirez
Vocal Teacher
Maria Ramirez is a bilingual performer, producer, vocalist, and keyboardist who owns her own mixed media production company. Maria jumped into the world of musical theater and chorus as a high school student, before moving into music production and mentoring vocalists in the recording studio environment. She also has experience with music production including music engineering, mixing, and mastering. She has also toured with the American Electric Light Orchestra and has many years of building client relationships.
Maria is excited to be a part of School of Rock Virginia Beach while she continues to pursue her dreams of recording original music and working on various creative projects.
Morgan Hopkins
Vocal Teacher
Morgan is a highly accomplished singer/songwriter with a proven track record in the music industry. As the lead vocalist and band manager of the popular local band, Soft Plan, she has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent. Before her involvement with Soft Plan, Morgan showcased her skills as the singer/front woman for the band Candi and as a singer for The Michael Goldberg Band.
In addition to her musical achievements, Morgan has also demonstrated her versatility as a performer, both as a singer and actor. She showcased her talents in the production "Deja The Wall" at the prestigious Sandler Center.
Morgan's expertise extends beyond her own performances. She has received training from renowned institutions such as Starling Voice Studio and the William Esper Studio in New York. With a passion for exploring different vocal techniques, Morgan is dedicated to finding what works best for each vocalist. She believes in creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment that allows artists to grow and thrive. Morgan's love for her craft shines through in her commitment to providing a nurturing space for aspiring artists. She finds joy in guiding and supporting others on their artistic journey.
Ross Ellis
Guitar Teacher
Ross is a dedicated and experienced instructor with over three years of teaching expertise. With a passion for the performing arts, Ross boasts more than seven years of performance experience, including an impressive three-year stint entertaining audiences at Busch Gardens. His extensive background in theater spans over eight years, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his teaching.
In addition to his work on stage, Ross has showcased his talents on cruise ships, contributing to his well-rounded and diverse performance background. Not only is Ross a skilled performer and instructor, but he is also fluent in Japanese, adding a unique cultural perspective to his teaching approach. With a commitment to fostering creativity and skill development, Ross is a valued teacher who brings a rich blend of performance and instructional experience to every class!