Susan
Owner, Show Director
Susan Marlett started on flute in the fourth grade and by the seventh grade she was using a special woodwind pick-up and guitar pedals for her flute. She was hooked.
Susan has a Fine Art, Art History, and Archaeological Anthropology degree from Parsons School of Design and the New School. So of course she does music! After running a successful nonprofit gallery in NYC, she launched a small internet start-up.
However, Susan never forgot her roots in rock & roll and joined School of Rock Waldwick in 2010 as a voice and keys instructor. She was hooked on their innovative approach to teaching with her first show in September 2010. Susan became General Manager in 2017 and owner in 2020.
Kurt
COO, Owner
Kurt took on the role of owner and COO for the School of Rock Waldwick after leaving a position as Manager of Strategy & Business Transformation Practice at The Hackett Group. Previously, he was in procurement and logistics for Mercedes-Benz in Montvale.
Kurt is from Switzerland, where he earned several business degrees. He spent many years working for the Lucerne Blues Festival (Europe’s largest blues festival.) Kurt also has a passion for cars.
Andy
Studio Coordinator
Andy has been a part of the community at the School of Rock in Waldwick, New Jersey for a long time. He started with us as a young drum student and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually successfully auditioning for the House Band. He interned with us for several summers before leaving for college and working in the film industry.
Andy's favorite School of Rock shows include the Blues, Led Zeppelin, and An Organ Show. He credits the Blues show for teaching him the importance of listening to his fellow bandmates. And of course, he loved rocking out with the House Band. Andy still plays out in several cover bands.
Mike
Drum Teacher
Originally from Bergen County, Michael is a graduate of Ramapo High School, where he excelled in all things music and was even voted Most Musical by his classmates. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a BA in Performance, emphasizing Jazz Studies and Music History. Upon graduation Michael set sail for the open water and spent six years seeing the world as an orchestra drummer for different cruise lines, performing big band music, production shows, and variety acts of all kinds.
Michael was eventually given the (extremely rare) opportunity to become a Guest Entertainer for Royal Caribbean as Drummer/Musical Director for multi-talented performer Domenick Allen (Foreigner, Buddy Rich Band, Liberace, Broadway, London's West End) and continues to enjoy the Music Director chair to this day.
Michael started with School of Rock in 2015 and has enjoyed every moment. When not in a lesson you will find him practicing often. His favorite method books are Stick Control (G.L.Stone), The Art of Bop Drumming (J.Riley), The Shuffle Drumming Workbook (C.Doboe) and Syncopation (T.Reed).
Michael
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
“The Astronaut” consists solely of one musician at the helm. Michael holds a B.S. degree in Music Industry & Technology for Audio Engineering and Music. He is a multi-instrumentalist and has been playing music since he was 13 years old. He was a band member with Jeremian Fraites of the Lumineers.
Michael is a descendant of the great Evelyn Danzig Levine, who wrote the classic 1949 song “Scarlet Ribbons,” and renowned New York Times sports writer Allison Danzig who coined the phrase “The Grand Slam” in tennis. Michael was bestowed with the gift of songwriting passed down through generations. At 15, he attended the National Guitar Academy for one summer and returned as one of the foremost exceptional and dedicated players at such a young age. He later went on to be an acclaimed self-taught musician in other instruments, including drums.
Michael uses the moniker “The Astronaut” as something more introspective. Not only just a songwriter, Michael's ability to play each instrument into a formula within his songs is something that sets him apart from most songwriters. Everything you hear is created by his hands and mind. Along with music, Michael also directs and shoots all his own music videos. “The Astronaut” will be constantly writing, recording, and playing his music to as many listeners as possible.
Eric
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Eric is a fantastic example of what School of Rock can do for a budding musician. He is a former School of Rock student, was part of his school's House Band, and successfully auditioned for the School of Rock AllStars in 2006. Some of the memorable places Eric has played include B.B. King's Blues Club, World Cafe Live, and Royal Oak Theatre.
Eric truly understands the School of Rock Method. Today he is part of several touring groups including an Allman Brothers Tribute Band called A Brother's Revival. You should see him play the pedal steel guitar! He also plays with several Grateful Dead tribute bands.
Ginny
Vocal Teacher
Ginny has a long history of singing and started studying privately at the age of 8. Ginny then found School of Rock and she was hooked; she is a product of our school! She excelled quickly in bands, going on tour with our Show Band.
Ginny studied at William Patterson and performs regularly in our area. Check out her band, Ginny Lackey, and the HiFi band.
Charlie
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Charlie’s musical knowledge and devotion are deeply rooted in his early childhood when he was exposed to tons of the greatest classic rock hits and artists through listening to his father’s collection of CDs. Cutting his teeth on over a decade of meticulous classical piano training and many performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Charlie got more involved with rock and roll music during high school when he co-founded his first band with a close friend. He transferred his musical knowledge from the piano to the electric guitar and even began to forge his abilities as a vocalist.
Since then, Charlie has relentlessly pursued greater knowledge and experience in the art of music through countless hours of practice and study, as well as involvement in an abundance of projects, studio work, and live performances across the Greater New York area. He sings and plays rhythm guitar, bass, and keyboards for studio tracking sessions with his rock band, The Vespids.
Ian
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Show Director, Rookies Director
Ian got his first taste of live music from Mardi Gras parades in his hometown of New Orleans. A few drum lessons, and some months of guitar, and he was off. Ian is a multi-instrumentalist with professional experience on the guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keys.
He grew up listening to his parents’ favorites (Journey, Marc Anthony, Prince, Billy Joel), and he got heavy into the punk scene in high school. Playing drums for one band, and guitar for another, Ian scrapped his way through garage gigs and church basements to understand what it means to speak this language. In college, he studied musical theater and had the chance to receive classical voice training.
After college, Ian started a company called Neptune Guitar Co. that does repairs, set-ups, and custom builds. With his music, he has been focusing on growing stronger as a rhythm guitarist and producer while working with some of the best-growing NYC artists in the game today.
Kevin
Drum Teacher
Kevin started drumming as a high school student. He played in the concert and jazz bands, as well as in an electric pep band for the football team. After graduating, Kevin went to RCC for music recording and spent much of the early '90s gigging across New York and New Jersey with his own band playing and recording all original material.
He took some time away from music to start a family, eventually enrolling his daughter as a School of Rock student. She went through the program and is now an instructor here as well.
Kevin has played in numerous rock, worship, and jam bands, and while he has a soft spot for '70s and '80s hard rock, pop, and blues, he is currently exploring traditional Celtic drumming for a local Irish pipe and drum band.
Steve
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Steve’s musical journey is truly impressive, from his start as a School of Rock student back in 2006 to managing multiple branches and now touring as the drummer for a prominent AC/DC tribute band called Back In Black. His dedication to music and education has left a significant mark on various communities.
Steve is thrilled to bring his passion and experience to the great community at the School of Rock in Waldwick, New Jersey.
Dylan
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Dylan loves "very" alternative music and plays 10 instruments! He also has a black belt in Isshinryu Karate, is an Eagle Scout, and is a game master for multiple TTRPG systems. His personal musical journey includes making sounds and exploring how the art of sounds works to create harmony or better yet, discord.
Dylan graduated from Vassar College with a Computer Science degree and has experience in web development. He is interested in full-stack development and software development in general. He also has experience in Python, C, and Android Studio.
Dylan is excited to share his love of music and playing with the students at School of Rock Waldwick.
Wayne
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Wayne is a New York-based drummer who has enjoyed a diverse career as a professional musician for almost 30 years. During that time Wayne has kept busy playing for numerous Broadway shows including Cats, Lion King, Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun, Hairspray, and Billy Elliot, among others.
Wayne also played for the National Tours of 101 Dalmatians and Hair. In the jazz genre, Wayne has performed and recorded with alto sax great Richie Cole’s Alto Madness Orchestra, appearing at such venues as The Jazz Standard in New York City, The Cape May Jazz Festival in New Jersey, and the Kristianstad Jazz Festival in Sweden.
Wayne can be seen performing with the New York ska band Mephiskapheles and is heard on their self-titled EP. A particular career highlight for Wayne was a 2014 performance at Carnegie Hall with Ladysmith Black Mambazo featuring bassist Bakithi Kumalo, and special guest Dave Mathews, in a celebration of South African music. Wayne hopes to continue on this musical journey by playing the many different styles of music that he’s fortunate enough to encounter.
Chiara
Vocal Teacher
Chiara (known as the artist Kiahra) showed early signs of her love of performing and writing. She turned professional at the age of 10 booking her first Equity production and later joining SAG. Success followed into her teens with rave reviews for her featured role on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre earning her a Theatre Choice Award Nomination (Best Featured Actress in a Musical).
Chiara has appeared on television and radio and became the “IT girl” for the Target Black Friday advertising campaign. She has performed at many venues including Papermill Playhouse, Playwrights Horizons, New World Stages, Tarrytown Music Hall, The Apollo, Madison Square Garden, and Yogi Bear Stadium. Chiara has also worked with Ice-T, Heidi Klum, Cheech Marin, Joseph Brooks, and Alex Lacamoire and had the privilege to share the stage with Chaka Khan, Jonathan Groff, Sarah Hyland, and Eric McCormick. She has also performed with Catherine Russell and drummer Tommy Campbell.
Chiara was signed to Streamline Records and has performed for some of the top music executives and record labels in New York and LA. Her popularity exploded when she started posting covers on Instagram where she has racked up over 18.5 million views. After deciding to go independent, her debut single "Train Wreck" has gained over 50,000 streams. When Chiara is not working on her next release, she is excited to share her time with the School of Rock community and looks forward to rocking out!
Shannen
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Shannen is a performer and teaching artist based in NY/NJ. Growing up in a house filled with music and art, Shannen was singing at a young age. She began studying voice formally with renowned master teacher Justin Stoney when she was 14 years old. Shannen had the opportunity to attend one of New York City’s performing arts high schools, Professional Children’s School. Upon graduating, Shannen was accepted to Circle in the Square Theatre School, a conservatory based in Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre. During her time at Circle, Shannen trained intensively in singing, acting, and dance. After her time at Circle in the Square, Shannen had the opportunity to perform with regional/local theaters including the Players Theatre (NYC) Peter Jay Sharp Theatre (NYC) Cape May Playhouse (NJ) George Street Playhouse (NJ).
With a desire to continue her music education, Shannen was accepted to Berklee College of Music, where she had the opportunity to learn from many incredible teachers and musicians. Shannen has since then had the opportunity to perform at several of New York City’s popular venues, including Don’t Tell Mama, The Bitter End, Birdland Jazz, The Mercury Lounge, Jazz at Kitano, 54 Below, and more. Today, Shannen continues to perform professionally, and she is grateful to have discovered a love for teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. She is thrilled to be a part of fostering a joy of music and performance for her students, and loves being a part of their journeys as artists!
Alan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alan is a teacher, musician, and singer-songwriter from North New Jersey. He began learning to play music on the piano at age 8 and then on guitar and bass at age 12. His love of music started with ’80s and ’90s pop music and soon expanded to classical and jazz. Alan was part of his high school's concert and jazz bands and then he was a part of the jazz ensemble in college. He has studied Audio Technology at Hudson County Schools Of Technology and Music at Bergen Community College.
Alan has been teaching for the past 14 years and enjoys sharing his passion for music with his students through an approachable blend of theory, technique, and learning by ear. His focus is on simplifying the concepts of music and ensuring a strong foundational knowledge to empower the student.
Alan has also performed in and around the NYC area for the past two decades, sharing the stage with band members of Blue Man Group, Ian Hunter, John Mayer, Natalie Merchant, and The Front Bottoms.