Midlothian
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Midlothian

Excited to announce our Open House on Saturday April 20, 2024 11a-3p. We will have Live Music, Tours and Trial Experiences and offer same day discounts on plans and camps.   Summer Camp
Map
School of Rock Midlothian
4830 Commonwealth Center Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
804-905-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM

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

School of Rock in Midlothian, Virginia is proud to serve the Midlothian community—including surrounding areas like Chesterfield, Swift Creek, Brandermill, Woodlake, and Moseley—with a revolutionary music education approach. With lessons from our expert instructors, students can learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals across every genre including rock, pop, and R&B. By jamming in a band together with friends while learning to read and play music by ear, students gain the confidence to truly be a rock star. Our students regularly play at local establishments like Uptown Alley and Fest. Take the first step towards reaching your goals and join School of Rock in Midlothian, VA today!

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in
Rookies
Ages 6-7

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

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

School of Rock Midlothian'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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian.

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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian.

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

The School of Rock Midlothian 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 Midlothian's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at 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 Midlothian. 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 Midlothian

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Midlothian 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 Midlothian, 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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian, 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 Midlothian.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Midlothian 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 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 Midlothian, 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 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 Midlothian, 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

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Owner Bryan S. McRay
Bryan S. McRay
Owner
After a lengthy career in emergency medical services, Bryan retired to follow his new passion. After seeing how impactful and powerful the School of Rock community had been for his daughter for the past 10 years he decided to purchase a franchise and open his own school.
Singing Teacher Andrew Bonieskie
Andrew Bonieskie
Vocal Teacher
Andrew Bonieskie is a singer and composer with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied classical voice. Andrew has an extensive background in rock music performing since he was 17 and has produced three albums with numerous bands and artists in the Richmond area.
Drum Teacher Mark Buxo
Mark Buxo
Drum Teacher
Mark has 18 years of throne time. He earned a Music Performance Degree from Nyack College and has played with multiple bands in the New Jersey/New York area. He has been teaching music for several years and enjoys it when his students shine on stage!
Guitar Teacher Steven
Steven Christian
Guitar Teacher
Steven started playing the guitar when he was 13 years old, taking private lessons at a local music store. He attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn, VA, where he started playing in a metal band. Throughout high school, he played guitar with the school's jazz ensemble and indoor drumlines.

Steven went on to study classical guitar at Radford University, completing his degree in Music Business in 2015. He enjoys playing several musical styles including metal, alternative rock, pop-punk, jazz/fusion, progressive, classical, and acoustic.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher George Cruz
George Cruz
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
George is a seasoned music educator with 19 years of live performance experience and nine years of teaching expertise. He tailors lessons to individual student needs, starting at their skill level to foster growth.

George is very proficient across various musical styles and specializes in teaching improvisation for instruments like piano, drums, guitar, bass, and more. His versatile approach enables students to learn technical skills while nurturing their unique musical expression.
Guitar Teacher Chris Dobyns
Chris Dobyns
Guitar Teacher
Chris specializes in rock, metal, and blues music. The last 15 years have been focused on mastering his technique on guitar, bass, and drums. Chris has recently started working on songwriting and music production.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Jordyn Elliott
Jordyn Elliott
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jordyn is what happens when you mix a passion for music and childlike curiosity. Coming from a musical household and family, she started singing at the tender age of 2 in churches. Jordyn began performing when she was 6 years old, with vocal training from her mother, who is also a singer. She started receiving music lessons at 8 followed by the flute and the clarinet at 11.

Jordyn received formal vocal lessons during her time at Appomattox Regional Governors’ School for Arts and Tech. She then started coming up with techniques to bring formal training from the classical music world into the contemporary world. She is trained and has performed certain genres including gospel, blues, soul, rock, and alt-rock during her time studying at Berklee. While she was in Boston, Jordyn taught at the School of Rock in Watertown specializing in vocal health and advanced techniques that are effective cross-genre such as harsh vocals. Her teaching and learning motto is “Since music can be infinite, as musicians so should we.”
Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Lead Instructor Lauren Gonzalez
Lauren Gonzalez
Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Lead Instructor
Lauren Gonzalez has been studying music since the age of 8, playing several instruments including piano, clarinet, and saxophone. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Lauren has performed with various symphonic and orchestral ensembles in the U.S. and Japan including the Auburn University Marching Band, the Auburn University Orchestra, the Tidewater Winds, and the Kanazawa Clarinet Choir. She has been a teacher since 2009 and loves sharing her love for music and learning with young minds.
Guitar Teacher Tanner High
Tanner High
Guitar Teacher
Tanner has been playing guitar for seven years and has experience recording in studios and playing live on tour. He loves to play different forms of rock and metal music. Some of his influences include bands such as the Misfits, KISS, Windhand, Motörhead, and other similar artists. Tanner has played in a few different bands over the years including the group Baby Bugs.
Guitar Teacher Gabe Mayhugh
Gabe Mayhugh
Guitar Teacher
Gabe Mayhugh moved to Central Virginia after spending time in Northern Virginia. This is where he found School of Rock and began teaching. Gabe is an aspiring folk musician with nearly a decade of experience playing the guitar. He is a rhythm guitarist first and foremost but also has a passion for teaching the craft to people looking for a channel of expression.

Gabe believes music is intimate and personal, and draws inspiration from artists such as Nick Drake, The Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, Wilco, and many others. As a developing musician, Gabe is currently working on his own act.
Drum Teacher Cooper Mullins
Cooper Mullins
Drum Teacher
Cooper has been playing and producing music for about nine years. His passion started in middle school and has grown since then. He has a background in several formal groups including symphonic bands, jazz ensembles, and marching percussion. Cooper has 6 years of experience in WGI and AIA groups as well.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Naomi Pike
Naomi Pike
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Naomi is a student at Arizona State University, majoring in Psychology. She has been singing and playing keys and guitar for most of her life and is excited to use her educational background to help teach music.

Naomi has performed in local shows and has onstage and classical vocal training. She primarily helps with our Little Wing and Rookies programs.
Guitar Teacher Jordan Reinecke
Jordan Reinecke
Guitar Teacher
Jordan Reinecke is a seasoned working musician and artist. He started playing extended sets at the age of 16 and has played hundreds of them across the East Coast. Jordan has also cut his teeth in the recording industry as a producer and songwriter. Now, he spends most of his time working under his own artist project, REIN, where he explores combining his heroic guitar influences and modern pop songwriting.
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher Andrew Rohlk
Andrew Rohlk
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Andrew Rohlk is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Richmond, Virginia. He is returning to the School of Rock community to share his knowledge and experience. His singular blend of soul, jazz, pop, and indie recalls the smooth, dance-worthy sounds of Prince and Stevie Wonder, while his production style remains attuned to today’s sonic innovations.

Andrew's love for live performance becomes evident from the moment he steps onstage, as the energy he brings to the microphone infects audience members and makes for a showcase of love and devotion to music that crowds won’t soon forget. His performance credits include appearances at The National in Richmond, Washington DC’s U Street Music Hall, as well as countless other venues in and around the Mid-Atlantic. Andrew released his full-length debut, Lost & Found, in the fall of 2018 and continues to perform his songs and the songs that inspired them all over Virginia for audiences large and small.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher Madison Tifft
Madison Tifft
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Madison Tifft is an experienced performance pianist. She started playing early as a 4-year-old and has been performing publicly since the age of 8. Madison advanced quickly through the levels of piano performance, playing a college-level audition song for her eighth-grade recital. She has also performed with multiple age choirs, orchestras, bands, and solo violinists. Now, Madison is looking to spread her love of playing piano by teaching those of all ages.
Singing Teacher Thalia Tymowski
Thalia Tymowski
Vocal Teacher
Thalia was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where she began singing at a young age. She participated in musical theatre and show choir but fell in love with the School of Rock program. She immersed herself in lessons and the performance program, and even joined her school's House Band, giving her the opportunity to perform at many music venues throughout Virginia.

In 2017, Thalia got to experience what it was like to tour as a musician when she toured with School of Rock AllStars. She played at the Black Cat in D.C., the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the MOPOP Music Festival in Detroit. Thalia then moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music to further her studies as a vocalist.

In Boston, Thalia studied Music Production and Engineering and explored metal music, joining a progressive metal band called Among the Stars. Since graduating from Berklee, Thalia has moved home to Richmond to continue pursuing music in the kind and supportive community she grew up in.
Singing Teacher NiKo Vargas
NiKo Vargas
Vocal Teacher
NiKo is a disabled Afro-Latine nonbinary vocalist, voice actor, musician, producer, writer, and audio engineer. Growing up in New York City, they’ve had a passion for entertainment from a young age, taking part in many artistic endeavors such as show choir, musical theatre, and drama.

Driven by creativity and determination, NiKo began doing freelance work for music and voice acting in March 2015. Having self-taught themselves everything they knew at that point (from audio engineering to music composition), they used their passion to drive them forward to continue learning more about their craft. Their dedication to the arts has driven them to be a knowledgeable, reliable, and energized talent.

Now residing in Richmond, Virginia, NiKo has honed their skills as an actor, vocalist, and audio engineer at a professional level through vocal coaching and university.

With more than 8 years of experience under their belt, they are devoted to their career and eager to help bring life to your project!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Austin Washington
Austin Washington
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Austin has been playing music for over 18 years and has been an RVA resident his whole life. In 2014 Austin joined the School of Rock program and in 2015 was the first RVA student to be selected to the AllStars program.

After graduating from School of Rock as a student, he began teaching music for a couple of years before various other jobs. He returns to teaching as part of our School of Rock Midlothian staff as a guitar and bass instructor while also pursuing his own music opportunities.
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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