Ryan Schiff
District Manager
Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Ryan began playing guitar at age 13 after seeing the movie "La Bamba" about rock legend Ritchie Valens. He studied with Grammy-nominated guitarist Steve Briody for several years before starting his own projects and soon became an instructor himself. While still in New York, his band Code Anchor independently released several EPs and one full-length album, "Rosada," while touring extensively nationwide from 2005-2009. A co-writer in the band, Ryan also played lead and rhythm guitar while singing lead and backup vocals. Memorable stages include the Vans Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum and headlining bills at some of New York City's greatest venues like CBGB's and The Knitting Factory. It was during this time that Ryan began teaching at School of Rock in NY. Hungry to pursue new musical ventures, Ryan departed from Code Anchor and moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Since then, he's been busy writing, producing and performing with his newest project, Lou Pine. As a Sony/ATV artist, Lou Pine’s music has been featured on television shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word” and “Food Paradise." Ryan enjoys playing every genre, including jazz, funk, country and folk, but credits the blues and rock n' roll as his main influences. He is the district manager at School of Rock Burbank.
Selena Lysle
General Manager
Raised in Los Angeles, Selena has always been passionate about music, from photographing concerts to working in health and safety at music festivals. She started with School of Rock in 2014 and since then, she’s helped cultivate a welcoming and inspiring community of future rock stars.
Selena has an associate's degree in Business and Studio Photography. She is currently pursuing degrees in Graphic Design and UX Design. Selena loves creating rad artwork and running around with her camera at School of Rock shows. You can catch her custom-made show posters around the school. In February 2023, she was promoted to Multi-Unit General Manager and also leads School of Rock Santa Clarita.
When she's not behind the front desk, she enjoys learning new things, gardening, cooking, and being outdoors.
Katie Cole
Assistant Music Director, Drum Teacher
Katie Cole has always had a passion for music and has been playing all kinds of instruments for the past two decades. She specializes in drums and has played in multiple touring bands. Katie was in jazz bands throughout high school and college and has played anything from pop to heavy metal. She is currently writing with her bands Dangerkids and Prinze George. Katie also works in music production and session drumming.
Pierre Karlsson
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Before moving to Los Angeles to study music at the world renowned Musicians Institute (GIT), Pierre performed and recorded with various rock bands from his homeland, Sweden. Since graduating, Pierre Karlsson has established himself as a sought after guitarist, composer/arranger and music collaborator whose stylistic flexibility and enthusiasm speaks for itself.
He has been teaching at School of Rock since 2007, sharing his passion and love of music by being a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher, and directing seasonal shows. Pierre is a multi-faceted musician with credits like the film "Night School" (starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish), "Green Eggs and Ham" (Warner Bros) and Hollywood Reel Film Festival winner "The Truth About Marriage," as well as many commercial and indie projects. He has recorded with artists ranging from Benny Mardones (Into the Night) to Dona Oxford and producer/engineer Rob Brill (Paul McCartney), as well as Billy Sullivan (Trekkies) and Daniel Mendez (Motley Crue). His playing has been featured on television broadcasts around the world, including recent credits "Sing Like a Star," "Daily Blast," "Evidence of Innocence" and "Xploration Awesome Planet."
Nick Mason
Drum Teacher
Nick Mason, is an international touring/studio drummer and music educator. Over his 30-year career in the music industry he has appeared on countless albums, movie soundtracks, music videos, TV shows and feature films. As an educator he helped build and manage the Buffalo Music School in Western New York. He conducts clinics, music seminars and artist consultations. Nick has one of the busiest private teaching practices in Southern California, and can regularly be seen in the pages of industry trade magazines. His performance credits include some of the industry's top acts, such as Street Drum Corps, V2A, The Rhythm Coffin, Beasto Blanco, Orianthi, TUFF, Daisy DeLaHoya, Shania Twain, Corey Feldman, Nik West, Rudy Mancuso, and many more. Nick officially endorses Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Regal Tip Drumsticks, Coffin Case, Cympad, Cool Claws and Zombie Killer Clothing. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Burbank.
Paxton McMurray
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Paxton grew up around jazz and blues music in New Orleans, Louisiana. He began on the piano at four years old, and continued his training on drums, bass, guitar and harmonica. In addition to his jazz training, Paxton attended NOCCA and The Colburn School for classical music, and later studied recording and mixing at the Musicians’ Institute.
He plays in several bands around LA as a multi-instrumentalist, and continues to write/record his own material. He is also a former School of Rock student. Paxton started on keyboards at School of Rock Burbank and began playing around town with the school at 10 years old. The school helped him discover his passion for drums and guitar as well, which he studied with School of Rock for several years.
Paxton is excited to continue to be a part of School of Rock, and hopes to share his experiences with this growing community of young musicians.
Scott Warren
Keyboard Teacher
Scott Warren was the latest keyboardist for heavy metal bands Dio, and Heaven and Hell. Scott is a self-taught keyboardist. He began playing at age six. Later he trained professionally at Dick Grove School of Music. Scott Warren was a member of the groups Warrant, Keel and Berlin.
Today Scott Warren is part of Dio Disciples, which includes surviving members of the final line-up of Dio, along with former Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan. He also plays in the band Hellion alongside fellow Dio Disciples member Simon Wright. His most notable work with the band would have to include his keyboard solo on the recent "Killing the Dragon" album on a track titled "Before the Fall." He is a piano teacher at School of Rock Burbank.
Alexis Angel
Keyboard Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alexis is a much-sought after session/touring musician in Los Angeles. Alexis started learning music at 6 years old and has been heavily involved in it ever since. Some projects that he’s involved in include, playing the part of Ray Manzarek in a Doors Tribute band “Strange Days” and George Harrison in various other Beatles tribute bands. His main focus is on writing original music and session work. His music style ranges from Rock n' Roll, Blues, Latin and Honky Tonk, to name a few.
He has been highly praised by legendary Doors guitarist, Robby Krieger, for his skill on the keyboard, as well as having the ability to play guitar and bass efficiently.
Some of his other passions outside of music include illustration, as his ability to sketch/draw has been another one of his passions since he was in elementary school. Alexis continues to keep chasing his dream of having a career in the arts and is very passionate of sharing the knowledge he has learned to students who are after the same goal.
Marcel Borbón
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Marcel Borbón Pérez is a performer-composer born and raised in Los Angeles, California. From his beginnings as a punk, ska, and reggae guitarist - he went on to study classical guitar, composition, and music theory at Loyola Marymount University.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Marcel has toured internationally on electric bass, played Balinese Gamelan with various LA ensembles, and has honed his percussion and string skills playing the Caribbean and Mexican music of his childhood. Over the years, his musical interests have evolved into making music on synthesizers and drum machines, alongside an incessant studying and appreciation of jazz music and the music of Abya Yala.
His music has appeared on the Netflix series The OA, and he has released 3 albums with his band under Saddle Creek Records. Marcel's passion for music pushes beyond any genre as he constantly seeks to better himself and inspire his students and colleagues.
Jason Austan
Drum Teacher
Jason Austan is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, audio engineer, composer, arranger, and educator. Jason began playing drums at the age 15, being taught by instructors in the area and playing with local bands while growing up in New Jersey. During his early 20s, he turned his passion into a full time career by moving to Los Angeles, California. Focusing exclusively on music, he began his journey by attending the Musicians Institute of Hollywood where he received a diverse education. First, he studied drum set performance and then moved on to audio engineering, live sound, and the independent artist programs. He has played and recorded drums, engineered and produced with countless number of artists and bands in his personal recording studio and other studios around the country. At the same time, he also uses his talents to teach students of all ages the encyclopedia of knowledge he has attained along the way, while keeping in mind the value of self education and finding your own individual voice. Versatility and balance are the key ingredients in his lifelong journey as a musician. Jason is always moving forward, improving with hard work and determination, while never forgetting the joy that music has always brought him.
Elias Williams
Drum Teacher
Elias Williams grew up in San Francisco where he began playing drums at the age of six + started playing professionally at fifteen. Having always loved music + seeking to further his knowledge of percussion, he attended the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts World Music Program where he learned how to play a variety of styles including Japanese taiko, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian samba + Balinese gamelan. He was also the drummer of the Blondies, a Bay Area-based indie rock band with which he gained experience playing a variety of live shows between the Bay Area and LA + eventually went on his first tour around the Pacific Northwest.
He returned to his High School as a drum technique teacher + teaching assistant. At this time he began playing with Aylon Cohen, a local blues guitarist who he performed with at a variety of clubs + bars across Northern California + began teaching drum lessons. Elias went on to study at Musicians Institute in the Drum Performance Program, where he studied a variety of musical styles including Jazz, Funk, Classic Rock + R&B. At the beginning of the pandemic he began writing + producing his own music, which he will soon be releasing as part of a duo called Notferadio. He now spends his time producing his own music + works as a drum teacher at School of Rock Burbank.
Bella Primera
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Born and raised in Burbank, Bella has been playing music since 2016 when she began taking lessons at School of Rock. As a multi-instrumentalist Bella plays Drums, Bass, Guitar, and Piano in a variety of different styles. Her favorite genres include Classic Rock, R&B, and Pop. She has played venues throughout LA such as the Troubadour and the Whisky a Go Go. During her time at School of Rock, Bella moved her way up through the Performance Program and was in House Band. After graduating out of SoR, she began and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Music with a minor in Business.
Tita Farrar
Singing Teacher
With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, Vocal Performance, innate market knowledge and professional skills in the areas of Band development, Vocal Coaching, lead vocals and background vocals, Tita is a Veteran Vocalist who an unmatched passion and dedication to each project. Having a wealth of experience, Tita now focuses on her own recording and creating her online presence. She also has an absolute passion for teaching and making a difference to the younger generation.
Tita is a member of Norwood Fisher’s Trulio Disgracias currently signed with Rope a Dope Records Los Angeles. Tita has also been featured Vocalist for many Big bands in Los Angeles - The Ikeda Kings Orchestra , Big band Express, as well as smaller combo’s, Liz Lomax Band, Paul McDonald sextet here in Los Angeles.
One of her greatest experiences was performing with the Great Stevie Wonder at a private event at the Las Vegas Mirage Penthouse tower. In Chicago, she played with older jazz icons. Tita also performed at Dance Clubs for featured Diva performance with DJ Sets. Tita also got the wonderful opportunity to perform with Roy Ayers at a Bridge Magazine launch in Chicago.
Emilee Saville
Studio Coordinator
Emilee was born and raised in California but was able to enjoy a few wonderful years on the East Coast. She has also had the privilege of traveling to France and Scotland. Emilee loves to learn new things - there aren’t enough lifetimes to enjoy everything life has to offer!
Besides the Celine Dion concerts she would put on for her stuffed animals as a little girl, learning music has always been out of reach. In late 2018, Emilee had an epiphany that the only thing in the way of her learning music was herself. She began to teach herself piano and started taking more academic music classes in 2020. Emilee looks forward to integrating music into every aspect of her life from here on out.
Christian Porro
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Christian Porro is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and educator born and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up in a Hispanic household, he gravitated towards music at a very young age, specifically Latin and Jazz styles. He picked up the guitar at the age of 13, after playing the flute and piano since the age of 8. As a child, Christian studied on scholarship at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. After diving into and discovering his love for rock and metal music, he went on to graduate with a degree in Guitar Performance from the acclaimed Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. Growing up in such an immersive music city, he has had the opportunity to play in bands of all styles across the LA music scene, ranging from metal to salsa to grunge-pop and more. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and recording his original compositions, however teaching has become his most fulfilling passion.
Joel Hernandez
Piano Teacher
Originally from Fresno, California, Joel Hernandez is a multi-instrumentalist that earned a B.A. in Music Education at UCLA and earned a teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University to work as a classroom teacher. Moving back to LA and now working with School of Rock Burbank, Joel is a keyboard and string specialist having worked with various groups ranging from Early Music Ensembles, Video Game Orchestras to Mariachi and Rock Bands. Instrumental proficiencies include Keys, Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello, Ukulele and most recently Folk Harp.
Gigging in his free time he mainly plays piano and offers a background in support of learning many various styles of keyboard music. Familiar with Classical repertoire from Baroque to Post-Modern and Pop/Jazz music styles ranging from Snarky Puppy to John Legend, Joel is always looking forward to helping others learn keyboard and having fun with it.
Candy Londono
Studio Coordinator
Born and raised in Burbank, California, Candy has always had a love for music and the arts. A singer-songwriter herself, she writes to inspire and shed light during hard times. She grew up with a vast musical background and a love for all types including opera and classic rock. Additionally, Candy has a love for travel; she lived in Boston for three years and has traveled through multiple states and some countries. Meeting people from all walks of life has always inspired her. Candy is currently working on improving her own songwriting craft and knowledge of instruments, along with many other learning endeavors.
Niko Gemini
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Niko Gemini is a Russian-born musician and songwriter. He moved to the US in 2011, after graduating from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory College, to start his career as a professional musician.
After joining Davey Suicide for their "The Reckoning" tour, Niko became a permanent member of the band. In 2016, he started his new band, CRY VENOM, with Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling In Reverse). Their first full-length album, Vanquish The Demon, was released via King Records (Japan). The band went on their first tour, following it up with a performance in Japan at the Loud Park music festival in 2017 alongside Slayer, Devin Townsend Project, Meshuggah, Alice Cooper, and others. In March 2017, Davey Suicide's new album, Made From Fire, charted on Billboard and started their Made From Fire world tour that included North America, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia.
In November 2017, Niko released his first instrumental solo track, "Alter The Ego." Since then, a new LP with Davey Suicide (Rock Ain't Dead) and multiple solo singles have been released on all streaming platforms.
Niko joined the hard rock band Foundry from Las Vegas, NV in 2020. The band performed at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip festival in 2022 featuring Rob Zombie, Papa Roach, Bad Wolves, Snoop Dogg, and many others. Foundry is currently working in the studio with producer Colin Brittain creating future singles and planning tours.
Adam Nye
Guitar Teacher
Adam Nye lives as a musician and artist. He thrives on stage, where he gets to share his passion for music and the guitar with people all over.
Originally from Los Angeles, Adam began his musical journey after watching the 2003 classic, School of Rock, starring Jack Black. Since then, the fire ignited and it has not diminished.
Specializing in heavy rock styles, Adam plays with an edge and has a special focus on melody. With his experience, knowledge, and love for music, Adam is excited to teach at School of Rock Burbank.
Phoebe Randall
Studio Coordinator
Born and raised under the blazing Arizona sun, yet somehow incapable of absorbing vitamin D, Phoebe Randall has loved and valued music since she got her hands on a Hello Kitty boombox and her very first CD—a Britany Spears album she won at Dave and Busters.
Phoebe loves to sing, and has been trying to learn guitar for years, but just can’t get those barre chords down. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Art Studies, focusing primarily on animation. She loves how animation is a marriage of moving images and sound, the two made more impactful together than apart.
Phoebe loves that music alone has the ability to transport us to worlds of our creation, and she believes strongly in the therapeutic power of listening to and playing music. Phoebe will often be found listening to her favorite artists while she draws, goes on a hike, or while she’s brushing her teeth. She very much looks forward to supporting you on your uniquely beautiful artistic journey!
Beth Meberg
Studio Coordinator
Beth Meberg is a vocalist and newly minted bass player who hails from Seattle, WA. Beth began classical vocal training at age 14 and performed in vocal ensembles, choirs, and musical theater throughout her high school and college career. Notable achievements include being selected for All-State Choir and performing in the University of Washington's vocal jazz ensemble.
After taking a long hiatus from music, Beth found herself at the School of Rock in Burbank. She instantly felt at home and soon her weekly vocal lessons led her to the adult performance program, and then to bass guitar lessons, and then to actually working at the school. Beth firmly and wholeheartedly believes in the power of music to express oneself in untold ways.
Jake Nuffer
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jake Nuffer is a multi-instrumentalist performer and songwriter born and raised in San Diego, California. He started playing guitar and cello at 9 years old, taking both private and rock band lessons similar to School of Rock. He quickly began playing in many rock, punk, and indie bands throughout his youth gigging professionally.
Jake went on to study Jazz at the New School of Jazz in New York. Shortly after he joined his former band, Fashion Jackson, with the same friends he grew up playing with in his youth rock band lessons. They went on to go on multiple nationwide tours and eventually opened for The 1975 at Pechanga Arena.
Along the way Jake has worked with many artists as a session musician, recording at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La, working with Grammy Award-winning producer DJ Dahi, and playing at Red Rocks as a hired guitar player. Now he writes and produces his own music under the name NUFFER.
Jake has always sought out the community music brings and is thankful for the lifelong friends it has given him. It is his goal to give back what his former rock band teachers had given him when growing up. The impact they had rippled throughout his entire adult career and Jake is excited to try to do the same at School of Rock.
Pearl Govan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Pearl was born and raised in Texas and has always been an artist at heart. She began playing the guitar in middle school after being inspired by rock, metal, and progressive music. In 2019 she began her career at School of Rock honing her craft as both a guitar instructor and show director. Today, Pearl is focused on sharing her love and knowledge of music with everyone, and is excited to be a part of the School of Rock Burbank team!
Kaushik Manikandan
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Originally from India, Kaushik is a multi-instrumentalist with influences ranging from funk and blues to heavy metal and prog rock. With proficiency in jazz studies, Kaushik has founded many music schools and has toured his home country playing with many top artists from India and Los Angeles.
Kaushik has a degree in audio production and focuses on arrangement and sound design and its impact on learning instruments. When you don’t see him teaching the guitar, bass, or the piano, he is busy writing music for advertisements and film soundtracks!
Alexandra van der Hulst
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alexandra van der Hulst is a singer and actress in the Los Angeles area, originally from Hartford, Connecticut. She began studying music at a young age, beginning with piano and voice, and quickly grew to love all things music and performing! Alex began in musical theater and from there studied classical voice and jazz, in programs such as Hartt’s Music Theater Intensive and the Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship at The Bushnell.
Alexandra also had the opportunity to perform at The Metropolitan Opera House with HaZamir Choir in 2017. Alexandra received her Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance at The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theater where she performed in various operas, including the lead role in the east coast premiere of the new opera, The Three Feathers, by Lori Laitman.
Alexandra has been seen in regional theater Playhouse on Park’s productions of The Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog, and A Charles Dickens Christmas, part of their Theater For Young Audiences series! Working with young performers has always been a passion for Alex, and she is thrilled to continue doing so at School of Rock Burbank!
Clay Zimmerman
Drum Teacher
Originally from Harrisonburg, VA, Clay is a performing and recording musician and content creator/web designer. After getting hooked on band classes throughout middle and high school, Clay decided to further pursue his passion for music and art at James Madison University where he graduated with a BA in Media Arts and Design and Music Industry. There he gained valuable performance experience as a member of several student ensembles including the JMU Jazz Ensemble, Marching Royal Dukes Drumline, and JMU Pep Band. This experience helped set him up for his music career in Los Angeles.
Clay has been teaching and playing in LA since moving here in 2021. He has had the opportunity to perform and record with rock and jazz groups such as Cap’n Marble, Agent 18, and The Sages Of Future Soul big band.
Chad Wolfinbarger
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Chad Wolfinbarger’s musical aspirations started innocently enough. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, he was introduced to New Wave through his sister. By the time he got to junior high, Chad had graduated to Iggy Pop, but the Euro-centric sounds of Depeche Mode, The Cure, and even Falco had also made a permanent mark on his psyche.
At 20, Chad grabbed his guitar, boarded a plane for the very first time, and moved to Los Angeles. To make ends meet, he held a string of odd jobs—working as an extra on a Celine Dion video, cleaning toilets in exchange for studio time—and eventually landed an internship with renowned songwriter Diane Warren. The affable Chad eventually networked his way to a job at a small label, and through new relationships in the industry found himself house-sitting for a friend of famed Swedish producer Max Martin. Chad labored on and continued to refine his songwriting skills.
The day came when Chad decided that it was now or never and as fate would have it, a phone call that very night would mean things were going to happen a lot faster than he ever imagined. His band's first record went platinum with the single "Show Me What I’m Looking For." The second record paved the way for the band to play arenas with Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, The Fray, One Republic, Rob Thomas, and Lindsey Sterling. His newest band, Federal Empire, is currently charting on alternative radio across the U.S. He is the Assistant Music Director at School of Rock Burbank.