Our Experienced Music Teachers
All of School of Rock Burlington’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.
Mark Abruzzese
Owner, General Manager
A native of Stoneham, MA, Mark is a scientist by training with a BA from Dartmouth College in Earth Science and an MS from Stanford University in Geological & Environmental Sciences. At a young age, Mark had a sense he wanted to teach, and found his passion in the high school classroom teaching chemistry, physics, and environmental science for 24 years, most at Menlo School in Atherton, CA, and Belmont High School in Belmont, MA.
Mark’s enthusiasm for music and education converged in this new endeavor to build, open, and lead School of Rock Burlington in 2023. A singer-songwriter primarily, Mark finds deep rewards in the journey of writing and performing original songs. He released his debut album under the name Deviant Folk in 2021 and is working to record and release dozens more of the compositions he has been performing at venues like The Bebop Music House in Boston and Lily P’s Fried Chicken and Oysters in Cambridge (the new home of Bluegrass Tuesdays after decades at The Cantab Lounge).
Mark's list of influences is long and includes the likes of Tom Petty, John Prine, Ani Difranco, Greg Brown, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, Steve Miller Band, Bela Fleck, and Tony Rice. Mark plays acoustic and electric guitar, electric and upright bass, and mandolin. At School of Rock Burlington, you will find him coaching ensembles, filling in on a variety of lessons, and reminding everyone that enthusiasm is contagious!
Celine Lizotte
Studio Coordinator
Celine has been passionate about music from a very young age. Starting first on piano and then vocal lessons at the age of 5, she participated in concert band and choir through graduation from Reading Memorial High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Salem State University with a double major in Music (Voice).
Celine absolutely loves singing and admires vocalists such as Amy Winehouse, Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive, Adele, and Lady Gaga. Celine also has a healthy love of classic rock and modern country! Music has always surrounded her, and being able to share her love of music with others has always brought her the most joy. She is very excited to bring her passion and love of music to the School of Rock Burlington as the Studio Coordinator! Celine is pictured here with Sokka, School of Rock Burlington's official house dog.
Braeden Rawa
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Braeden showing kids how to rock the bass!
Noah Walsh
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Noah comes to School of Rock Burlington by a beautiful convergence: his dad, professional musician Tim “TW” Walsh, was a childhood friend of owner Mark Abruzzese in Stoneham, MA. Noah earned his BA in Secondary Education and English from Regis College and is stoked to have the opportunity to teach music.
A Buddhist and yogi, Noah has an authentic and spiritual relationship with music, saying it “welcomes all emotions, experiences, and energies.” He plays in Ezra Cares with his brother and father and is the singer and primary songwriter for the projects Permacultura and Whale Watch. A quick listing of favorite artists reveals his diverse musical interests: Fugazi, The Police, David Byrne, Leonard Cohen, and John Coltrane. Noah plays and instructs tenor saxophone, bass, drums, and guitar.
Ben Andrade
Drum Teacher
Ben began drumming when he was just 10 years old and began lessons at Jack’s Drum Shop in Hyannis, MA not long after. Launched into music performance by jazz and marching bands in high school, he decided to pursue a career in it, earning a BA from Berklee College of Music in 2022.
Over the years, Ben has had the chance to see some great shows in the Boston area to fuel a passion for live performance: Red Hot Chili Peppers at TD Garden, Foo Fighters at Fenway Park, Father John Misty at Leader Bank Pavilion, and Toledo at Brighton Music Hall. Ben describes music as a mode of self-expression and connection with others, and teaching as providing students the tools to achieve that kind of communication. This perspective aligns perfectly with the mission of School of Rock! Ben performs locally at venues like The Rockwell and Modern Theatre with Champagne Charlie & the Wah Wahs and BDJ and Jack Holland.
Braeden Rawa
Guitar Teacher, Media Coordinator, Show Director
A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Braeden actually started learning guitar from the Xbox game Rocksmith after being inspired by seeing the musical Rock of Ages. He has come a long way from that humble start, having graduated in 2023 from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring and Music Business.
Braeden loves expressing himself through his guitar on stage, saying it “gives the freedom to truly be myself.” He plays and writes music for a number of projects: Sounds & Scenarios, Walk on Mars, The Realsugar, and KING CANDY. Some of Braeden’s favorite bands are Green Day, Ghost, Rammstein, and Electric Callboy, and going to Dream Theater’s “The Astonishing” rock opera tour was a seminal experience!
Here at School of Rock Burlington, Braeden brings joy and enthusiasm to his teaching. He instructs on guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, and is one of our primary ensemble directors.