Elmhurst

Explore School of Rock

School of Rock Elmhurst

School of Rock

Explore School of Rock Elmhurst

School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Elmhurst

Map
School of Rock Elmhurst
105 N Maple Ave
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 750-7625

Location Specifics

Across the tracks from the Elmhurst Public Library and next to the Elmhurst YMCA.

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Hours
  • Monday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

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

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in Elmhurst
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst, 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.

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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Elmhurst
Little Wing
Ages 3-5

At School of Rock Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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.

Adult music program in Elmhurst for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Elmhurst'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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst.

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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Elmhurst

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Elmhurst

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Elmhurst

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Collin Bullock
General Manager
Collin A. Bullock was born in Champaign, IL back in the dark, synth-laden days of the 1980s. He started playing guitar at the age of fifteen in an attempt to impress girls. The results have been mixed. He played in rock and roll bands through high school and college, toured the Midwest in a van that smelled terrible and played more power chords than you can shake a stick at. He once knew how to play the entirety of "Angel Of Death" by Slayer, but he has since forgotten it. His favorite guitarists are Billy Corgan, David Gilmour and Johnny Greenwood. Collin likes effects pedals and teaching kids how to rock! Collin currently plays bass in the band bloodmoney who actively gigs and records in Chicago.
Music Director, Drum Teacher CJ Grandberry
CJ Grandberry
Music Director, Drum Teacher
Born in Memphis, TN, Christopher Grandberry (CJ) was raised in Naperville, IL. CJ began his musical journey on the trombone/tuba but eventually redirected his passion towards the drums at the age of 14. With the backbone influences of jazz, rock, hip-hop and African music, CJ garners inspiration from many genres and currently plays all over the Chicagoland area with his band, Fall Classic. CJ loves sharing his musical passion with his students and watching them progress throughout their musical development until they’re playing onstage with the masters.
Studio Coordinator Coleen Spapperi
Coleen Spapperi
Studio Coordinator
Coleen Spapperi has a long and diverse background in the music industry. From her humble beginnings as a popular club DJ in the 1980s, to being the field sales rep for Universal Music Group. Coleen is a graduate of Columbia College with a BA in Music Business Management. She has a plethora of very diverse experience in the music business, including work as a Music Sales Representative for UNI and has worked with clients such as Tower Records, Virgin Records and many independent retailers. She co-founded Dr. Robert’s Productions with her late husband, Producer Steve Spapperi.

Coleen and Steve worked with artists such as Ministry, Die Warzau, Rev. Horton Heat, Anthrax, Marz, and Catherine, among many others. After working with the band Ministry for ten years, Coleen and Steve relocated to Austin, Texas where Steve ran Ministry’s recording and production studio. During that time, Coleen also worked as Al Jorgensen’s Personal Manager’s Assistant, as well as in management for indie label Sector 2. In 1999 Coleen and Steve returned to Chicago and founded Starsounds Inc. As their second production company, Coleen and Steve worked together to nurture and produce many artists.

Throughout her career, Coleen’s experience has taught her every facet of the music industry from the recording process to the marketing and sales of the finished product and everything in between. Coleen has also become a social media marketing expert and really enjoys working with artists to help them grow and develop. Her recent artist projects have included Rotimi, Trainwreck Symphony, NorthRock 360, as well as consulting with many others. Coleen has also been a music business educator, and has taught social media marketing and promotion. She also serves as a frequent guest lecturer on Music Industry panels and symposiums in and around Chicago.
Assistant Manager Nour Yamanita
Nour Yamanita
Assistant Manager
After successfully begging their parents for a guitar for Christmas, Nour began playing guitar and taking lessons at School of Rock at the age of 14. As soon as Nour began to learn to play chords, they began writing songs of their own. At SUNY Oneonta, Nour earned a BA in Music Industry and BS in Business Economics.

Nour’s band, It Keeps Snowing, went on to perform at O-Fest and at various venues around New York and the tri-state area. They released their EP Everything You Want Me To Be in 2018. Since moving to Chicago, Nour has started a new project, Nourmal Dynamics, and has been performing around Chicago. Recently, Nourmal Dynamics was the runner-up in the Winter 2023 Uncommon Ground Open Mic Competition.
Guitar Teacher Seth DelaTorre
Seth DelaTorre
Guitar Teacher
Seth DelaTorre started playing guitar when he was 14 years old, and very soon after that started playing with bands in his area. He was fortunate enough to be able to start playing gigs around the Chicagoland area with a couple local tribute bands playing def tones and all around 90’s Rock radio covers. After graduating High School, he decided to focus on his music and enrolled at Columbia College Chicago. While working toward a degree in contemporary urban and popular music, Seth was able to meet and join his new metal band Bachelors Grove. Now still striving to continue his own studies, Seth is still heavily active with his music, writing, recording and gigging new original music with his band Bachelors Grove, gigging with various cover bands, and teaching guitar lessons. When teaching he aims to have students learn fundamentals in music and control of their instrument through music they love.
Drum Teacher Alaska Young
Alaska Young
Drum Teacher
Alaska has been playing drums, performing and writing music for 10 years. She’s played in many groups including marching band, jazz band, pep band, percussion ensemble, and most recently recorded a record with Scarlet Demore. Music has taken her across the US, in addition to touring Spain in high school. She also works as a music director, a DJ, and is currently finding herself as a solo artist. Alaska is very excited to pass on the knowledge she has learned in her short time in the music industry. She emphasizes discipline, and steady practice in her lessons but most of all having fun, and catering to each student's individual wants and needs.
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Rob Lane
Rob Lane
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Rob Lane is an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalist, and a lifelong Chicagoland resident! Having played live music for decades, Rob also has formal vocal training at the college level. In addition to his decade and genre spanning solo work, he also fronts the Beatles tribute Liverpool Acoustic. He specializes in popular music, as well as classic rock. He has a love for fleshing out melody and harmony, and emphasizes the importance of vocal health in all his lessons. Rob can’t wait to rock out with you!
Tim Gorman Piano Teacher
Tim Gorman
Piano Teacher
Tim is a multi-instrumentalist who started playing music at the age of 8. Tim started on guitar and later picked up piano, a bit of bass and trumpet. Tim is currently studying music education at Elmhurst University and also pursuing a jazz studies minor. Tim loves all types of music including: Rock, Metal, Hip-Hop, Rap and especially Jazz. He is fortunate enough to be a part of the internationally renowned Elmhurst University, which has toured around the globe. In addition to the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, Tim also has experience playing in brass bands, small and large group classical ensembles, Jazz Combos, and solo settings. He hopes to bring the gift of music to eager learners from all musical backgrounds.
Baily O'Connor Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keys Teacher
Baily O'Connor
Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keys Teacher
Baily has had a love for music since a young age and has tried to incorporate it into every stage of her life. Starting all the way back as a OPRF Children’s Chorus Melody Maker to becoming one of the founding members of her university’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She has been trained in a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, and percussion. However, she has found her musical home as a vocalist. She began vocal training with local instructors in the Chicagoland area as well as enrolling in School of Rock Oak Park at the age of 14 and playing in her first band, The B-Sides. Her music education continued at Bradley University where she began classical opera training and graduated in May 2022 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Music - General. She has since began singing professionally as a wedding cantor. She hopes to share her love for music through the use of collaboration and willingness to let go and have fun on stage. She’s absolutely thrilled to join the School of Rock team and help students find their lifelong love for music as well!
Desmond Bowen Drum Teacher
Desmond Bowen
Drum Teacher
Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Desmond began playing drums at the age of 3 while watching and imitating his older brother. He played his first church concert at the age of 4, and has been in love with drums ever since. Desmond attended Central State University briefly where he learned the history of musical percussion and studied jazz. In 2011, he was introduced to progressive pop rock by a few musician friends, and has been captivated by the genre ever since. Desmond enjoys playing in live shows, and has had the opportunity to perform with many different artists from local and international bands. This list includes Flowtone (Pop/Rock), Spooky Boo Band (Heavy Rock, Progressive Pop Rock) King of Mars (Funky Rock) and many other groups. Desmond has also had the privilege of playing on several tours and being featured in multiple studio and live recordings. Although he considers himself someone who holds a wealth of musical knowledge and experience, Desmond is always looking for opportunities to expand his reach.
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Mateo Ramos
Mateo Ramos
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Mateo is a young composer, guitarist, and pianist. He is currently enrolled in college with a scholarship where he is participating in a professional jazz band.

Mateo has been involved with music for over a decade and has participated in piano recitals, classical guitar recitals, and numerous gigs and concerts with different genres.
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Keith Brooks
Keith Brooks
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Keith is a Chicago-based drummer, keyboardist, and organist who strives to push music into new territory. As a performer and educator, he is dedicated to spreading his passion and love for music through all genres of music.

Born into a musical family, Keith gained an interest in drums and music when he was just 2 years old. Keith formally began taking drums lessons at the age of 5 and began playing gospel music at his church led by his grandfather the late Pastor Earnest Powell Sr.

While increasing his knowledge in music, Keith began to study other style of music which includes Jazz and Latin Music. Through guidance he received from his teachers in elementary, junior high, and high school he ended up with a Bachelor of Music in Music Business from Elmhurst College and a master's degree in Jazz Performance from DePaul University. This has made him one of the most sought out musicians in Chicago.

Keith has performed and done clinics in the Czech Republic and Canada. Keith has worked and shared the stage with a number of great musicians and composers such as Phil Woods, Benny Goldson, Steve Weist, Bill Holman, Doug Lawrence, Gary Smulyan, Jeff Hamilton, Mark Colby, and Zeshan B. He is also currently the Minister of Music at the Chicago Salem M.B.H. Church in Chicago and a Music Instructor at the Chicago Jesuit Academy. He performs regularly with the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective as the drummer and NastySnacks which is a funk/soul band as the keyboardist and organist. As well as numerous wedding entertainment companies here in Chicago.
Guitar Teacher Niko Kritikos
Niko Kritikos
Guitar Teacher
Niko Kritikos hails from Northwest Indiana. Niko's guitar-playing journey started when he was 10 years old and by the age of 18, he started teaching guitar (and learning how to play piano!).

Niko's favorite artists include Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Elvis, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Beatles. His two biggest influences for guitar are Jimmy Page and Randy Rhoads. Over the last decade, Niko has gained experience in several bands, writing, recording, performing, and improvising. Going forward he hopes to improve his knowledge and skills at writing, arranging, recording, playing, performing, and improvising music while sharing what he has learned so far with others who are looking to become better musicians.
Guitar Teacher Dominic Gould
Dominic Gould
Guitar Teacher
Dominic Gould is a 25-year-old musician originally from Michigan. He grew up listening to punk and emo bands and would later start playing in Michigan's DIY punk/emo scene before joining the Chicago-based band Worry Club.

Dominic has toured the entire U.S. playing in front of crowds ranging from zero to thousands of people. He is a new instructor here at School of Rock Elmhurst and is very much looking forward to teaching!

While playing in Worry Club, Dom also self-records and releases music under the project Clearcutting and is a member of the band SHOPLIFTER. His favorite bands are Wednesday, Algernon Cadwallader, The Sidekicks, Coma Cinema, Slow Pulp, PUP, Swirlies, and Big Thief.
Drum Teacher Benjamin Urschel
Benjamin Urschel
Drum Teacher
Benjamin has been playing drums for over two decades. Originally from Indianapolis, his passion for drums was lit by rock bands such as Foo Fighters and Soundgarden. By the time he was 18 years old, he had become an active member of the Indianapolis Jazz and DIY punk scenes and was teaching group percussion lessons at local middle and high schools.

Benjamin has had the privilege of studying with Animals as Leaders’ drummer Matt Gartska, 2011 Guitar Center Drum-Off winner JP Bouvet, and Indianapolis legend Kenny Phelps. He is currently enrolled at Elmhurst University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music business. Benjamin is thrilled to share his knowledge and passion with School of Rock Elmhurst students!
Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher Grace Valentine
Grace Valentine
Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Based out of the northwest Chicago suburbs, Grace recognized her love of music at 7 years old, starting on a toy keyboard and singing in a church choir. A couple of years later, she began studying music on violin and ukulele and became involved in the vocal jazz music scene. She is currently studying music education at Elmhurst University, with a focus in violin and voice. Within the university, she is a part of the Elmhurst University Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a participant in the choral and jazz programs, and has been involved in several chamber groups and ensembles.

Outside of the university, Grace is also an advising intern for the Midwest String Orchestra, a preparatory youth orchestra based in Schaumburg, and a prospective member of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, based out of Arlington Heights. She enjoys a wide range of music, including rock, indie, classical, and jazz, and is interested in every aspect of music. Grace is excited to share the beauty of music with all learners and students to provide an engaging, fun environment for everyone!
Singing Teacher Dan Grgic
Dan Grgic
Singing Teacher
Dan Grgic was born and raised right outside of Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In his youth, he sang in a choir with his sister, led by his parents: Dad on guitar and Mom on vocals. Dan caught the performance bug at a young age. He has been on stage singing ever since.

Dan studied voice at Kent State University and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater Performance. He has been exposed to a variety of music genres and disciplines. He relocated to the Chicago area in 2016 from NYC as he called Manhattan home for many years after college.

Dan has had the privilege of touring the United States and Canada in musical projects as well as acting work on film. He is excited to be joining the School of Rock family and looks forward to learning from the faculty and students. Dan believes music and the camaraderie of art teaches us skills for the stage and also for life; the learning process is ongoing.

Some of Dan's favorite bands and influences include John Denver, Bob Dylan, Kenny Loggins, Hootie and the Blowfish, Genesis, the Goo Goo Dolls, Alice and Chains, Linkin Park, Green Day, John Butler Trio, Yellow Card, Adam Lambert, Luciano Pavorati, Enrico Caruso, and countless others.
Bass Guitar Teacher Pete Klementzos
Pete Klementzos
Bass Guitar Teacher
Pete fell in love with the bass guitar the first time he heard the bass intro to "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. After that, a lifelong love affair with the bass guitar began. Pete started playing in garage bands around southwest Chicago, constantly going to open jams, and watching other garage bands, especially the bass player, to learn new techniques.

Pete has played with several successful cover and original bands such as The Leftovers, The Remedy, and The Austin Mayfield Project, which had an original song on rotation on Canadian radio that Pete helped compose. These bands’ genres ranged from classic rock and top 40 rock to country. Throughout his 40+ year career, he has had the opportunity to play with many amazing musicians, relentlessly honing his craft.

Pete’s influences on bass guitar include Roger Glover (Deep Purple), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and of course Paul McCartney. Pete wants to pass along the love and knowledge he has for the instrument and help a whole new generation discover the beauty of the bass guitar.
Bass Guitar Teacher Aaron Brenton
Aaron Brenton
Bass Guitar Teacher
Aaron Brenton is a bass player and multi-instrumentalist new to the Chicago scene! He has been playing bass for many years and received the prestigious Woody Herman Jazz Award for his work in his high school jazz band. Aaron recently graduated from Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance.

Aaron is proficient on both upright and electric bass (4, 5, and 6 string variants), and has experience playing a wide variety of music genres (and an appreciation for them too!). In addition to many years playing in jazz combos professionally, Aaron has also played in reggae, soul, fusion, jam, and rock groups.

Aaron is also an Eagle Scout and he tries to bring the dedication and hard work he learned there into the music field. Aaron is excited to share his knowledge and experience with students at School of Rock Elmhurst!
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

We love the School of Rock environment!

It's supportive, encouraging, motivating. They get the young people to see their potential and work to learn and achieve. It's a wonderful program with great instructors.

School of Rock teaches like no one else.

I can't believe how quickly my son has progressed, and how thoroughly he enjoys his experience here!

It's one of my best parenting decisions!

Through the help of their incredible instructors and management team, these kids are able to create music that often outshines even the original artists! The relationships built are the icing on the cake.

The best summer camp ever!

My son usually has a hard time being dropped off at various camps and classes but he actually looked forward to this one! All the teachers were wonderful and we can't wait to do it again.

  1. Locations
  2. USA
  3. IL
  4. Elmhurst
  5. School of Rock Elmhurst