Eric Lonning
Owner
School of Rock Virginia Beach is owned by Eric Lonning, a life-long Virginia Beach resident. Throughout his childhood, Eric took guitar and drum lessons, played in bands, and had success touring and recording with a great group of friends and bandmates. Later, Eric pursued a career in marketing before returning to music with School of Rock. Eric's mission is to create a music school where students will become outstanding musicians, but more importantly, inspiring and amazing individuals. Eric went to nearby First Colonial High School and attended Wake Forest University where he studied Communication and Religion.
Jennifer Lonning
Owner
Jennifer and Eric Lonning own the School of Rock in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jennifer pursued a career in Orthopedic Sales. She loved working with doctors and patients throughout Hampton Roads, but she jumped at the chance to join School of Rock full-time in 2017. Jennifer focuses on community outreach, early childhood music programs, camps and overall school operations. When she's not at School of Rock, Jenn keeps busy with the Lonnings' three children, Max, Emily and Izzy.
James Luck
Regional Manager
James runs the show from AC/DC to Zappa, creating a safe and cool environment for students to achieve their musical and creative potential. At School of Rock Virginia Beach, James focuses on providing top-quality customer service, including billing, schedule management, and communication. James has a BS in Business Administration from CNU with a concentration in Management. He has roughly 15 years of experience in education administration working with children and adult learners.
Cary Greco
Drum Teacher
Cary Greco started playing drums at the age of 13 and was a decorated musician in the national award winning Kempsville High School Marching Chiefs. Cary was drumline captain and recipient of the Top Percussionist and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. In 2004, Cary won the Guitar Center Drum Off in Virginia Beach, VA. Cary has worked in local studios and most recently with Soul Haven Studios. He can be heard on The Right On Band’s Gold and Platinum Plus albums. He also had performed on a #5 hit on Billboard’s CD singles with “Never Alone” off of The Right On Band’s Platinum Plus album.
Cary is currently performing with “The World’s Greatest 80s Tribute Act,” The Deloreans Band. He has also performed locally and worldwide with 58 bands! Cary had the honor of performing with Steve Cropper at The Kentucky Derby and Smokey Robinson at President Obama’s first Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball. He has also played at President George W. Bush’s 2nd Inauguration, in the White House, in 3 continents, for 3 U.S. Presidents and many African Leaders, and in front of MILLIONS of viewers for the 2009 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Time Square Live on Fox News.
In 2017 Cary began teaching at The School of Rock in Virginia Beach. He has been a drum instructor, master class instructor, and even an instrument repair tech.
Jake Small
Music Director
Jake has degrees from the University of Virginia in Music and Physics. Jake has been playing live music for close to a decade and has extensive experience teaching music. Jake began at School of Rock when the Virginia Beach location opened, and quickly moved from a guitar instructor, to Rock 101 instructor and Show Director. Jake has experience working with all age groups at School of Rock. As Music Director, Jake creates a safe and engaging environment for students to achieve their musical and creative goals. You can catch Jake's band, Pretty Ugly, playing throughout Virginia Beach, and they recently released their first album. Jacob is passionate about sharing his touring and recording experience with musicians of all levels.
Carlton Baker
Assistant Music Director, Camp Director
Carlton Baker knew music was his calling by the age of twelve. After sharpening his skills in church and throughout grade school, Carlton attended Norfolk State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in Voice. During his time at NSU, he was on scholarship through the Concert Choir, which entailed extensive travel and classical performances. Carlton is also a self-taught guitar player which allows him to be a versatile singer-songwriter and performer. Carlton has a genuine love for cultivating young people’s gifts and wants to encourage them to share their talents with the world.
Jason Cale
Guitar Teacher
Jason Cale is a singer/songwriter and guitarist from South Mississippi. After traveling the world performing all styles of music, he's made his home in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia where he regularly performs as a solo, duo, trio or with The Jason Cale Band (Contemporary Blues Fusion). When he's not performing music, you'll find him teaching at The School of Rock or in his studio where he enjoys writing, recording, and producing all styles of music. Jason has used his diverse talents with a number of different professional acts: Sandra Bernhard (celebrity comedian/actress), John Popper (Blues Traveler), Joe Bonamassa (Blues guitarist), The Conan O'Brien Show w/Jimmy Vivino and Grace Potter, Melina Leon (musician/actress), and many others!
Tyler Connelly
Drum Teacher
Tyler is a Virginia Beach native who grew up learning from many of the area masters. Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist, but his true passion is the drum set. He loves taking advanced patterns and rudiments and applying them to the drum set. Tyler is an experienced performer, playing in punk and rock bands and even drumming for established country acts. Tyler has been a mainstay at the School of Rock, where students enjoy his laid back demeanor and care-free beach vibes.
Alfred Evans
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alfred is an established musician in the local scene, known for his use of the organ in rock and blues settings. Alfred grew up learning classical piano and loves teaching students fundamentals and music theory as well as the skills they need to conquer the stage in a live music setting. Alfred keeps his lessons fun and unpredictable while still giving kids the tools they need to read music and grow as musicians.
Joe Graves
Guitar Teacher
Joe is a local legend and popular guitar teacher at School of Rock Virginia Beach. Joe has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember and recorded and toured throughout the east coast with his band, TRUCK. A mainstay at School of Rock, you will find Joe teaching guitar lessons, coaching bands, and fixing whatever is broken.
Igor Kuzmin
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Igor Kuzmin loves to drum! Born in Russia, Igor moved to the US at age 9. Igor's love of rhythm began when he heard someone making beats on the table in elementary school. The rest is history! Igor's formal music instruction began with middle and high school band courses which ultimately led him to study music at Old Dominion University. Prior to teaching at School of Rock, Igor assisted the drumlines at Indian River and Granby High School. Since 2006, Igor has performed in ten bands ranging from grunge to jazz and everything in between. Igor joined School of Rock in 2017 and has yet to have a bad day.
Mike Morgan
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Piano Teacher
Mike Morgan is a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience playing drum set and other percussion including congas, bongos and timbales. Mike also has significant experience on keyboard, bass and guitar. Prior to joining School of Rock Virginia Beach, Mike worked at the Norfolk location for over two years. Mike officially began playing drums when he was around 10 years old on popcorn tubs covered with towels and large pots. Mike still uses the same white CB percussion drum set he got when he was 16 for recording and gigs. Mike drums for several local bands in the Hampton Roads area, including Mosquito Cabaret, Janks, Saving Daylight and Ghost Town Union. He also records his own instruments and vocals for his one-man band project, Sundef. Mike's drumming influences include Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, jazz great Elvin Jones, Abe Cunningham of Deftones, Chico Hamilton, Poncho Sanchez and Santana just to name a few.
Cory Pettiford
Guitar Teacher
Cory Pettiford started playing guitar at age 9 and has almost 50 years of playing experience! Cory was awarded the prestigious C1 special skill identifier by the US Army Element, School of Music, indicating that his playing ability and musicianship was among the top 10% of all Army guitarists worldwide. Over the years, Cory has won multiple Guitarmageddon competitions put on by Guitar Center and was flown to Atlanta and Orlando to participate in higher levels of competition. Cory is well versed in rock, jazz, pop, and funk guitar styles.
Maria Ramirez
Singing Teacher
Maria Ramirez is a bilingual performer, producer, vocalist, and keyboardist who owns her own mixed media production company. Maria jumped into the world of musical theater and chorus as a high school student, before moving into music production and mentoring vocalists in the recording studio environment. She also has experience with music production including music engineering, mixing, and mastering. She has also toured with the American Electric Light Orchestra and has many years of building client relationships.
Maria is excited to be a part of School of Rock Virginia Beach while she continues to pursue her dreams of recording original music and working on various creative projects.
Tess King
Singing Teacher
Tess brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a music professional. With 8 years of experience as a High School Choral and Musical Director, she has honed her skills in leading and directing musical performances. Additionally, Tess has spent 12 years as a private vocal coach, providing personalized guidance and instruction to aspiring singers.
Tess holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Susquehanna University, where she specialized in Music Education. Currently, she is pursuing her master's degree in Arts Administration from Winthrop University, further enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the arts industry.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions to education, Tess was awarded the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction (NSHSS) in 2012. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon educators who have made a lasting impact on their students' lives by inspiring them to strive for excellence.
In addition to her musical expertise, Tess also possesses extensive experience in choreography and theater instruction. This diverse skill set allows her to provide comprehensive guidance and support to individuals interested in various aspects of the performing arts.