White Plains
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

White Plains

happy rocktober! A few spots still remain in our Fall 2023 Rock 101 and Performance groups. Hurry!   School Details Here
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School of Rock White Plains
242 Central Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 468-1100

Location Specifics

One block south of the Westchester Music Conservatory.

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Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 11/23/2023: Closed

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

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in White Plains
Rookies
Ages 6-7

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

School of Rock White Plains'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 White Plains 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 White Plains.

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 White Plains 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 White Plains.

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 White Plains

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock White Plains

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock White Plains

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock White Plains 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 White Plains, 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 White Plains 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 White Plains, 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 White Plains.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock White Plains

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock White Plains 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 White Plains 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 White Plains, 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 White Plains 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 White Plains, 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 White Plains

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Joe A.
Joe A.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Joe has been playing guitar for over two decades in various Westchester-based metal/rock/blues and cover bands. Joe also has been a music educator in NYC schools for over 17 years, where he shows his passion for all music to the next generation of musicians. Joe loves to play, write, produce, and record all types of music. His favorite guitarists are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Slash, Page Hamilton, Diamond Darrell, and Jimi Hendrix.
Drum Teacher Brian C.
Brian C.
Drum Teacher
Brian is a jazz/comp/theory music major from both SUNY New Paltz College and SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Fine Arts respectively. He has performed with Bernie Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Wallace Roney, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Danny and Wilfredo Reyes, and Westchester luminaries Tony Cimerossi and Gil Parris. Brian is a dedicated educator and believes in the Thomas Edison adage, "Talent is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.”

Brian's commitment to education can be summed up in his own philosophy: cultivate the talents in every child and they will shine. He has created the Kids for Drums after-school program, which allows young drummers to learn technical rudimental techniques at a young age. This successful program has been run in Westchester elementary schools like Central School in Larchmont, Mamaroneck Ave. School, Chatsworth Ave. School, Ward School, Trinity School, and The Groove Academy. Through all these endeavors, businesses, and community activities, Brian has become a fixture in lower Westchester.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Kris W.
Kris W.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Kris has been playing music since he was 8 years old. He quickly became one of Westchester’s best youth violinists and participated in the Westchester All-County orchestra and NYSSMA festival. At the age of 11, Kris was fascinated by the band Queen and decided to drop the violin in favor of guitar and bass so he could write songs. Throughout high school, Kris and his band, Bloodline, played stages such as the Chance Theater, Webster Hall, and The Knitting Factory, and recorded a full-length record. He then went on to study at and graduate from the Berklee College of Music, where he performed for Megadeth, Victor Wooten, and David Davidson and studied with professors such as Tim Miller, John Kellogg, Colin Sapp, and Joe Stump. Kris has been teaching since he was 14, and has taught in the suburbs of New York and Massachusetts. He has a passion for teaching music and genuinely wants to see his students succeed.
Guitar Teacher Tony B.
Tony B.
Guitar Teacher
A bonafide guitar lunatic, Tony has been playing professionally for over 25 years. As an artist, he has written and released three self-produced albums, all 'glorifying' his love for Blues-Rock and Funk traditions. He has shared the bill with acts like Government Mule, (Allman Brother) Oteil Burbridge, Sonny Landreth, Marc Cohn, and Scott Stapp of Creed. As a BMI composer, his music productions have been used in TV/Film placements including MTV, VH1, and NBC (as well as commercial and jingle use). With a degree in music and production technology from NYU, Tony is determined to make sure his students are inspired to create and develop their own 'voice' on guitar! It's all about 6 strings and smiles!
Drum Teacher Gandhi G.
Gandhi G.
Drum Teacher
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Gandhi was introduced at a young age to the world of music by his father, first taking piano and music theory lessons. By the age of 14, he started his journey in playing the drums.

Gandhi holds a bachelor’s degree in music with a dual major in contemporary writing and production and drums performance. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA (2009-2012). Since moving to New York, Gandhi has established his career both teaching and performing music. He has a great deal of experience teaching students of all ages and levels in private settings and music schools that include The Piano School of NYC, Bach To Rock, Rock Island Sound, and now School of Rock of White Plains.

Gandhi has worked on many different projects with a variety of bands and artists in a broad palette of musical styles/genres. Highlights include: Victor Maldo, Irka Mateo, Manny Cruz (Latin Grammy nominee), Fausto Rey, Association of Dominican Classical Artists Orquestra (NYC), The Redeemed Christian Church of God (The Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn), The Journey Church, and Music Pros (Wedding/corporate band).
Drum Teacher Chris K.
Chris K.
Music Director
A native of White Plains, Christopher has been studying, performing, and teaching music for the past 15+ years. After numerous years playing in public school bands, Chris began privately studying drum set at the age of 13. He went on to study music in college, completing a bachelor’s degree and performance certificate program from SUNY Fredonia, and a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a full tuition waiver.

While at UMass, Chris taught undergraduate courses on percussion pedagogy and music history. Well-versed in many styles of music, Chris specializes in Metal, Rock, Funk, and Progressive Music. He also has extensive experience performing in Classical/Contemporary settings and knows his way around the orchestra. Chris has worked with students of all ages and ability levels and has been invited to perform with Grammy-nominated and award-winning artists such as Arturo Sandoval and Sō Percussion.
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Jonathan Bedard
Jonathan B.
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jonathan started out playing guitar at the of age 14 and started his first garage band within the year. Since then, he has become a self-taught bass player and drummer. Jonathan has played in multiple original live music groups for the last decade and has played drums and bass for rising R&B/Pop star Marissa Detlor. He has played at venues such as Webster Hall in Manhattan and The Chance Theatre in Poughkeepsie.

Jonathan graduated from The Art Institute of NYC and has used his skills to collaborate with other artists across all audio and visual mediums. Jonathan has a love for working with young people one on one and in a group environment. Jonathan loves to share his knowledge of music with others and is always excited to collaborate with new artists!
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher Ryan Polakoff
Ryan P.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
A native of the NYC/Westchester area, Ryan has been teaching and performing music for over a decade. After completing a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Ryan has performed all over the world including Italy, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more! He has performed in bands of various genres such as rock, musical theatre, jazz, and classical along the way.

Ryan's teaching experience includes leading groups and private lessons at School of Rock White Plains since 2021, NYC music academies since 2019, and a private studio since 2010! Ryan's love for music came at age 6 from a fun and engaging piano teacher. Ryan is determined to provide that same fun and engagement to all his students and inspire the next generation of musicians!
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher Julie T.
Julie T.
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Julie is one of our amazing voice, keys, and Rookies Program instructors at School of Rock in White Plains, NY. She graduated from SUNY Fredonia in May 2022 with a degree in music education, focusing on instrumental music. Though her primary instrument is the French horn, Julie is well versed in performing a variety of genres on keys, having performed with the Fredonia Jazz Combo as well as performing semi-regularly at her church on voice, piano, and French horn.

Additionally, Julie sang with Fredonia's University Choir and continues to seek new and exciting performance opportunities. She currently performs with the Danbury Symphony Orchestra on French horn and is always excited about learning and performing music of a variety of genres and seeing the connection between classical, rock, jazz, pop, and other genres. Julie is very excited to be shaping the next generation of young musicians and is committed to inspiring them to learn rock music and more of all decades and enjoy performing with others.
Drum Teacher Jim H.
Jim H.
Drum Teacher
Jim has been playing drums for more than 30 years. He records and performs with various original and cover bands in the Westchester and NYC area, playing and performing songs from many different genres. Jim has taught music in Westchester private and public schools for over 15 years. His favorite drummers are Neil Peart, Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Todd Sucherman, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Mikey Dee, Dave Lombardo, and many others.
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Ari P.
Ari P.
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ari has been playing music since the age of 10. He discovered his love for singing by emulating his favorite artists like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Ari has played in various rock and funk bands, expressing his passion for the music of the era. He has shared the stage with names like Living Colour, Blues Traveler, and War. Ari graduated from SUNY Purchase with a Bachelors in Studio Composition. While attending, he adopted a heavy focus on arrangement. He believes that adopting different practices and techniques from different genre schools of thought is the best way to further an individual’s musical voice. Ari has been teaching in the Westchester area for over five years. His passion for teaching music comes from the inspiration his teachers originally gave him.
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Mike Ward
Mike W.
Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Mike has been playing music since he was in third grade. Much to his parents’ dismay, Mike's first instrument of choice was the drum set. He played the drums throughout middle and high school in various school bands including the marching band.

Mike's love of music continued after high school when he began to expand his knowledge of jazz and rock while also picking up the classical guitar as well as the classical piano. Shortly after, he went on to achieve his Bachelor's in Music Performance from Hunter College and, subsequently, a Master's in Music Education from Lehman College.

Mike has been an educator in New York City for the past 18 years.
Guitar Teacher Chris Merola
Chris M.
Guitar Teacher
A guitar says a lot about who plays it, and his guitars have seen some miles! Chris’ passion is music and he delivers that passion to each and every one of his students. Chris likes to describe his teaching style as “Playing It Forward.” He grew up in the Hudson Valley and is a professional musician and singer-songwriter. Chris has been performing in the NY Metro Area most of his life and he leads his own original band, Tumbleweed Mile. He writes and produces his music and other up-and-coming artists as well. When he’s not teaching or performing, he is working on his next song in his studio. Chris is a guitar instructor at School of Rock White Plains.
Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Singing and Drum Teacher Elizabeth Sullivan
Elizabeth S.
Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Singing and Drum Teacher
Elizabeth is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist musician playing and teaching vocals, guitar, piano, drums, and bass. She spent her childhood in upstate New York and studied vocal performance at Ithaca College and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music from CUNY Hunter College. Her two greatest passions are music and sharing that music through teaching others to become the best musicians they can be. She is able to see each child’s unique musical gifts and nurture those qualities for them grow towards positive life changing ways.

Elizabeth moved to New York City to pursue her career as a musician and has performed at many New York City music venues including, The Bitter End, Tammany Hall, Sullivan Hall and Rockwood Music Hall. Elizabeth has experience in teaching students of all ages and running groups.
Guitar Teacher Ravi S.
Ravi S.
Guitar Teacher
Ravi has been playing the guitar since the 4th grade and started teaching private lessons at his home in the 9th grade. He has been an avid guitar player for over 15 years and continues to develop his sound and skills by challenging himself in many varied musical situations. Ravi began his journey by playing rock but quickly became enthralled with jazz, especially the improvisational aspects of it. He also found a passion for Brazilian music early in his career, which led him to explore harmony, melody, and rhythm on the guitar in a deeper way. Ravi graduated from The College of Performing Arts at The New School in NYC and is enthusiastic to share all that he has learned, both in school and on his own.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Alasdair M.
Alasdair M.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alasdair is the guitarist, primary songwriter, and producer for the symphonic metal band, Dialith. With over a decade of playing experience, he is excited to be teaching the next generation of passionate musicians! Whether they are a beginner or advanced, whether they want to learn sweet ballads or death metal riffs, Alasdair is committed to helping guide each student to achieve their personal goals. Alasdair is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock White Plains.
Singing Teacher Eric E.
Eric E.
Singing Teacher
Eric is a professional musician and actor who has worked on projects ranging from musical theatre to heavy metal bands. As well as a graduate of Wagner College on Staten Island, Eric has studied voice internationally with the Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy in Dresden, Germany. With his thrash metal band, Bloodline, Eric played with legendary metal acts and performers such as D.R.I., Whiplash, Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover of Megadeth, and thrash metal group Holy Grail. Some theatre credits include ONCE with the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and HAIR with the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in New Jersey alongside American Idol star Constantine Maroulis.
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're thrilled to see our sons progress.

We love how you go right into learning the foundational skills for playing songs vs reading music. For our son, it has made this experience much more enjoyable. We are so thrilled with our sons progress and will be continuing indefinitely with Jorge and SoR White Plains!

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!