Metairie/New Orleans
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Metairie/
New Orleans

Spring Season Shows 5/11 & 5/12 at Zony Mash
Map
School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans
1907 Veterans Blvd
Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 618-7625

Location Specifics

Off of Bonnabel.

Get Directions
Hours
  • Monday: 2:45 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Tuesday: 2:45 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Wednesday: 2:45 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Thursday: 2:45 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 2:45 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 5:45 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

School of Rock Metairie is proud to offer Metairie and surrounding areas including New Orleans, Kenner, Old Metairie, Lakeview, River Ridge, Elmwood, Algiers Point, Jefferson, Mid City, Harahan, North Shore, and West Bank with music lessons taught by real, practicing musicians. We teach everything from singing to piano, bass guitar, drums, and keys. School of Rock students can perform live shows and develop their skills in a supportive learning environment. Our area is steeped in jazz and funk, making it an excellent spot for students to develop their careers in this style. New Orleans boasts a wide selection of live music venues for our students to perform, making it a great spot for aspiring musicians.

Programs we offer

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

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

The Performance Program at School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Metairie 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 Metairie/New Orleans'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 Metairie music venue.

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

At School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Metairie
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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.

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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans'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 Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie.

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 Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie.

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

The School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at LA 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 Metairie and the rest of LA. 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 Metairie/New Orleans

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Metairie

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Metairie

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Metairie

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans 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 Metairie 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie 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 Metairie/New Orleans, 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 Metairie

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Owner
CR Gruver
Owner
CR Gruver began his classical training at the age of 9, and by 13 he left formal instruction as a top student to immerse himself in the world of rock and funk. The next three decades were dedicated to perfecting his craft, touring the country relentlessly, and building a successful performance career.

CR is currently a member of the national touring band New Orleans Suspects in addition to being the active owner of School of Rock Metairie / New Orleans. His experience as a national touring professional and seasoned musical director makes him an ideal owner of a School of Rock, as he’ll be able to impart decades of wisdom and knowledge to his students and faculty.
Stacey Morigeau General Manager
Stacey Morigeau
General Manager
Stacey Morigeau found her way to New Orleans in August 2004. As a lifelong music lover, New Orleans was the perfect place to make her home. That passion for music led to her working with a music nonprofit for over 12 years. Using her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Montana (musical theatre is her favorite), she has embraced the role of stage manager for many music festivals from French Quarter Festival to Po Boy Festival. You may have heard Stacey on air at WWOZ where she has been a long-time volunteer, or bought merchandise from her locally at gigs for many bands including, Bonerama, the Radiators, New Orleans Nightcrawlers and many more.
Music Director
Derek DeBlieux
Music Director
Derek DeBlieux is a guitarist, songwriter and music producer living in New Orleans. While attending Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, he studied under some of the most accomplished guitarists in the world including Scott Henderson (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Steve Hunter (Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper) and more. After leaving school he pursued a few different musical projects and has shared the stage with national artists including One Republic, DNCE, Panic at the Disco, Plain White Ts, Kongos, Cher Lloyd and many more. His guitar playing can be heard on the movie soundtracks for "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Never Back Down 2," as well as on the television show "American Idol."
Studio Manager, Bass Guitar Teacher Nelson Capote
Nelson Capote
Studio Manager, Bass Guitar Teacher
Nelson Capote is a bassist and multi-instrumentalist located in the New Orleans area. Nelson was raised in a non-musical family but found himself falling in love with music at the age of 13. Once getting exposed to New Orleans culture and music, Nelson became a protégé under New Orleans saxophonist Clarence Johnson III.

Nelson studied at Loyola University New Orleans, majoring in Music Industry Studies. During his time at Loyola, Nelson had the opportunity to perform with some of the school's most renowned gigging artists. Nelson uses social media to share his experiences with fellow musicians, as well as to show off exciting gear that inspires him. Nelson hopes to inspire others by creating content that he wishes his favorite musicians would make.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Conner McCready
Conner McCready
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Marketing/Social Media Manager
Conner McCready is a multi-instrumentalist from Cleveland, OH now living in New Orleans, LA. He has been an active member of the Cleveland music scene for over a decade and is now currently playing in various groups around New Orleans ranging from soul to bluegrass and hip hop.

Conner is primarily a guitarist but is also proficient in drums, bass guitar, and piano. He is very active in the recording scene as a session musician and engineer for numerous Cleveland and New Orleans-based projects. He received his BA in Music Studies from the University of New Orleans.
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher Kate Parker
Kate Parker
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher
Kate Parker was inspired to start her saxophone career in elementary school after finding a role model in Lisa Simpson. When she became a School of Rock student in Chatham, NJ, she discovered she had a passion not only for sax but also for singing, and picked up flute and piano along the way.

As a School of Rock student, Kate played iconic stages across the country including festivals like Lollapalooza and Summerfest, and went on to participate in the School of Rock AllStars program. She developed a love of working with kids to build their confidence and help them shine through teaching Little Wing classes and working as a writing tutor. Whenever she wasn’t buried in books working towards her degrees in Political Economy and English at Tulane, she jammed with friends at NOLA spots like The Willow and Neutral Ground. Kate is a songwriter and loves to collaborate on her friends' projects ranging from shoegaze to folk rock.
Brayden Turner
Drum Teacher
Brayden Turner is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist. He was raised in New Orleans and received a rich music education from some of the best musicians in the city (Johnny Vidacovich, Ricky Sebastian, Chris Severin and others). He also grew up playing and sitting in with his step-father, musician Billy Iuso. He is an alum of the Berklee College of Music, where he attended on a full scholarship. He has played at The New Orleans Jazz Festival and French Quarter Festival, and toured with two bands during his time at Berklee (Mosie and Lilacs). He played the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas with the band Mosie. In addition to drums, he also plays piano, bass, guitar and vibraphone, and composes his own music. He is a drum teacher at School of Rock Metairie.
Bass Guitar Teacher Ryan Clute
Ryan Clute
Bass Guitar Teacher
Ryan is a native of Pittsburgh but moved to New Orleans in 1999 to pursue his passion for music. He fell in love with music at the age of 4 from being surrounded by his parents that taught at the local University. Ryan began piano lessons followed by learning the drums all at the age of 5. The moment he listened to Rush he fell in love with Geddy Lee’s bass playing. During his career Ryan has had the pleasure of working with Doctor John, Allan Toussaint, Gatemouth Brown, Bryan Lee, Gary Brown, and many more! In 2005 he began his transition into “Top 40” gigs, thus finding his way into The Phunky Monkeys were he holds the role as Lead Bass player. In Ryan’s free time he enjoys time with his two sons, Oliver and Miles - many say they’re the sweetest kids ever. Other than time with his children, you can probably find Ryan playing chess, practicing archery, studying cosmology, and many outdoor activities.
Drum Teacher Michael Rivera
Michael Rivera
Drum Teacher
Michael Rivera is a New Orleans based drummer, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist. He holds a bachelor's degree in music performance from Southeastern Louisiana University where he studied under Michael Brothers (Phantom of The Opera), and Kevin Estoque and Dr. Guy Gauthreaux of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He is actively involved in many musical projects, and has toured with acts such as Big Freedia, LeTrainiump, Hand Out, and others. He also has extensive experience on the industry side of the business where he has served as tour manager and booking agent for various artists, and talent buyer for various New Orleans area venues. He hopes to bring all of his knowledge to the table to provide a unique and well rounded educational experience.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Connor Finney
Connor Finney
Guitar and Bass Teacher
Connor Finney is a guitarist/bassist from New Orleans. He is the guitarist for Blues Rock Band, Voodoo Roux, and Pop Punk tribute band, Superbloom. Connor has played guitar on a number of sessions along with Choppa’s song, “Louisiana.” Connor hopes to continue to strive as a musician and help teach the next generation of rockers at School of Rock Metairie.
Jess Araten, Guitar Teacher
Jess Araten
Guitar Teacher
Philadelphia-bred and New Orleans-based, Jess Araten has a passion for music and education. Jess fell in love with performance as a School of Rock student, honing her craft as a guitarist and artist in seasonal shows, House Band, and All-Stars. She has studied with seasoned musicians across the country, and has played alongside members of classic acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Jess spent much of her late teens and early twenties in Philadelphia-based bands and projects, and has integrated herself into the New Orleans music scene since her move here in October ’21. She releases music under the name ‘Yska.’ With roots in rock, funk, and blues, Jess has quickly fallen in love with New Orleans, playing shows along Frenchmen and gaining an unparalleled music education through playing with established NOLA musicians. She loves to share her excitement with students, and to watch young musicians grow, find their unique voice, and fall in love with their craft. As a teacher at School of Rock Philadelphia, Jess again found herself amazed and revitalized by the talent and drive of her students. She believes every young musician holds the. key to their own learning, and has an immense amount of respect and gratitude for every student that allows her to help guide them along their artist path. Jess can't wait to continue her role at School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans, and to rock on with you all!
Thea Aksland Piano Teacher
Thea Aksland
Piano Teacher
Thea Aksland was born and raised in colorful Colorado. She started her music career in the Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir at age five and progressed to songwriting, production, and solo performance which led her to Denver School of the Arts. She is now currently studying popular and commercial music at Loyola University with a concentration in songwriting and production engineering. Throughout the course of her musical career, Thea has won the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life with over 10,000 streams each year. She has released three albums and five singles within the past three years. As a solo artist taking the world by storm, she continues to write, create, and perform her music for audiences to enjoy. She has been earning the admiration and affection of fans around New Orleans and internationally ever since. Her fans serve as both an inspiration and creative drive. As much as she loves the stage, teaching and inspiring young artists is the best way to bring others' passion to center stage. Music changed her life, and her mission is to change yours.
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher Ray Tanet
Ray Tanet
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Ray was born and raised in New Orleans and started studying music at the age of 9. He continues to study to this day and has most recently attended master classes with Certified Guitar Player Tommy Emmanuel. Ray has had the pleasure of performing in coffee houses as well as the French Quarter and Satchmo Festivals.

Ray gained a good foundation in record production and engineering through studies at Ultrasonic Studios, and with this knowledge, he engineered and produced independent projects. With a successful background in counseling youth activity programs, Ray is very comfortable sharing and teaching music to children.
Drum Teacher Devon Edmond
Devon Edmond
Drum Teacher
Devon Edmond is a drummer originally from Chicago, IL. He got his start with music in marching band and then later transitioned to playing drum kit. He now plays with a variety of performers in New Orleans but mainly as the drummer for Sierra Green and The Soul Machine. Devon has performed at French Quarter Festival as well as High Sierra Festival. He has been instructing one-on-one lessons as well as full classes of all ages since 2014. Devon loves music history and bringing out the passion and motivation in his students by exposing them to the greats who came before us.
Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Samantha Royer
Samantha Royer
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Samantha Royer takes life’s twists and turns and creates music. She has been singing since her earliest days, learning all the words to “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks at the age of 4. Since then, she has picked up the guitar and piano and taken the stage. Samantha began taking music seriously at the age of 11 when she enrolled in a music education program similar to School of Rock!

It was there that Samantha learned the art of songwriting, and how collaborating with other musicians is the heartbeat of musical creativity. She has studied at some of the country’s highest-rated musical conservatories such as The New School and Loyola University of New Orleans, gaining insight into the modern world of music production.

Since beginning her career, Samantha has performed at venues such as The Bitter End in New York City, and New Orleans's own Tipitina’s. She has recorded, produced, and released her own works of music on SoundCloud and plans to expand to the rest of the streaming world in the future. When she isn’t writing songs, Samantha can be seen rollerskating in Audubon Park or taking time to learn something new!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Alan Howard
Alan Howard
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alan Howard is a guitarist and songwriter from Baton Rouge currently living in New Orleans. Since 2017 he has been writing, recording, and performing under the moniker Sleep Habits. Through consistent performances, his band has become a staple of the New Orleans indie rock scene.

With the experience Alan gained from recording the first two Sleep Habits albums by himself, he has been able to help other New Orleans musicians in the studio as an engineer and session musician.

Alan graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Music Industry Studies. While attending Loyola he also studied music theory and jazz and developed a diverse skill set that he applies to all aspects of his musical career.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher Stephen Brashear
Stephen Brashear
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Stephen Brashear is an Americana artist and music educator born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Brashear has toured both solo and with his band in North America and Europe. His unique Bayou Soul meets Dirt Road Country style of playing and songwriting tells the stories of his life traveling and has captured audiences from around the world.
Drum Teacher Brad Bourgeois
Brad Bourgeois
Drum Teacher
Brad Bourgeois has a diverse musical background. Growing up in New Orleans, Brad was always around and inspired by the city's music. His education took him to Boston and Berklee College of Music, where he studied many styles in their respective traditions. Brad finished his education at the University of New Orleans where he studied with some of the finest musicians New Orleans has to offer. Throughout college, he played in numerous groups touring through the Northeast and Southeast.

Brad then spent five years in the Navy Music Program, furthering his knowledge of classical, big band, popular music, and march music performance and playing in an extensive list of ensemble settings. Since returning to New Orleans, Brad has been playing in many different groups and teaching for the last several years at various schools around the city.
Vocal Teacher Bonnie Mulholland
Bonnie Mulholland
Vocal Teacher
Bonnie Mulholland is a Metairie native and a lifelong musician who started music lessons at 5 years old. She received a BA in Vocal Music from LSU School of Music and has performed music in a variety of genres, from classical to theatre to jazz and many more. She has played with and fronted several bands in the South Louisiana region and now plays with Marina Orchestra.

Bonnie plays several instruments, including keyboard and autoharp, in addition to singing. She is also a songwriter and enjoys writing music in many genres, including folk, indie, country, and rock. When she’s not playing music, Bonnie enjoys weight training, sewing, and hanging out with her dog and cat.
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher Joseph Krafczynski
Joseph Krafczynski
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Joseph Krafczynski is a guitarist and vocalist. Originally from Pittsburgh, Joseph grew up playing viola before picking up guitar. He moved to New Orleans in 2016 and immediately started putting together his own country-indie-folk outfit named Tiny Dinosaur. This group received accolades throughout the city, earning an Offbeat nomination for "Song of the Year" as well as "Best Emerging Artist" in 2022. The group performed at the French Quarter Festival and will also play at Bayou Boogaloo for the first time in 2024.

Joseph is also a proficient singer and novice banjo player and recently began developing his bluegrass flatpicking skills. He loves Genesis (Gabriel and Collins eras), cryptids, and David Cronenberg movies.
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

They sound amazing and they know it.

I am SO PLEASED by the confidence my kids are gaining by playing together in groups. The instructors do a great job of meeting the kids at their individual skill levels and making them feel successful right from the start.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

I love that my kids learn music that is relevant and interesting to them. It motivates them to practice much more than I have seen with other lessons they have taken.

Great for my son.

The class for my four-year-old son is very age appropriate, and is introducing him to the basics of music. He absolutely loves going.

My daughter loves the school and her teachers.

She's learning different instruments and wants to continue her education there. I love that at 12 years old she's learning some great rock songs and expanding her musical library while meeting others who have the same goals.

By submitting your email address you are verifying that you are 13 years or older.