School of Rock

School of Rock by Kristy Brannen

Since it opened its doors just a year ago, School of Rock continues to expand and make playing music a reality for kids of all ages. David Campagna, owner and general manager of the Omaha location, explained that the school started with just 15 kids and now has 80 students enrolled in the program.

 

We do more than teach music, Campagna said. He explained that the school instills self-confidence and provides the opportunity for students to use their creative abilities. “We believe the best way to learn music is to play music,” he said. “We take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels.”

 

Getting started

Once a student is enrolled, he or she received a 45-minute private lesson on the guitar, piano, bass, drums or vocals. The staff works with him or her to help discover what instrument and program is best. From there, the student is placed in a band, which the school calls Rock 101. It is in this environment that the student learns the intricacies of playing in a band, Campagna said.

 

Once a student graduates from Rock 101, he or she is part of the performance level. At this level, students are cast into different shows. The shows are based on previous popular bands like the Beatles, KISS, Guns N Roses and Queen. The next three months are spent perfecting a concert and traveling to local music venues to perform.  There are generally between 16 and 18 students involved in each show.At this level, students still maintain weekly private lessons along with three-hour band rehearsals.

 

“The best kids have the opportunity to try out for the ALL-STARS Program,” Campagna said. “They actually go on tour in the summer and experience opening for major acts and playing at festivals such as Lallapalooza in Chicago.” As part of the ALL-STARS Program, students have the opportunity to play in some of the largest and most recognized venues.

 

While this is the typical approach, Campagna pointed out that there are other options. For example, the Lessons+ Program is available for a student who only is interested in lessons, but still wants the benefits the school offers like access to special member-only artist events or workshops.

 

A chance to perform

All of the performances are booked by School of Rock. In the past year, students have played at the Waiting Room Lounge in Benson, the Chrome Lounge in Ralston, the MAC Center in Council Bluffs and at the Qwest Center. According to Campagna, crowds of 400 plus are typical for the school’s performances.
The school has two concerts coming up. Its Guns N Roses, KISS and Alice Cooper concerts will be performed on January 22^nd at the Chrome Lounge and January 29^th at the Waiting Room.

 

 

Playing up the benefits

“School of Rock offers a safe haven for these kids,” Campagna said. “It is an alternative to extracurricular activities that a lot of these kids can really fit into where they might feel out of place in other arenas.”

 

He said the staff is truly committed to the students and music. “Our instructors live to play and play to live,” he said. “They are experienced professional musicians and music majors that can instruct students on the finer points of their instrument, while at the same time educating them on everything that goes into putting on a great live show.”

 

The school is open to all skill levels and does not turn students away. Instead, they look for the best place for that student. “For example, in our Beatles shows there are very tough harmonies and intricate musicianship in most of their later music, but there also is simpler technique in their early 60s music,” Campagna said.

 

The school is designed to continue helping a student reach their goals even after they have made it through the Rock 101 and Performance Programs. It offers an Artist Development Program, which is designed for advanced-level students and helps them take their journey to the next level. This can be through band coaching, studio time or giving them a a jumpstart on songwriting and recording.

 

About School of Rock

There are nearly 80 School of Rocks across the United States. It was founded in 1998 in Philadelphia, Penn. with the philosophy that the best way to learn music is to play music. Located in what was the Millard Alternative High School on 132^nd and Millard Ave, School of Rock is equipped with three performance rooms, seven lesson rooms and lounge.

 

In addition to the programs listed above, School of Rock also hosts a summer camp for both beginning students and more experienced musicians. Each camp is one week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and concludes with a mini concert at the end of the week.

 

Lessons start at $30 a week. To enroll, call the school or fill out an application online. For more information, visit www.schoolofrock.com