I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with the Barrington School of Rock adult program. I knew that I just wanted to break out of my comfort zone, actually learn some songs that I could play from start to finish, and perform in public. I have been a self-taught musician with a pretty good grasp of fundamental music theory and only beginner-intermediate acoustic guitar skills. Your program in Barrington has exceeded my wildest imagination and it has been 100% the result of your staff. I could not be happier with their enthusiasm, their continual words of encouragement, their knowledge of music, their talent, their teaching abilities, their sense of humor, their playfulness, and their efforts to fill in gaps in the band when we had shortages of adult students. I could not be more impressed with Stephanie, Danny, and Andrew, in particular. Their personalized interest has been outstanding. I have take the most private lessons from Danny. I have learned a remarkable amount from him over the last year. His listening skills are extremely good. He doesn’t just provide a boring lesson. He listens to what I want to learn and where I struggle, then he tailors the lessons to my needs. The follow-up notes he provides are ridiculously good and very helpful. It is not easy to teach music, but both Danny and Andrew can communicate it in a way that makes sense and wants me to keep going. I have learned more songs in the last year than I thought possible and I look forward to what we will do in the next year. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friendships with fellow musicians. I am honored to be part of the SOR Barrington program.
My 4 year old and 8 year old have been taking the group lessons for almost a year now and they love it. They have both learned more music theory than I expected (especially my 4 year old!) and they get to try various instruments to see what they like. My 8 year old daughter started taking keyboard lessons with Ashley during the summer in addition to her group lesson and she loves it! I wanted an environment where she could really learn the piano but not feel pressure to practice nonstop and have to play classical pieces that didn’t interest her, and School of Rock is really perfect for what we were looking for. My daughter has progressed so much and gets to play songs that she enjoys coming home to practice! The staff here is so nice and welcoming.
Great staff…so happy my daughter found this place as her new home for rock n roll! I Highly recommend them! Bring your kids and jump start their careers in music!
This school is only for approved white rich people. Horrible experience with the instructors playing favorites. If I could give zero stars I would. All of these five star ratings are from the parents that have been given preferential treatment. Don’t waste your time, and YOUR MONEY if you’re a hardworking middle class family in this school.
Not really impressed with this school. We went for a trial lesson with every intention of signing up for regular classes. The instructor really had nothing to say to me after my son’s class. I had to approach him myself as he was walking away and still he barely said a thing after I inquired about how everything went. Say something man. Anything. The front desk attendant educated me more than the actual teacher. Just left w a bleh feeling. Not signing up.
School of Rock
Address: 225 E Park Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
Nothing but a positive experience my son has had over the last 4 years at the School Of Rock Geneva, and we are looking forward to a few more
My daughter loves SoR-Geneva! The instructors are young and connect with the kids. My daughter looks so forward to her three-hour-one-night-per-week band practice and wishes they could get together more often!
She also enjoys her private coach and even asks to cut our vacation time short so she can get back for her SoR days! SoR is organized and as a parent, I appreciate their daily communication via email. My daughter performed in her first SoR show this past weekend and it truly was the highlight of her 16 years of life! Thank you SoR – Geneva!
My son has participated in 3 Performance Programs and taken drum lessons for the past year at School of Rock, Geneva. He loves the experience and has learned so much about what it takes to put on a performance and be part of a group.
He had taken piano lessons for years and played in the middle school band, but this experience is what he’s been looking for. All the performance directors and his drum instructor Brad have been awesome.
OVERPRICED & lacking for an inadequate musical education. Staff is inappropriate to teach children. My kid got hurt there due to the sloppiness. Owner & staff didn’t seem to care or take his injuries seriously. They just want you to pay, but don’t know what they’re doing in terms of tending to kids needs or teaching the fundamentals of music. I won’t be trusting my kids alone with them in the future.
Not what you need if you want to have your child to learn the fundamentals of music, learn how to become a better musician, improve on their instrument. No this is not that place. if your child wants to just “jam out” and play whatever along with other students of (somewhat) similar musical level then you’ll find that here.
Inept management and an absentee owner that couldn’t care less about the well being of the students. There inability to effectively communicate and problem solve made it a nightmare to work there. The students are fantastic and the staff is good too. Poor management that needs to be replaced. I would highly suggest looking into private lessons elsewhere.
School of Rock
Address: 3254 N Lincoln Ave Unit B, Chicago, IL 60657 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
I am a student there, and it’s almost like a second home! I love the people and the environment! It’s a great place.
My son Dylan played junior guitar for the Beatles session in Summer 2020 and loved it! He was inspired by learning from older players and looks forward to paying that forward if the 2021 Beatles wait list opens up a slot. His parents also loved the video! Needless to say we endorse this great program!
Amazing place it changed my life forever
School of Rock
Address: 3139 Dundee Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
School of Rock’s philosophy of teaching is through songs. It has proven to be a greta way to teach me how to play the electric guitar. I recommend The School of Rock to anyway wanting to learn how to play any instrument!
Our son has been taking drum lessons at SOR for the past two years. The instructors are great and they create a productive and fun learning environment for the kids. Highly recommend them.
We have had a wonderful experience at School of Rock! Our children have grown as musicians and performers. The staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
School of Rock
Address: 220 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
I like the professional and friendly actions of the teacher. My daughter loves to go there
Great teachers & a great experience for my son
What is NOT to like??? The staff (first and foremost #1), the content and learning path, private lessons, group collaboration and learning how each cast member has their role/part to play. Main goal of learning not only an instrument, but team work and with a bit of flare/performance where each cast member can allow it.
Highly recommend SoR to beginner and experienced musicians of all ages! (Yes! There is a program at some locations for adults too!) 🙂
This is a fun-filled and energy-filled place. It’s a great afters-long-school-day activity for the kids to follow. When they need to run off some of their bottled-up energy into something productive yet fun: Not too structured, not too sitting down without moving.
My 10-year old son had been a student at SOR Naperville for over two years. At 8 1/2, after begging him to practice and play piano for 3 years, I finally asked, “What instrument would you be willing to practice? The answer, “drums”. This prompted us to enroll him in private lessons which eventually led to Rock 101. Since then, he has performed in 3 live shows and he considers SOR his home away from home. We have seen him gain so much self-confidence and a sense of who he is from this experience. Their approach to learning is unique and builds a community of artists and creates an outlet for kids who otherwise would not have one.
Living in a community like Naperville, kids are fortunate to be exposed to so many different activities at a very young age. Like many families, we started out in soccer and Tball with our son. It became clear early on that team sports was not his “groove” and that he would have to find someplace else to excel. We would never have guessed at that time that it would be School of Rock. Their approach to learning music motivates kids to practice and improve so that they do not let down their “team” of musicians and so that they are ready to perform on their performance date. Taking both a group and private lesson each week really increases their retention and confidence.
He has not only learned the drums and bass guitar, but he is now begging us for vocal lessons! We knew SOR was the right place for him when on a 3rd grade writing assignment he wrote, ” I feel most at home at School of Rock.” “I love to stay late after my lesson and read my book while I wait for my Mom”. To know that our son feels like he fits in and that he feels so comfortable there is very reassuring to us. Each of his coaches has encouraged and motivated him differently and he respects that they all are live performers and can speak from their experience on stage.
We feel like part of the School of Rock Naperville family and are proud to say so! The owner and manager have always been grateful for our business, accommodated all of our scheduling requests and taken great care of our son!
The Chitwood Family
Have had rather negative experiences here with the instructors and overall learning environment. Will need to look elsewhere.
School of Rock
Address: 15 N Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
Awesome place to learn and better yourself as a musician! Staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and great at inspiring the students to learn music! The School of Rock method is streamlined through professional means to keep that consistency with the successful franchise. The location is very clean, easy to navigate, decor is elevated all around and COVID-19 precautions were in place when it was needed most, still optionable I believe at request. Learning music can inspire confidence for somebody of any age, it’s invaluable and although it could be very tough to learn instruments it can be very fufilling, very good for the brain as well! I myself have taken lessons in the past from private teachers all the way through college level classes and having the system in place is highly effective, curtailed to modern technology like apps. Pricing is reasonable, the skills for life are worth unpinching any penny. What would I change? Perhaps building a small stage to lift drums off floor in band rooms, T.V in the back lobby, more soundproofing including foam, diffusion and although this is more of a franchise suggestion, adding music studio/production/recording elements to the mix! Also, more raises for the drum teachers!! Great location!
School of Rock
Address: 9613 194th St, Mokena, IL 60448 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
You can be starting from scratch with an instrument and they will work magic! My son (12) started a few months ago with guitar and I am so impressed with how much he has learned! Skylar is super helpful and organized at the front desk with scheduling and my son enjoys his lessons with Neil. Love this location!
The instructors are knowledgeable, they are very good at translating that knowledge to the student, and they make it all fun. The best part is taking what you learn and actually performing in a “band” setting!
Our really likes that he can learn at his own pace without judgement or pressure.
Summer Camp is so much fun for my guitarist! It brings out the little rockstar in her. I love the energy of the teachers and how they inspire the kids to do their best! I would give it 5 out of 5 stars, but the cost is high for lessons and camp.
School of Rock
Address: 1311 Sherman Pl, Evanston, IL 60201 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
My daughter has been a student at School of Rock Evanston for going on 2 years and LOVES the time she gets to spend there. The school is filled with teachers, young and oldish, all passing along their love of making music to a younger generation. The community is very welcoming and my daughter feels valued and supported by everyone in it. I HIGHLY recommend giving your kids this kind of experience, mine has benefitted immensely from her time here!
Love this place!!
Over the 3 years I’ve been here, School of Rock has become my home away from home. The relationships I have formed with the staff and fellow musicians have shaped who I am as a person. My guitar playing has Improved greatly not only because of lessons but also the performance programs offered. I am currently taking 3 lessons per week, participating in two bands offered by the school and interning. It is easy to say that School of Rock has changed not only my life, but almost everyone who goes here. Do yourself or your kids a favor and sign them up for School of Rock. -Sam Frederickson, 18
The instructors seem competent and my son enjoys the lessons. I just wish it was easier communicating with the staff. Due to the late-ish hours the business runs, getting an actual person on the phone is potluck. Email sometimes gets an answer within a couple of hours, other times it seems that days go by before someone responds. Their overall attitude is laid-back, which is fine, I suppose, and in keeping with the SOR “way”. I just think they could be a bit more professional and efficient insofar as the customer service is concerned.
If you are thinking about taking lessons or signing your child up for lessons, you should seriously reconsider this location. Find a corporate location that has the proper resources. This place is overall NOT functional and failing.
Chicago Summer Music Camp
Address: 60 55th St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
My kids loved the camp. They learned a ton in a week. Definitely a great find in Downers.
My girl was super excited about the camp. Every day she would come home and show off what she learned or new composition she had composed. She was so sad that it ended and wished it was longer than just a week. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
American Music Institute summer camp suppose to be fun for all ages.
School of Rock
Address: 116 S Washington St, Hinsdale, IL 60521 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
Love this place and the people who make it work. Wish we had SOR when I was a young musician!
There is no better way to play music. School of rock brings together kids who are passionate about music and dedicated to bettering themselves. The teachers are experts at what they do and they teach you what you want to know. You get to play crazy places all around the city like Lincoln Hall. Plus, you meet a ton of great people. School of Rock teaches you how to be a musician and the lessons you learn here will help you out in the real music scene.
Everyone from the instructors to the office staff are professional, kind, helpful, responsive and best of all—fun! School of Rock is my son’s favorite place to go.
School of Rock
Address: 1913 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
Great place to learn how to really enjoy and play great music.
Staff is great and really know how to keep kids excited about learning and playing music.
We love everything about this place. Both our boys are students. And we love our School of Rock Chicago West community.
They get the kids playing real songs at real shows in real venues very quickly, which is a great way to learn music and build confidence.
Private lessons help build technique, and ensemble classes teach cooperation, responsibility, and showmanship. And it’s all done in a fun, mutually supportive atmosphere.
The staff are very kind, accommodating, and welcoming. And it’s just so much fun to see young musicians grow in ability and confidence.
Send your aspiring musician here!
School of Rock
Address: 24026 Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544 , Lake Catherine , Illinois , United States
I’ve always believed that music is a stress reliever in life. My son started going to SOR 2 years ago for guitar lessons and we are very happy and impressed. It’s a wonderful and fun learning environment. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciate that my son gets exposed to all types of music. The school also does performance concerts and so my son gets to jam with other kids. Overall excellent place and highly recommended!
Their staff is always so happy and excited. Makes the experience out of this world.
Wonderful Place – to have Fun and Start kids off learning to have fun with music! We Love You Maggie!
I am very disappointed with the work of the School of Rock Plainfield, in the 9 days that have passed since the agreement on a trial lesson for my six-year-old daughter, none of the managers of the School of Rock Plainfield checked and noticed that the lesson time was not set correctly, and when we arrived, they simply offered to come to the next week. My child was very upset because all this time, she was looking forward to this lesson, and I had to think carefully and reschedule her other classes for the time of the scheduled lesson. I was upset that the manager did not even consider it necessary to approach us. She spoke to me, standing at the opposite end of the hall. I don’t know how they teach music, but the management is very unprofessional.
I am very disappointed with the work of the School of Rock Plainfield, in the 9 days that have passed since the agreement on a trial lesson for my six-year-old daughter, none of the managers of the School of Rock Plainfield checked and noticed that the lesson time was not set correctly, and when we arrived, they simply offered to come to the next week. My child was very upset because all this time, she was looking forward to this lesson, and I had to think carefully and reschedule her other classes for the time of the scheduled lesson. I was upset that the manager did not even consider it necessary to approach us. She spoke to me, standing at the opposite end of the hall. I don’t know how they teach music, but the management is very unprofessional.
