Premium music camp of Montague: Our Top-20 selection

We joined school of rock nearly a year ago today. To say it was a life changing experience barely does it justice. Heather has created an environment that is second to none. She clearly treats her staff and instructors well and with proper respect as I’ve seen ZERO turnover in a year. That is a feat.

Watching my kids flourish in a way I never expected. My, seemingly, shy boy is turning into a man and his experience in front of the mic is part of it for certain. And my daughter has committed to drums in a way I didn’t expect. She even got behind the mic recently to sing which she used to say she was too shy to do! Performing as part of a group is irreplaceable.

The community is what makes this place work and Heather has created a space where community is first in importance. Do yourself a favor. Send your kids here for a trial lesson! Then just skip the wait (like we should have) and just do a trial lesson for yourself for the adult band you absolutely won’t regret it

School of Rock is great! Everyone is really kind to both the parents and the students. It is clear that every employee and instructor wants to make it a fun experience but also a place where the students can really learn music and grow as musicians. Jonathan is incredibly talented, clearly knows music and makes the experience for our keyboardist very positive, encouraging and enjoyable. I love that the kids learn songs right away and that they play together as a band. I also love that the kids (and parents) are expected to adhere to behavioral policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all. We love School of Rock!

Our 11 yo boy has been going to SOR Almaden for about a year now and it is by far his favorite out of school activity. The music teachers have been wonderful and the staff always very accommodating with schedule changes and advice on how to develop our son as a musician. The concerts they put on are so much fun and the whole family are in awe how fast our son has advanced as a performer and also in his confidence. A real gem of a place.

Our son is learning to play multiple instruments in a fun environment. He’s developing a great taste for music. He loves the classes and the instructors. Awesome program.

excellent experience for our son! great lessons, rehearsals and concerts!

School of Rock changed my life. Back around 2013 I went to school of rock to learn guitar. When I first attended I felt like I had no hope of learning. I had tried to learn guitar from my middle school guitar teacher prior to School of Rock and I almost quit music. I was also severely depressed as a kid. School of Rock completely changed my life, I found Hope and I found passion in music and my instructor there, Dave, gave me the Kickstart that I needed that opened up the rest of my life. I attended School of Rock for a few years and they gave me the building blocks that I needed to become a great guitarist. Since then I have been in and out of several different bands, I have been able to use with School of Rock has taught me to further my playing as a guitarist, and most importantly I developed a bond with music that I never thought would have impacted my life so drastically. This review is long overdue, but I highly recommend School of Rock for any kid or adult. School of Rock really has impacted my life and I don’t know where I’d be without the passion for music that’s cool with rock ignited in me.

Awesome people and great atmosphere. My son absolutely loves it and do I.

My son has been coming to School of Rock (SOR) since May 2021, for 2 yrs. He has had great instructors & directors, & also not so great make-up instructor (that made him cry). The 1st year, he advanced & grew, after that, he started to plateau due to repetition & dullness of the program. His instructor has been great & tried his best to squeeze songs that my kid actually wants to learn, but with band songs that he has to learn it is difficult to learn songs that he is interested in. Aside from this, my issue is with their policies. You have to give them a 24-hour notice if your kid gets sick, or they can’t give you a make-up lesson. However, the school has canceled lessons with a one hour notice. Unfortunately, the school does not open until 2 pm & you’re unable to notify them sooner if your kid wakes up sick that day.
* For reference, we paid $355 a month for a once a week lesson & band. Their policy includes a 24-hour notice if your kid gets sick & a 30-day notice if you want to cancel your membership.
*My kid will miss his instructor the most, but we will look elsewhere for better growth & a more understanding sick policy.

***to the owner***
I did text at 9 am, letting SOR know of my kid being sick. When I called at 4 pm to confirm they had canceled, they told me it had not been canceled yet. I’ve never had an issue in the 2 yrs. Also, it is not just the policies. To be honest, kids want newer fun songs. They keep playing 1980s songs that they’re just not into. Also, in the 2 years, a few kids have enrolled SOR do to our referral, but was bummed that we couldn’t even get one make-up day for being sick. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss this further. Once again, the instructors & directors have always been awesome.

I like it but they don’t let you watch the class…and it concerns me as a grandmother of a 5 year old ..they say it’s a security issue but can’t explain why we can view on tge TV in the waiting room

Great camaraderie with fellow band mates in adult band and learning how to practice to perform is a lot of fun. The rewards of lots of practice come through at the end of season shows.

people were cool and it was a good premise of the place, but as a guitar player i was not taught anything valuable and im not sure if it was my instructor or not but it was honestly just a waste of both time and money.

The class is only 30 minutes long, and the kids are on time but they can’t get to class right away and they always wait outside, but the class is over on time！

The problem isn’t that 30 minutes of study isn’t enough, it’s that the class should be 30 minutes long

This place rocks!

I cannot express the amounts of gratitude towards not only the owner, but the staff here at school of rock. My younger son is autistic and each teacher that he had here for the music program for the youngest children were fantastic. I originally enrolled him to help him with sound and music exposure, and the high level of patience shown by Ms. Kiki was absolutely phenomenal. I would highly recommend this business to families with special needs children.

This place is so inspiring for my child. They definitely bring the vibe into music lessons and allow kids to explore. And getting them ready for stage performance!! If your child loves music and wants to learn more about getting on stage and playing an instrument this is the place to go!!!

The neon sign in the front window that says ‘OPEN & ROCKIN’ pretty much says it all.

My disabled partner was looking for something fun to do in-between speech therapies and physical therapies. He needed something to take his mind off of things, something that may also be therapeutic. So, we decided to schedule a singing lesson at the school of rock. His speech therapist agreed, it was a great idea.
Hi appointment was scheduled for May 27 at 10:30am. They asked us to arrive at 10:15am. We planned the days schedule around the appointment. We showed up at 10:15am, as instructed. When we arrived they told my partner the vocal instructor had called in sick. They had been open since 9am yet they didn’t bother to call or email to cancel. They offered to reschedule for the following Saturday. We agreed.
Again they said to arrive at 10:15am for a 10:30 appointment on June 3rd. Again we planed our schedule around the appointment. However, around noon on the 2nd we received an email saying the appointment had been moved to 11:30am on the 3rd due to a staffing issue. We thought “Okay, well at least they contacted us in advance this time.”
We rearranged our schedule for the day. We arrived at 11:15am for an 11:30am appointment, as requested. Again they said someone didn’t show up, they didn’t have enough staff to cover the appointment.
I asked the person at the front desk why they hadn’t contacted us in advance for either cancellation. Their first response was to pass the buck and say “I don’t know I’m only here on Saturdays.” Perhaps this person isn’t payed enough to take responsibility for anything. Perhaps they aren’t payed enough to put in any amount of effort and make the situation right. I don’t know. I can only speculate. After some disingenuous apologies, an ear full of excuses, and no offer to make the situation right, we left unsatisfied.
The bottom line:
This company hasn’t any semblance of courtesy, consideration, reliability or professionalism. They wouldn’t know customer service if it bit them in their bass.

Would give zero stars it would let me. Scheduled my 9 year old daughter’s drum lesson over phone. She was very excited! Showed up and they had not Scheduled her, drum instructor was gone for the day, and they had no idea what happened? Unbelievably unprofessional, and worst of all, I had to look at the disappointment on my daughter’s face. I thought this was going to be a positive situation for her, instead they let her down.

This place is unique in the delivery of lessons. The kids are working toward a performance or jam session goal, not a recital. We love all the instructors, every one!

School of Rock is one of the best music education programs I have ever seen. The community at this school has a passion for what they do and it really shows. Students get to come out of their shell when they play here, and build the skills and confidence to take their music out to the world. Highly recommend for anyone looking to learn an instrument.

Great place to explore the joy that music can bring to young ones.
Staff is top notch.

If you want lessons on drums, vocals. keyboards, bass and/or guitar and then get put with about 15 students to make up a series bands that learn songs together then plays them at The Viper Room, The Mint, The Whiskey, … this is for you. A truly unique program and I know because I teach guitar and direct rock shows there.

SOR is amazing in every possible way! Everyone is so cool and professional! The best possible way to get into music and develop the skills to become serious and get into a band , or just do it for fun ! Whatever you need or want to become proficient , they have it. So very very pleased!

School of Rock WLA is amazing! The teachers are so dynamic and the program is wonderful for all ages and abilities. My daughter loves it!

Great staff great location great music

Kelly who “runs” the school is absolutely awful. She is unprofessional, combative, lacks follow-up skills, lacks customer service skills, and is incredibly rude and unable to resolve conflict. I would never send my child to a place that is run by a person like Kelly. That said, I pulled my child out of the summer camp.

Great for kids

The School of Rock Venice is a first class institution. Starting from the welcome desk to the lessons and or the rehearsals Venice school is top notch, professional and fun and educational. Reasonably priced for all it’s services Venice School of Rock is THE place to take your youngsters.

Great place for anyone ages 4 – 80 wanting to play music or sing!

Best youth music program! Leslie and her staff are the best.

Great experience fir ny grandson

School of awesome

Terrible for adult vocal lessons, for around 300 bucks you do weekly lessons and band rehearsal, despite the price tag my instructor was clearly not qualified and seemed unsure of herself, was also rude. Scolded me at the beginning of my paid lesson time, had me seeing red, yet unable to leave because I still had to do the lesson, which I was paying a lot of money for. They make you cancel a month in advance and when I did, rehearsal with the group band got awkward, one of the band members told me not to “feel pressured to show up anymore” which came across as don’t show up. anyways with regards to the band I came in at a time when all I was allowed to do was watch if I wanted to rehearse a song I would have to pay for another month and the song had to be one that they approved of. The worst part is I still live in the same town so I’ll see them around from time. I honestly wished I had never signed up to begin with. I had high hopes for school of rock and was left severely disappointed.

This place may seem incredible; however, I found out that the instructor entertains the kids with the new version of Hangman Game; the Astronaut Game, during my daughter’s music class. I understand that children need a little break (however, this is not a school with study hours, this is a 30-minute class); however, I can’t fully agree to play it for a while and not even for a whole class; this is unbelievable !!! Also, I was paying for a music class and not for babysitting. Well, I made my complaint, and this is what I got: “I should change my daughter to a different level because she is too mature for the class.” On top of that, they also told me that she was lying about it. Very disappointed with this place.

We cannot say enough about School of Rock. Everyone from the staff to the students are simply amazing! We are not residents of Del Mar but we are locals and enjoy many of the shops and restaurants in Del Mar Plaza and the surrounding area. We find ourselves in the area even more now that our son has recently joined a show group at the School of Rock Del Mar in Del Mar Plaza. This past year has been rough for everyone, especially the kids. School is at home, no travel, essentially no outlet for the kiddos. We are so thankful for School of Rock and not only the safety measures they have taken from their opening but for all they have done through the pandemic and currently do. Music has been the one thing that has been constant over this year and being able to get out and play and perform with his peers really made a difference.

Listening and watching these kids, these young adults play has also been very therapeutic for us adults as well. I know as an adult I do not have the courage to even give a speech in front of a crowd let alone what these amazing rock stars are doing. What they learn at School of Rock will help them as they grow, life lessons they will be able to take with them. I know not every song or every group is someone’s favorite but these kids are playing every song with heart and soul and we are truly amazed by their skills. The teachers and staff are amazing and always friendly, most important their students are number one. They are so supportive of all their students. School of Rock Del Mar is overall an incredible place.

Beautiful new School of Rock! Of course the place is an amazing spot to learn how to be a rockstar but this location specifically is gorgeous! From the flooring to the wall art everything is perfect. Right on the beach too! Aside from the vibe of the place the teachers are of course top notch. The guy who owns this place also owns the one in scripps ranch and it’s run just as well. Love this program! Can’t say enough good things about it!

I love the show programs here!

I canceled my services and they charged my account

Love this place…love the teachers …they are so good with the kids. My daughter awaits her class every week. Thank you to the School of Rock team!! 🙂

Love this school!
Disregard first review.

The friendliness of the staff, and that my kid really likes going. It’s also in a great location – stuff to do while us parents wait for lessons. I’m fairly new to the school – less than 6 months, and so far I have all good things to say. Phil (the owner) is very open and friendly, and I think it’s his attitude that sets the energy of the place in motion – everyone seems happy and enthusiastic about what they are doing. You can’t put a price on that.

My time at School of Rock Huntington Beach has progressed to being part of the adult performance band. Here I have learned new songs, new chords, new rhythms and most of all how to play with a group of people and sound like a band. The end of season performance on stage in front of an audience is both scary and exciting. But I had not really achieved my childhood dream of being a rock star by playing alone in my room. Being on stage is where it really happens. And School of Rock can help you do it.

I don’t have anything to compare it to, at 57 years young and my first voice lessons, I am learning something about myself, school contracts and music as well as having fun. Read your contract!

LOVE this place! I can’t say enough about how amazing this school is. Firstly, they offer a FREE trial so you can try it out. This is great because I like to try before I buy, as most people do. Once I did the trial, I was hooked. Everyone is so professional and prices are very reasonable for what you get. Benji is my guitar instructor and he makes the lessons fun, yet I learn so much. He is knowledgeable, patient, and kind. Whenever I walk into the school, I am always greeted even if the people don’t know me. They are great with kids, and adults. They have programs for anyone and everyone. I highly recommend this place!

It’s an ok school there can be sassy people if your going into juniors it’s worst if you are a hyper person you will most likely be liked for a little while and then when someone does a mean thing you will probably be mad but there’s the good times to

Discrimination from the owner of the franchise

The School of Rock Camp is unique. My son was able to be a part of a rock band with other children who enjoy music like he does. He was able to play the electric guitar for the first time and loved it. At the end of the week of camp, they performed for us, and it was amazing to see all that the kids learned in a week. My son really had a blast and looks forward to going again next summer.

Great program, Fantastic teachers. The owner is very nice and accommodating. My son has been going to this school to learn how to play drums and guitar for years. Very highly recommended.

You don’t know how many parents I meet who share the same story “my kid tried to play guitar but got bored and quit” or “my kid quit playing piano…she just wouldn’t practice”. Our local School of Rock in East Brunswick is the answer. My two sons started three years ago and they LOVE it. The formula there is simple: individual lessons combined with a full band experience. My sons actually practice without me asking because a) they don’t want to let down their fellow band members, and b) they have so much fun at rehearsals and live performances playing. When music is fun for kids they keep doing it, and the longer they keep doing it the better they get. The young men and women who serve as instructors there have become cool musical role models for my boys, introducing them to new bands and genres they may have never experienced. I just can’t say enough about this program and the professional staff. When they graduate from the school, School of Rock will have given them a skill which will allow them to find a like-minded community wherever they go in life. Sorry I went a little overboard! I strongly recommend this for any school aged kid.

Great place to get young kids exposed to music and instruments.

Bad management. My grandson went to the camp here. Very expensive and not very professional…..his brand new guitar broke on the first day at camp….the counselor didn’t see what happened…well where was he?? There are only 6 kids in the class and a small room. How could he not know what happened? The web site says that they will provide instruments….all they could provide him with was an electric guitar….which he did not like ….not what he wanted so they convinced him to play the keyboard. We had to convince him that he had to try to go back the next day….he was very upset but this place is too expensive to just give up. They advertise all kinds of “great” teaching methods and that your child will learn how to play a song. Well for over $400 he learned 3 notes on the keyboard. They had a show at the end of the week…what joke…the drummer and the two guitar player obviously had been going to this place for lessons for quite a while. They should really have better management. Another point came up that my grandson said it was too loud…I sent him with my phone headphones and asked when I dropped him off if they had headphones he could use since mine were not really the correct ones….I was told they have them but they are on a first come first served basis…well when I went to the show no other child had headphones so where were they ones that they had. The room is so tiny and they had tremendous speakers….way too loud for this purpose…I know sound like and old lady but this place is not what it’s advertised to be. At least for the camps. Maybe their lessons are better but if I were you I wouldn’t waste my money here. And now we have to buy another guitar!

The owner Denise is very rude and unprofessional! I was running late for my son’ s rescheduled lesson. I arrived about 20 minutes late due to an accident on route 18 to a locked school. When I spoke to Denise, she said the teacher had to go to work. When I told her my son’s lessons were 45 minutes, he still had time in his lesson. He still had 25 minutes left. She told me for the first time, it’s policy that they wait 15 minutes. Although the teacher was willing to reschedule the lesson, she refused to allow it. She would not en reshedule the 25 minutes that the teacher was not there. She stole 25 minutes from my son.

Needless to say, I gave 1 months notice and cancelled and now my son goes to the School of Rock in Clark. He is loving it. In addition to private lessons he is taking Rock 101. When I asked the manager at the Clark location if it is School of Rock procedure to wait only 15 minutes, she said she never heard of that. She told me if someone doesnt show, they call to follow up and see if you are on your way. I believe this is common courtesy, especially since, we are early 99 percent of the time. I guess all Denise cares about is getting your money! She did me a favor though because the Clark location is actually closer to my house.

Take heed when dealing with her.

The most unprofessional owner who defames other local business’ and will argue with parents. If I could give it 0 stars I would. The instructors are fabolous and great with kids. I’m not sure how this place is in business still based on management alone.

Just started and i already love it!

This place is great! My daughter took an intro lesson to see what she thought. Being a teen she was nervous at first and hesitant to go. Came out of the building happy and excited. She loves her instructor and what’s she is learning. She would go every day if possible. They are professional, warm, fun, and friendly. My child loves this place!
They have a cool program where you can do lessons on your instrument or voice. And then, if you choose to you can join a band also which meets there weekly. You get to decide what level you sign up for. It’s been a huge hit with my kiddo! Wish I had signed my older child up years ago.
They offer a really great program and we are so happy a friend turned us on to it!
No one asked for this review- we are just that happy about it.

Was really good instructor was patient and no pressure at all will go back.

So I took my son for a trial run with a group of kids at this school last week on a Monday at the Madison Rd location, which he was so excited about, so he went in with (i forget her name..jenny?) and he was just excited about all the instruments, it was only him and another boy. I guess my son was too much for her because she said that he was not really focused on just one instrument and kind of all over the place and recommend Music Therapy because she is a music therapist and that an hour was too much for him, ( I was kind of shock and a little hurt that I didn’t even ask her any other questions, but said ok and left) but she didn’t recommend her services for a personal session or anything, so my husband called the next day and asked about the lady (the music therapist) that did the trial run with Aaron if she can call him back and recommend her services or if she has a referral. its been a little over a week and she has not returned his call. I also did tell them in the beginning he has a vision impairment) I just wish someone would of reached out and recommended something because my son loves music and he is not a bad kid.