Monte Sereno: Overview of the top 4 music camp

My son really enjoys his private drum lesson with Walt! He had expressed interest in the drums and it’s a great emotional outlet for him.

We re-started our lessons shortly after Shelter in Place in March and School of Rock has been great. The communications have been terrific, the instruction excellent, and it’s been a real gift to my daughter.

Daughter doing drums – awesome teachers, fun songs and great, safe environment.

Great folks!
My child has been taking lessons for over almost 2 years now. He started with drums and electric guitar recently.
They helped him develop genuine interest in music, and so he looks fwd to practicing at home.

A few days back spoke to a gentleman, may be not so much of a “Gentleman”, about the program, fees, and policies over all. It was a turn off. May be I caught him on a bad day. One star because I only spoke to him and the way he explained to made me think, I should find another place. Seems very inflexible place especially if you have young kids.

Love the place. Great teachers! But I am shocked by how insensitive the Eric at front desk could be. I understand that the No show policy is tough because they have to pay the teachers. Yes I get it. But the way he relays is “No matter if you die or kid dies or any one dies in the family, there is nothing we can do about it”. Shhh! Chill!!

May be don’t give him front desk duties if he can’t handle people. I feel very sorry for the owner or management of this place.

What a morbid and insensitive way to communicate.

I am disappointed with our experience at this place. Here are the reasons why:

1. The class neglects to teach fundamental music concepts such as notes and rhythm to the kids. This lack of foundation is a significant drawback.

2. Rather than gradually introducing beginners to these basics, they immediately thrust them into rehearsals with more advanced children. This approach is demotivating for newcomers who are still learning.

3. My child expressed a clear disinterest in attending these classes, which is a testament to their dissatisfaction.

4. As parents with limited musical knowledge, we attempted to supplement at home with various apps, but it became evident that children need proper instruction and practice in the basics before tackling complex songs.

We provided this feedback to the teacher on multiple occasions, but they merely suggested that we encourage our child to practice at home, without addressing the core issues.

This dissatisfaction has persisted through the third class, and when we requested a cancellation, nobody showed any interest in understanding or rectifying the situation.

If you are seeking a beginner’s music institute for your child, I would strongly advise looking elsewhere, as this place does not meet those needs.

What a remarkable, generous, gifted team of musician mentors at the San Mateo School of Rock!
Pure happenstance brought us to a School of Rock summer camp program in late 2021, the flame was ignited for my seven year old (thanks to Patrick). Entry into Rock 101 brought her just the kindling she needed with the expert guidance of her instructors at weekly lessons (kudos to Chris and Ahmed), combined with the full band rehearsals (applause to Rob). The transformation of a small group of beginners to a performance-ready band (Rock on Mudbloods!) is a testament to the energy, charisma, patience and dedication of these instructors.
Our experience has been exceptionally positive – in a few short months they have managed to ignite a passion for music in my child that astounds us. She has progressed at a remarkable pace due in large part to the environment they create – a place infused with energy for learning, dedication to the craft, emphasizing collaboration and enthusiasm for sharing the love of music through performance.
School of Rock San Mateo…rocks!

All I can say is Great teachers and an even BETTER Music Director Geoff Quinn!!!. The admin assistant, Rachel Kardos is awesome. These people really take pride in, and they truly ENJOY teaching.

We love this place. A great place to learn and play. Excellent song choices and inclusive learning.