Mount Greenwood: Overview of the top 18 music camp

ROCK and ROLL

School of Rock has drastically changed my outlook on music and team work. You realize just how much fun it is playing in a group or in front of an audience, and not just in your bedroom. I’m so glad I signed up for vocal lessons, and so glad I got the teacher I did. Everyone here is extremely friendly, and it really feels like a family. I would recommend School of Rock to any musician, aspiring or even professional, purely for the fact that this place makes my day and makes me a better musician.

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!

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.

I like the professional and friendly actions of the teacher. My daughter loves to go there

We are so happy with the experience our daughter has had at School of Rock Naperville. She plays the keyboard and vocals. All the teachers have been so supportive. They are great mentors for the children. Because the teachers are so passionate about music, they are able to bring out the best in the students. The environment is so positive among all the students. We love that all the kids support each other. They encourage all members to try new things. It is amazing how our shy and quite daughter has become so comfortable on stage. This is a skill that will be beneficial in other areas of her life. We highly recommend this program.

My girls love music; however, they did not enjoy the traditional methods of learning music. They would start music lessons and they did not connect with the music that was assigned to them for practice. Over time they would stop practicing and eventually quit. To be honest, as a parent, I don’t blame them! The traditional music recital is excruciatingly boring! I then enrolled the girls at School Of Rock Naperville! Within 4 mos., they had their first performance. I knew they were playing more “popular songs “but I didn’t expect much of a performance. I mean–It’s only been 4 months! The performances are usually set as mini-concerts in a public settings such as a restaurant/bar and they are open to the public. Well this was a change, nothing like the stuffy recitals we had attended in the past. Then it dawned on me–my child who has only been singing for 4 months will be performing in front of all these people! I was so scared for her I did want her to have horrible experience on stage; however when she hit the stage she showed no fear. We had been blown away by the how much they learned inside of 4 months. The instructors at SOR are the best–they aren’t just music teachers, they are musicians with their own bands and their own experiences that they readily share with our kids. Fast forward 3 yrs. later –vocal lessons, guitar lessons, drum lessons,open mic nights, countless concerts w/ performances at famous places such as the Empty Bottle, and Lincoln Hall, and many opportunities to meet famous musicians! School of Rock is not just a music school -its a family and second home to my daughters.

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

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.

Have had rather negative experiences here with the instructors and overall learning environment. Will need to look elsewhere.

Very talented staff and professional experience

Incredible program. Incredible staff.

These guys have responded quickly and easily to the challenging times. We got online for lessons as soon as they were available and it has been a great experience! Thanks for keeping us engaged and learning!!

It’s a really fun experience for young and old! Plus the owner Jim is great! Doesn’t matter if you haven’t played for years. I haven’t played for around two decades and still have a lot of fun. Having a goal makes practicing more enjoyable and music is meant to be a shared experience. Get out and play!

Overall, there are many programs offered to match different age groups and each individual’s interests. Personally, my son’s guitar teacher has been a perfect match – they even love the same type of music. His teacher encourages and more importantly challenges my son to develop his skills. This is my son’s first time playing with other musicians in a band and he loves the experience!

We had my son’s birthday party here yesterday, and the kids had a blast! The instructors were great, and found creative ways to engage the kids with each instrument. My son said his party was “one of the best days of his life”! We will be enrolling him in a class here very soon.

They do an excellent job trying to ensure the student experience is a positive and rich one. My daughter loves her instructor.

listened at the show at the library, very good.

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.

I’m so glad I joined School of Rock! The camaraderie of my band mates and the non judgmental attitudes, (especially since I’m doing this for fun and this is my first time) has put me at ease and made me feel very welcome. The staff is great too and want to see me succeed. I always look forward to my band rehearsals and private voice lessons. These are the highlight of my week!

We love everything about School of Rock! The teachers are fantastic and invested in their students’ growth in all areas of music and performance.

I love how my daughter has grown in confidence and how she has an opportunity to study music and be a part of music. With her ADHD her school restricts her ability to participate in music classes. She has wanted to take music in school since she was in grade school. The School of Rock has finally allowed us to give her the music “class” she has wanted so much.She shines! My daughter is an accomplished singer and can sing in front of an audience with confidence. The support and camaraderie at the school of rock has been such a positive influence on her life. I recommend the School of Rock to any parent with a child that has or a child that doesn’t have ADHD because it is such a positive influence. Positive experience! We Love the School of Rock!

My daughter likes teacher Bailey for guitar

No better Job in the world!

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.

We love Merit, they really work with you to keep your child into music. My children have been playing here for 2 years

Merit has been a great experience for both my girls. My oldest met some wonderful instructors and friends And is now in cello performance with Northwester. My youngest has been willing to continue voice lessons that she had loss interest in. The summer program help rebuild her confidence and encouraged her to stick with it. The instructors and students really came at the perfect time for my girls. So happy to have Merit as a program for my girls!

I have never visited the school, but they had a showcase in the park a few weeks ago and they were EXCELLENT! So neat to see little kids show such amazing talent.
Update: finally went inside and loved the teachers and atmosphere. Signed up both girls!

My family loves Merit Music. My daughter studied with Ms. Elena for 12 years. Her instruction was caring and deeply informed; Ms.Elena is an inspiring artists. My nephew and neighbors have enthusiastically attended various classes over the years. I highly recommend Merit.

Best place to learn music

Very disappointing, they don’t care about art or self expression. Only censorship. Don’t ever give them a dime of your money.

I dont understand the work and its a fast pace like only one subject per lesson how am i going to remember that. It’s uncontrollably boring and i hate staying to the house all day long just sitting there doing work and waiting to the next classconnect. 🙁

I bought tickets to a comedy show that was to be held at this institution. I then found out the show was cancelled by this institution as a form of censorship. I thought free expression was a staple of art and question the ethics of Merit and any other school simultaneously promoting art and censorship

Small class size. Great teachers. Strong mentoring.

Great place for kids to learn how to play guitar!

My child has taken piano, ukulele and now bass guitar at UpBeat! The staff and teachers are super talented and really invested in student success. They foster a supportive environment that allows students to work at their own pace. We can highly recommend Jarrett and Eric, and are grateful to have UpBeat in our community.

My daughter loves the zoom voice lessons and her in person band practices.

My son is shy but they have managed to make him feel comfortable singing his heart out. He loves music and we feel whether it’s as a music teacher or singing in some capacity we’re hopeful that the school of rock gives him the confidence and foundation to pursue music.
He is hyper and all over the place but music gives him something to focus on! We couldn’t be happier with the school. They genuinely care about their students!

I absolutely love the vibes here, give you a sense of home and comfort. the staff are patient, kind, sweet and knowledgeable. this school reminded me of my home school back in Austin Texas, would highly recommend taking your kid with talent to become a great musician here!

My son had an awesome time at School of Rock today.

Love School of Rock! The approach of mixing individual lessons with a band of peers and actual performances is perfect for learning and staying motivated. The instructors are great, and the bands have a chance to play venues all over the area. We have been with the school since they opened a few years ago. Our son has moved from guitar and bass to drums, and had a great experience with each instrument. The staff is responsive and friendly, the kids have developed real friendships, and they are playing great music (no hot cross buns played on repeat at this school).

Kind and informative. But not very professional on the phone.

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE this place!!

My son has learned so much coming here to School of Rock. He is not one to always get excited about activities, but loves the guitar and going to practice. Thank you Thank you for bringing this out in him!

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!

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.

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.