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
Address: 1345 Newell Ave Unit C, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 , Rollingwood , California , United States
My 15 year old son just wrapped up a week long summer camp program for 60s and 70s rock. The program really helped him sharpen his guitar skills and practice performing with other musicians. The instructors are cool, engaging and supportive teachers. My son had a fantastic time playing his electric guitar with his bandmates. Baby Cage is so metal!
This place helps instill a love of truly good music in my child and a passion for learning guitar (and other instruments). Love them!
Awesome Facility, Awesome Experience!
Russ was super helpful and made me feel welcomed.
Jackson was awesome to work with for my very first vocal lesson and made me feel confident and excited to learn how to sing!
Fairfax Music Camps
Address: School Street Plaza, School St #8d, Fairfax, CA 94930 , Rollingwood , California , United States
My son attended this camp for two summers and he just loved it. It was a great mix of fun, collaboration, and hard work. He even practiced nightly at home so the band would not be let down! And then there was a performance at the end that gave all us parents smiles that could not be wiped off our faces. Awesome!
My son has done camps with Jeff for a few years and is already looking forward to this summer. He even wanted Jeff as his regular instructor and thanks to his tutelage my boy is shredding at 12! 5 stars aren’t enough…
BandWorks – Camps and Classes
Address: 150 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94903 , Rollingwood , California , United States
Great program! My boys learned a tremendous amount in a week & were very engaged. The instructors are wonderful!!
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!
We love this place. A great place to learn and play. Excellent song choices and inclusive learning.
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp
Address: 941 The Alameda, Berkeley, CA 94707 , Rollingwood , California , United States
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.
Teacher’s passion makes kids to enjoy and learn more. Weekly practice sessions/orchestra in a group setting gives more confidence to play in a concert. Good exposure by playing in concerts every season.
Great method that puts the theory into practice from day one.
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.
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.
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.
