Franklin
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Franklin

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Map
School of Rock Franklin
615 Bakers Bridge Avenue Suite 100
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 221-9700

Location Specifics

Across the parking lot behind First Citizens National Bank.

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Hours
  • Monday: 12 PM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 12 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 12 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: 12 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Franklin combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Franklin for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 7-11

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Franklin's top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in Franklin have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in Franklin are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Franklin who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in Franklin
Performance
Ages 11-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Franklin is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock Franklin Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Franklin music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock Franklin's music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a Franklin music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Franklin
Rookies
Ages 5-6

At School of Rock Franklin, our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock Franklin, younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Songwriting
Ages 11-18

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock Franklin, songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in Franklin is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Franklin who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
6+

At School of Rock Franklin, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

Adult music program in Franklin for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 21+

School of Rock Franklin's Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock Franklin is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Franklin.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock Franklin Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in Franklin.

House Band program for gigging at local venues in Franklin
House Band
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock Franklin House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in School of Rock Franklin's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at TN rock venues throughout the year.

What To Expect
  • A GIGGING MUSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE
  • FREQUENT LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COMMUNITY

The Path to Take the Stage

Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. Therefore, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout Franklin and the rest of TN. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in Franklin

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Franklin

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Franklin, we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock Franklin is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Franklin guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock Franklin's beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock Franklin, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Franklin venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock Franklin offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our Franklin guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Franklin

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Franklin is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock Franklin we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Franklin, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock Franklin, our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in Franklin. Unlike other Franklin drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock Franklin, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Franklin drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock Franklin

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Franklin offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock Franklin, our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock Franklin teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock Franklin, our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in Franklin.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Franklin

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Franklin offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in Franklin and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock Franklin, our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach Franklin students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock Franklin, our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock Franklin

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Franklin. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock Franklin, our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Franklin area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock Franklin Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Franklin area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local Franklin music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock Franklin, our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in Franklin, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock Franklin’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

Owner Angie McCreight
Angie McCreight
Owner
Angie has loved music her entire life. One of her earliest memories is listening to artists like Elvis Presley, Elton John and more with her parents as a toddler. Angie started singing at the age of five, joining her church choir at the age of eight. In middle school, Angie was a member of the Ketron Singers who performed at the World's Fair in Knoxville, TN and continued to develop her vocal skills with private lessons. Angie continued to perform in high school with her jazz band and performed in the Tennessee All-State Choir, as well as at the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts.

Angie continued her vocal training in college and participated in activities that allowed her to continue to perform. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology and worked in pharmaceutical research for over 20 years. In 2011, after leaving her career in the pharmaceutical industry, she and her husband Kelly decided to open the first School of Rock in Tennessee in the Franklin/Cool Springs area and opened the Nashville location two years later. Angie is very passionate about providing this outlet for young musicians and has also seen her own children participate in the program and become School of Rock AllStars. Every day is a gift when she sees the students get excited about their music and performing in live music venues, even when they get excited about just being in the building.
Regional Manager Emily McCreight
Emily McCreight
Regional Manager
Emily McCreight is a Franklin, TN native and graduated from Belmont University in May 2021, earning her degree in Entertainment Industry Studies and Public Relations. She is the Regional Manager for the School of Rock locations in Franklin, Nashville, and Mt. Juliet.

Emily is a former School of Rock student, which included being a 4-time School of Rock AllStar. She also had the opportunity to open for Night Ranger, play on multiple cruise lines, share the stage with several internationally recognized artists, and perform at multiple Nashville Predators games. Some of her biggest inspirations are John Paul Jones, Laura Lee, and The Main Squeeze.

Now, Emily finds success with her up-and-coming band, Juke of June. The band won the Tennessee Titans Battle of the Bands and has performed at the Tennessee Titans’ halftime show and multiple games, as well as opened for Moon Taxi. During her off days, she loves adding to her photography portfolio, Siren Studio.
Studio Coordinator Brittany Vissers
Brittany Vissers
Studio Coordinator
Originally from Northeast Wisconsin, Brittany has always immersed herself in the music industry. After being a guitarist and a vocalist for over 13 years, Brittany grew up surrounded by ’70s and ’80s rock with bands like the Eagles and Pink Floyd, as well as jam bands like Dave Matthews Band and Grateful Dead. With seven years of show experience primarily in Wisconsin, Brittany has been featured on local television and radio stations and has played various festivals in the Midwest.

Brittany moved to Nashville in 2020 to expand her knowledge and career in the music industry. With her BBA in Music Business and Production from Belmont University, she has had the opportunity to work in booking, A&R, marketing, producing, and assisting artists at festivals like CMA Fest. Brittany strives to continue to immerse herself and grow within the music industry.
Music Director
Steve Rossi
Regional Music Director
Steve Rossi brings many years of experience to the Franklin School of Rock as a seasoned performer. Steve has performed on stage with Rock legend and guitar virtuoso, Peter Frampton on his North American tours, as well as other well-known artists such as vocalist extraordinaire Taylor Dayne, 80s rock legends Cinderella (North American tours), 60s rock n' roll pioneer Gary U.S. Bonds, and many other high profile bands and artists across several continents. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Arsenio Hall Show" and NBC's "A 70s Celebration" with Taylor Dayne. Steve has also appeared with headliners The Bee Gees and other notable 70s artists. Other appearances include Solid Gold with Gary U.S. Bonds and on MTV's "The Grind." Steve's album credits include Stevie Wonder, John Kay, Steppenwolf and various other artists. He is an independent composer/producer of music for television multimedia. Clients include ABC/Disney, AE, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon Networks and The Travel Channel, as well as various other corporate and independent clients. Steve scored two seasons of "Surprise by Design," hit home improvement series on Discovery Channel, and is currently composing and producing original, in-program music for "Good Morning America." He is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher and piano teacher at School of Rock Franklin.
Sean McCreight
Associate Music Director
Born and raised in the Nashville, TN area, Sean McCreight first picked up the guitar at age six but didn't become serious about playing the guitar until he was in sixth grade, when he started taking private lessons and learned about the band KISS. Sean's first guitar influence was Ace Frehley, which led to his first live performance in a KISS tribute band and other performances, including the Halloween KISS House right off of the square in Franklin, TN. To this day, Sean can still play every Ace Frehley solo. Eventually Sean became a student at School of Rock and quickly began to learn about more genres of music and develop a love of the blues, progressive rock, Motown, classic rock, jam bands and many more. As time went on Sean's influences grew to include Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks, Gov't Mule, The Grateful Dead, The Aquarium Rescue Unit and his all time favorite, Widespread Panic. During his time at School of Rock, Sean was a member of the House Band for five years and was a three-time national AllStar. After graduating high school and School of Rock, Sean attended Belmont University and majored in Commercial Music - Guitar and quickly formed his band Sonic Voodoo, a seven-piece fusion rock band based in Nashville, TN. Sean's band has played many high-profile gigs, including playing at the Nashville Predators games and Plaza Parties, as well as opening for Echosmith. The band released their first EP on Spotify and iTunes in March of 2017. Sean is continuing his music education in the Segue 61 program in Nashville, TN and continues to record and perform live with Sonic Voodoo and other artists around town.
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher Abby Davis
Abby Davis
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Abby Davis has been singing and playing guitar for longer than she can remember. From starring in Berklee shows to playing music festivals, her folk/rock roots shine through with her acoustic guitar in hand.

Abby graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2023 with an undergraduate degree in Songwriting and has done private tutoring for her peers in subjects such as ear training, guitar, and voice. Abby is thrilled to be a part of the team at the School of Rock in Franklin, TN!
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Alex Fansel
Alex Fansel
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Alex is a studio drummer, music producer/engineer, and orchestrator based in Nashville. With a passion for developing new music and young musicians, he’s spent the last several years teaching, recording, and writing music across the US, Canada, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Serbia. Outside of School of Rock, you can usually find him recording in the studio, or writing music for orchestras, world instruments, and choirs. In 2019, Alex graduated from Berklee College of Music with a dual degree in Contemporary Writing & Production and Music Production & Engineering.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher Alex Merrill
Alex Merrill
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Alex Merrill is a musician, producer, and instrumentalist from Nashville, TN. He grew up in St. Petersburg, FL, and became interested in music when he started learning how to play the piano at 8 years old. Over the years, Alex has also learned to play guitar, bass, and drums. Some of his favorite genres of music include yacht rock, funk, R&B, soul, and disco, but he's comfortable working within any genre!

Alex writes, mixes, and masters his own music, as well as produces for other musicians all while being a music teacher, touring musician, and session musician!
Show Director, Singing Teacher Annalee Condiles
Annalee Condiles
Show Director, Vocal Teacher
Annalee Condiles is a current student at Belmont University majoring in Music Business (live event management) and minoring in dance. She first got involved with singing through musical theater and still to this day can call herself a proud theater kid, although the School of Rock program is really where her love grew.

Annalee attended School of Rock Main Line in Pennsylvania where she was a proud House Band member and an AllStar in 2019 and 2020. Her rock inspirations range from Earth, Wind & Fire to No Doubt to Black Sabbath. She is so excited to share her passion for singing with the School of Rock Franklin community.
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Chris Coburn
Chris Coburn
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Chris was born in Los Angeles and moved to Nashville when he was four years old. Now at 21, he is passionate about teaching piano, and being a freelance producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, animator, filmmaker, and audio engineer in his professional home recording studio in Franklin, TN. Chris attended School of Rock in Nashville in middle school. He is a Blackbird Academy audio engineering graduate and attended Lipscomb University, studying music production and animation. He was awarded a scholarship to Berklee School of Music for songwriting and was a member of the Curb Youth Symphony and MTSU Honors Orchestra for many years. Having had his own band and having been a member of multiple bands, Cris developed a great skill for performance and bringing the best sound to the stage.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher James Weiss
James Weiss
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
James Weiss is a musician, guitarist, performer, composer, and educator from the DMV area. His playing and teaching experience span jazz, blues, rock, folk, metal, and musical theater. He graduated summa cum laude from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies in December 2021.

Following his graduation, James taught and performed locally throughout the DMV area for two years before moving to Nashville in September 2023. During his time in the DMV, he performed with cover bands, blues bands, jazz bands, rock bands, and musical theatre companies. His goal as an instructor is to inspire within his students the creativity, self-expression, and joy that music has given him.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher Jarred Hahn
Jarred Hahn
Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher
Jarred is a passionate record producer, mixer, and educator living in East Nashville, TN. In 2015, School of Rock inspired him to pursue music as a career in music. He then attended Berklee College of Music and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering in 2019.

Jarred has performed in bands, choirs, and touring a cappella groups throughout his music career, and is excited to help others begin and progress their musical journeys!
Guitar Teacher Jason Powers
Jason Powers
Guitar Teacher
Jason began playing guitar at the age of 15 after seeing a solo by Eddie Van Halen. That was and is the catalyst that has inspired his pursuit of the instrument to this day. At the age of 21, Jason attended the Atlanta Institute of Music with an emphasis on performance and theory. After school, he performed and taught guitar full-time for years. Most of his experience was as a studio musician where he was blessed to have worked with many notable artists in the R&B, Jazz, Rap, and Christian industries in Atlanta at that time. After years of studio work, Jason decided to pursue engineering, mixing, and production. He was blessed to have worked in many of Atlanta's flagship studios during that venture. Jason's passion now is to continue to press on to become the best musician he can and to invest himself in others to help them to fulfill their musical goals.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Joe Thomason
Joe Thomason
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Joe Thomason has had a passion for music since he first picked up a guitar in a music class in the seventh grade. Throughout his over 15 years of playing, Joe has prided himself on exploring as many different genres as he can. Starting as a huge Metallica fan, he began exploring every corner of the world of metal. He eventually fell in love with in genre of progressive metal, creating multiple bands and projects that challenged his playing and his understanding of what music could be.

Through these experiences and his time working at School of Rock, Joe's musical interests began to expand toward genres that challenged him including jazz, funk, prog rock, fusion, experimental rock, and improvisation. Joe began moving into the world of music production in 2017; after getting certified, he has made it a hobby to mix, produce, and master his own work and others' music.

Joe's teaching style revolves around simplifying music theory while applying it to the instrument and learning improvisation. He believes that those skills in addition to the songs learned in the School of Rock program can help students find a unique way to express themselves through music. Joe has been based in Chicago for most of his musical career but recently moved to the Nashville area. He is excited to see what new musical journeys and challenges await him!
Songwriting Director, Vocal Teacher Laney Lebovitz
Laney Lebovitz
Songwriting Director, Vocal Teacher
Laney Lebovitz is a lifelong vocalist and performer with a long history at School of Rock. Laney is a former School of Rock student who spent a decade taking lessons and participating in performance programs until her high school graduation. She spent many years in her school's House Band and was a four-time AllStar, which had a huge impact on Laney’s stage presence and performance philosophy. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2023 with a degree in Songwriting.

Laney’s influences span a variety of genres, from rock greats like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to Motown/soul artists like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. She is game for any song that requires belting it out, although her songwriting influences take a departure from the loud, energetic style she loves singing. As a self-proclaimed “songwriting nerd,” Laney prefers to emulate artists with a softer tone like Fiona Apple, Hozier, Sufjan Stevens, or Kacey Musgraves, with an emphasis on lyrics and melody.

Laney can’t wait to impart what she learned from her time at School of Rock and beyond with her students. She is hopeful that she can extend her love for music and writing to the next generation.
Drum Teacher Matt Bubel
Matt Bubel
Drum Teacher
Matthew Bubel, a drummer since age 2, comes from a family of professional musicians. At 9 years old, he moved from Phoenix to Nashville with his stepdad, a studio musician. After graduating high school, Matt began touring with artists like Tenille Arts, Ryan Hurd, and Kip Moore.

Matt has played on gold records for artists such as Kip Moore, Big & Rich, Priscilla Renea, and Danny Gokey, as well as earning an ASCAP Award for his songwriting and production work.

Now, he spends his time at home in Nashville with his wife and young son. Matt continues writing, playing, and producing music and has a passion for passing on his knowledge to up-and-coming creatives.
Matt Drummey
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Matt Drummey is a musician from Kingston, MA. A versatile player, Matt is equally comfortable as a bassist or guitarist. Years of performing and teaching make him an excellent resource for any aspiring musician. His playing style is an exciting blend of a wide range of influences. Over the course of his time playing Matt has studied blues, classic rock, jazz, neo-soul, bluegrass, funk and many more.

Matt received a degree in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music in 2011. During his time at Berklee he studied under master guitarist Tim Miller. His time at Berklee also led to him being one of the co-founders of Boston jam band Skyfoot. During his time with Skyfoot Matt performed over 200 shows, spanning over 20 states. Skyfoot released their debut album "Eternal Bend" in 2011. This album features Matt on both electric guitar and bass. His deep understanding of both instruments gives him a unique perspective on playing and teaching. In the spring of 2016 Matt relocated to Nashville to continue to pursue a career in music.

As an instructor Matt’s goal is to make lessons a fun and engaging environment for students. His sense of humor and approachability make him a great fit for all levels of students. Matt puts a strong emphasis on helping students learn their favorite songs and discover improvisation. Matt can teach music theory, reading, ear training, improvisation concepts, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, fretless bass techniques, various musical genres, songwriting and more.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher Spencer Moore
Spencer Moore
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Spencer is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where he studied classical guitar and composition. He's a multi-instrumentalist with years of keyboard, percussion, guitar, and bass experience. He was a School of Rock student himself in the Philadelphia area where he developed a strong passion for music theory and an equally strong love of rock. Treating music as both a science and a beautifully robust language capable of infinite expression, Spencer dreams of a world where everybody plays an instrument, understands the music they create and hear, and strives to explore and experiment with the creation of music.

When he isn't playing guitar with Nashville-based psychedelic rock band, The Mango Furs, he is likely petting a cat or getting lost in a good video game with an inspiring soundtrack.
Drum Teacher Tim Murphy
Tim Murphy
Drum Teacher
Tim Murphy is a passionate and versatile musician, boasting a profound love for performing and collaborating. His musical journey has been significantly enriched by collaborations with outstanding artists such as The Chad LaMarsh Band, Magnus, Slightly Tooned, KAYKO, Ace Maguire’s Acid Tabs, The Songhouse, Silver Arrow Bands, ROSIE, The Thistle Brothers, and Mariah Counts.

Having spent his childhood in Amherst, New Hampshire, Tim later dedicated the majority of his college years to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Throughout high school and college, experiences with jazz trios and big bands have played a pivotal role in nurturing his craft and fueling his artistic aspirations. Tim’s accolades include three consecutive years in the New Hampshire All-State program, securing the top rank during his freshman year, and active participation in the NHMEA All-Eastern Symphonic Band.

In 2023, he proudly graduated from Berklee College of Music on scholarship, earning a degree in Performance. Tim now resides in Nashville, eagerly anticipating the chance to delve into the city’s vibrant music scene, forge connections with fellow artists, and embark on new sonic adventures.
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Ukulele Teacher William O'Rourke
William O'Rourke
Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Ukulele Teacher
William is originally from the PNW in Oregon. He has accrued several instruments over the years since he joined his school band at age 10. William fell in love with the guitar at the age of 13 and spent his teen years learning his favorite songs on the instrument. By the time he was 17, he formed a rock band with his friends with William taking on the role of lead vocalist and rhythm guitar. William studied Audio Engineering at Lane Community College and applied the skills he learned to help produce/engineer his band's first record. He also recorded a solo LP where he sang, played all the instruments, and mixed the record himself.

After years of musical experience, William entered the education field in 2021 while living in Portland, OR, and worked at Happy Valley Arts Academy. In pursuit of continuing a career in live music performance as well as education, William decided to take a leap and move to Nashville in July 2023. He plans on continuing his education here as well as teaching all while diving deeper into the Nashville music scene!
Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Andy Wazz
Andy Wazz
Vocal Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Andy is a long-time School of Rock alum who has been honing his skills in vocals and bass for over ten years! After first joining School of Rock in 2012, Andy has dedicated his life to music; exploring influences in funk, rock, fusion, and gospel!

After attending Berklee College Of Music, Andy relocated to Nashville and is ready to share his passion for music with his students at the School of Rock in Franklin, TN!
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Reviews

One of the Best Decisions We've Made.

Our son has become a much better drummer! He has learned to work within a group, and it has given him confidence that he never had before. Watching him and his friends playing iconic music with skill and swagger is amazing.

Attentiveness and True Compassion.

The entire staff are beautiful people inside and out!

We love everything about School of Rock!

Fantastic staff, top-notch facility, happy kids! We love it!

The Most Fulfilling Thing I've Ever Done

I've attended School of Rock for many years, spending upwards of 15 hours a week there, honing my skills as a singer and guitarist. I helped students who weren't as confident and it was the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.

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