Local Voices
Music School Rocks its Way into Brooklyn
School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, announced it will be opening its newest location on March 22, 2014 at 327 Douglass Street in Brooklyn, NY.
School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and on stage performing with their peers. Music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where music students of all skill levels are comfortable yet challenged at every turn. In addition to individual private music instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students also learn how to jam with their peers in a weekly practice session. The team dynamic creates a supportive and motivating environment where kids feel inspired to excel.
The new School of Rock location is owned and operated by young business professional, Mike Addesso, who has always had a deeply rooted understanding and passion for music. Addesso started is musical career playing in bands and performing in school, completely immersing himself in the musical culture. After studying at Berklee College of Music, Addesso joined the School of Rock team back in 2007 as a music educator and discovered his passion for community and teaching kids. During this time he toured with bands on labels like Warner Brothers and Vice, performed with Joey Santiago of the Pixies and Andrew WK and supported acts like New York Dolls, Coheed & Cambria and The Joy Formidable. As a drummer Mike has been featured in Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, Stereogum, Noisy and MTV. Addesso knew he wanted to bring the School of Rock program to the community and watch new students grow into the aspiring musicians they want to become.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in the business of music education. When I first walked into a School of Rock, I knew it was the way to inspire kids and build communities as a whole – as a band member myself, it was a no brainer to get involved,” said Addesso, Brooklyn School of Rock business owner. “School of Rock is more than just a music school; it’s a chance for kids to form a community, build confidence, make friendships and be recognized for their contributions. I can’t wait to watch our students grow through the program, learn rock and roll music, and perform live shows at various venues in front of family, friends, and fans.”School of Rock programs are performance-based and emphasize the message that music is not just about playing an instrument; it’s about teamwork, building confidence, and creating leaders. The first stage is “Rock 101”, teaching basic skills through 45-minute private lessons and 90-minute group sessions. Next, students reach the main program, the heart and soul of School of Rock – the “Performance Program.” This stage consists of 45-minute private lessons and a final show. The students are cast in songs and rehearse them in a 3-hour rehearsal each week, preparing for the big show. After 12-13 weeks, the students transform into rock stars in a blowout concert in front of a real live audience. Additionally, School of Rock also offers 5-10 day intensive summer, spring break and winter camps, involving rehearsals with a big show at the end. These 5-10 day intensive camps are guaranteed to transform a want-a-be into a true rock performer. School of Rock also recently launched an adult performance program and a pre-school program called, “Little Wing,” designed to introduce toddlers to the joy of music.
Through School of Rock’s “Guest Professor Series,” students have the opportunity to learn from and jam with some of music’s most iconic names, including Jon Anderson, lead vocalist from the legendary rock band Yes, Earl Slick, David Bowie’s guitarist, seminal post-punk bass player, Mike Watt, and collaborator of the groundbreaking, pop-rock duo The Eurythmics, Dave Stewart.
School of Rock Brooklyn will be open Monday – Thursday and Saturday, with special workshops on Friday nights. For more information on the school, please contact Mike Addesso at Brooklyn@schoolofrock.com or visit Brooklyn.schoolofrock.com.
