Rock 101 is one of School of Rock's best programs for beginners between ages 8-13. We love seeing children thrive and improve in their music skills while having fun with other young musicians throughout their journey. 

School of Rock programs are made for musicians of all levels. For younger students just getting started, the Rock 101 program could be a great way to learn because of the individual and group lessons.

Students have one weekly private music lesson with an instructor to help them learn concepts and skills. Additionally, they’re also part of a weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified.

10-year-old Harper Evertte is a rising piano player in the Rock 101 program in Ankeny, getting ready to move on to the performance group. She started in the West Des Moines school before transferring to Ankeny, and has been with us for about a year. She has been playing the piano for about three years in total.

“Music is amazing and it's just fun to play in general, whether that's with your friends or with a band or with yourself. And you can express yourself with music as well,” she said.

While she appreciates individual lessons because they help her improve on a specific song or learn new skills, she looks forward to playing with other people in the group rehearsal. “I like how we get to play all together with the different instruments because you can’t have a band with just keys or just drums,” Everette said.

Her inspiration for piano came from her grandpa in Missouri because she says, he’s a professional piano player.

“Someday I hope to be at least close to as good as he is,” she says. We think she will be! Her ambition to learn and become a better piano player is evident. “Improving is really important, and it's something that I think everyone needs to do, even if they think they're already perfect,” Evertte said.

So whether it’s playing T.N.T. by AC/DC with the group or improving on a specific portion of a song, we hope Harper’s Rock 101 experience can be a great inspiration for other students who want to take the stage.