Jessica
Studio Manager
Jessica Flores is the Studio Manager who keeps our school running smoothly and oversees the customer experience. In addition to her managerial skills, Jess has been a vocal teacher at a couple of Schools of Rock for many years and has also directed many shows at both School of Rock Silver Spring and School of Rock Vienna. She is well-versed in our programs and understands the School of Rock experience on a deep level and is always delighted to meet new students and their wonderful families.
On the music front, Jess began singing in elementary school, where she gave her first solo performance at the Pageant of Peace with her school choir in DC at age eight. In high school, she was always active in multiple choirs and the musical theater department. She then began classical voice training at Montgomery College, under the guidance of Molly Donnelly, and gained experience in a variety of styles ranging from classical to Latin jazz through multiple collaborations with the Montgomery College World Ensemble and Metropolitan Orchestra at MC. While at MC, she helped institute an outreach program with Wheaton High School, bringing the experience of performing with a professional band to kids who were just starting out in choir. She has also performed with the National Philharmonic Chorale and interned for their Summer High School Choral Program. Jessica is currently finishing up her undergrad at UMBC in Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Education. She performs regularly with her band, Tesla's Cat, where she gets to practice being a rock star. She believes that studying music is an integral part of building stronger communities and well-rounded citizens.
Travis Adams
Music Director
As Music Director, Travis is in charge of all student programs, lessons, live performances, and both student and teacher development here in Vienna. Using his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and experienced teacher, Travis strives to build our students' confidence not just in music but in their every day lives. He holds degrees in both Entertainment Business and Recording Arts from Full Sail University (Orlando, FL). Travis's experiences and endless desire to become a better musician allows him to dig deep to bring a high level of energy and fun to all our lessons and groups at School of Rock.
Travis's journey through music started on the piano at age three, and by nine he had moved on to teaching himself guitar while taking private drum lessons from Bill Richards (Section Leader for The United States Army Band). Throughout high school, Travis marched in the snare line as well as sitting in on various instruments with his friend's bands as much as possible. He has since written, performed and recorded with a number of artists and has held various positions within indie record labels, radio, booking agencies and studios around the US.
Kevin
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Kevin Dickel grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia playing guitar in his school’s jazz band and playing guitar and screaming in South Jersey’s hardcore band, Davy Crockett. When he’s not rigging amps and speakers together like Dr. Frankenstein, he can be found trapped in a never-ending game of fetch with his dog. Kevin’s favorite artists include Alkaline Trio, Dillinger Escape Plan, Queen, Black Sabbath, Sleep and SUNN O. Kevin currently plays bass in local cover band Earls of Kent. He provides material support for Philadelphia-based artists Holy Mountain and Hafsol, and publishes music under the moniker Church of Pain. He is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Ashburn.
Nate
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher
Nate comes to School Of Rock Ashburn with over 20 years of professional experience in the music industry. Beginning his journey with voice & piano at a young age, he quickly moved to saxophone, guitar, bass, and an array of other instruments.
Since then, Nate has performed for crowds numbering in the tens of thousands on some of the best stages around the country alongside acts such as Maroon 5, 311, Lifehouse, Billy Idol, Toto, and Reel Big Fish to name a few. In addition to his live performance experience, he has released multiple albums of his own and has both written and produced material with Papa Roach, Hollywood Undead, and members of SHAED.
Nate joined the team at School of Rock because (as he puts it) “The teaching model and the people here are so inspiring, and I get to use my experience from years of performing and recording to teach the next generation of musicians. Nothing feels better than to be able to give back to the music community and the future of music. I wish School Of Rock had existed when I was a kid!”
When he isn't teaching at School Of Rock, Nate runs a songwriting and music production company where he composes for TV, film, and commercials. When he isn't doing that you can likely find him on a nature walk, checking out some really cool bugs with his son.
Manuel
keyboard teacher
Manuel is a Peruvian artist that has been living in the Washington D.C. area for the last 15 years. He began taking piano lessons in Peru at the age of 11 and majored in Music and Music Technology with a minor in Jazz Studies from George Mason University. He has been teaching music for the last 12 years. Besides composing and teaching music, he also writes short stories in Spanish and practices creative drawing.
Karl
Drum Teacher
Karl is a music industry veteran with 40 years of experience playing and recording. He started taking drum and piano lessons at the age of 7 and was playing drums professionally by age 15 with a Maryland-based Top-40 dance, soul, and funk band. He then ventured into the world of alternative rock bands and electronic dance music and has recorded and performed at many legendary venues including CBGB, 930 Club, DC Space, and Fever.
Karl has played drums in many bands and recording projects over the years as well as being a resident DJ at 930 Club and keyboardist. He has experience with drums, percussion, analog and digital synthesizers, MIDI, drum machines, electronic drums, sampling, and DAWs. Drumming remains his primary focus. He became interested in teaching through a rock & roll summer camp. Karl looks to ignite creativity and forge the paths to performance excellence in his students.
Kevin
Guitar Teacher
Kevin Caldwell was born in Alaska and grew up the son of a U.S Army service member. He began his musical journey playing snare drum in grade school. Kevin moved to Italy in his 20s and created the #1 cover band “Sara’s Band” in Tuscany. After joining the U.S. Army in 2001, his cover band CX11230 won the U.S. Army’s MWR Battle of the Bands in Europe. Kevin became the lead sound engineer and a performer in the U.S. Army Europe Band & Chorus, performing all over Europe and other places from Moscow to Morocco. He has played in local cover bands in Maryland for the last 4 years. His favorite guitarist is Prince and he plays everything from ACDC to Elvis, and more.
Eric
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Eric has been playing in rock bands and teaching for over 35 years. Originally from outside of Philadelphia, Eric has resided in the Washington, D.C. area for the past 25 years and has played at many of the local establishments in the area. Eric primarily plays classic rock but has played many different genres that have rounded out his experiences.
In addition to sharing his love of the guitar with students, Eric emphasizes the guitar player's role in a rock band to create the best group experience.
Adam
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Adam, a lifelong musician, began with the violin at age 6 but switched to the electric guitar at 10 after discovering Queen. High school band experiences solidified his passion for performance. Currently, Adam channels his deep-rooted musical desire into writing, recording, and performing original music.
As a self-taught, disciplined instructor, Adam imparts valuable insights on mastering the fretboard. His code of honor, emphasizing discipline, aims to shape aspiring rockers into tomorrow's heroes. Influenced by Mastodon, Megadeth, The Reverend Horton Heat, Dethklok, Nujabes, and Primus, Adam is driven to share his musical mastery and guide students toward becoming well-rounded rock warriors.
Phoenix
Vocal Teacher
Phoenix is a rebellious multi-instrumentalist who seamlessly blends her classical training with experimental creativity. With over 16 years of experience, she excels in violin, upright bass, ukulele, and guitar, and is a passionate vocal instructor. Her extensive repertoire grows with each new instrument she picks up.
As a teacher, Phoenix displays a diverse skill set and interest in conducting, transposing, and arranging while also drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Lee, Lindsey Stirling, and Adam Lambert, who she uses to influence her teaching approach when it comes to vocal performance and the stage.
Stella
Singing Teacher
Stella is an award-winning entertainer for her vocal/celebrity impressions, comedy, and dance, and is thrilled to bring over two decades of teaching, performing, and branding experience to School of Rock Ashburn!
Originally from Chicago, Stella has owned and operated two children’s theater companies, along with her beloved all-ages music lesson/performance troupe, Stellar Ukulele. Stella loves to teach the ukulele, which she favors as the gateway instrument for aspiring musicians, and credits the ukulele for bringing out her inner rock star. Stella is known for her clever parody and satirical songwriting and has developed workshops designed to turn any level of musician into a successful songwriter.
For Stella, there is nothing more fulfilling than leading and mentoring others to safely and effectively find their own voice, develop their unique brand, and increase their knowledge and skills in any area of performance and entertainment.
Chris
Drum Teacher
At a young age, Chris's fascination with music eclipsed traditional toys and video games. He began his musical journey as a guitarist, drawing inspiration from iconic rock bands like AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Metallica. Transitioning to drums, he found his groove with tracks like "Beast & The Harlot" by Avenged Sevenfold and "Like Eating Glass" by Bloc Party, sparking his passion for performing and songwriting. Chris's love for music transcends instruments; it's about the essence of each song.
Chris brings a well-rounded musical palette to his teaching at the School of Rock in Ashburn, Virginia, with a diverse set of influences encompassing rock legends from Alice In Chains to solo artists like Jeff Buckley, as well as influences from hip-hop, jazz, Latin rhythms, and lesser-known gems. For Chris, the joy comes from witnessing students conquer challenges, elevate their playing, and express themselves on stage—a sentiment that embodies the School of Rock experience.