Bella Vista
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Bella Vista

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School of Rock Bella Vista
B46/24-32 Lexington Drive
Bella Vista, New South Wales 2153
(02) 9818 1111
Hours
  • Monday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 12/25/2024 - 12/31/2024: Closed

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

School of Rock in Bella Vista, New South Wales is proud to serve the Bella Vista community—including surrounding areas like Sydney Hills District, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, and Seven Hills—with a revolutionary music education approach. The local area is a great place for budding artists and great musicians have come from the Hills district in Sydney's Norwest including Delta Goodrem, the boys from 5 Seconds of Summer, and the Wiggles. With lessons from our expert instructors, students can learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals across every genre including rock, pop, and R&B. By jamming in a band together with friends while learning to read and play music by ear, students gain the confidence to truly be a rock star. Our students perform at community-based events including the Orange Blossom Festival in Rouse Hill, Australia Day in The Hills, and the Granny Smith Festival in Ryde. Our students also regularly play at local establishments like the Crown Hotel Parramatta. Take the first step towards reaching your goals and join School of Rock in Bella Vista, NSW today!

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Bella Vista for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Bella Vista'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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista'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 Bella Vista music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Bella Vista
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista, 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.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Bella Vista
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Bella Vista our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock Bella Vista, toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Bella Vista 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
All Ages

At School of Rock Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Bella Vista'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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista.

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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista.

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

The School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at New South Wales 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 Bella Vista and the rest of New South Wales. 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 Bella Vista

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Bella Vista

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista'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 Bella Vista, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Bella Vista

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista. Unlike other Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Bella Vista

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Bella Vista. 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista’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.

Director, General Manager Kenny Martin
Kenny Martin
Director, General Manager
Kenny Martin, a true maestro of musical versatility, has been making waves in the world of music for decades. His journey into the realm of rock 'n' roll began with a mind-blowing experience in 1978 when he witnessed KISS on TV. That electrifying moment ignited his passion for music, and he set his sights on mastering the guitar.

For Kenny, music isn't just a hobby; it's a lifelong companion that has enabled him to communicate and connect with fellow musicians across generations. His deep-seated love for music has driven him to explore and excel in various instruments, including drums, bass guitar, piano/keyboards, acoustic/electric guitar, and even vocals.

Kenny's musical odyssey has been a journey of self-exploration and continuous improvement. He has delved into the intricacies of music theory, honed his technique, trained his ears to perfection, and mastered the art of playing a diverse repertoire of songs and musical pieces.

Among Kenny's musical heroes, Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and vocalist of KISS, holds a special place. Kenny draws inspiration from Simmons' larger-than-life stage presence and musical prowess. Additionally, he admires legends like Elvis Presley, Prince, and Dave Grohl for their unparalleled contributions to the world of music.

Kenny's musical journey has been accompanied by the melodies of some classic albums, including KISS's "Alive," Jeff Buckley's "Grace," and Wham!'s "Fantastic." These albums have played a pivotal role in shaping his musical sensibilities.

One of Kenny's all-time favourite songs is "Come Sail Away" by Styx, a timeless classic that continues to resonate with him. Beyond music, Kenny's interests span the realms of science fiction and football. He's a connoisseur of sci-fi wonders and a passionate follower of the beautiful game.

When it comes to his culinary preferences, Kenny's ideal meal is a hearty serving of his mum's chicken schnitzel, adorned with diced tomatoes and creamy mashed potatoes. As for his dream destination, he dreams of heading to London, even if it means embarking on the longest first-class flight.

Kenny's life philosophy is simple yet profound: "Just have a crack - you never know what can happen." He envisions a world where music can be monetized in a more equitable and innovative manner.

If Kenny were a character in "Top Gun," his call sign would undoubtedly be "Gringo," a fitting moniker for a musician who's been rocking through the decades with passion, zeal, and an unwavering love for music.
Music Director Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson
Music Director
**Chris Thompson: The Multitalented Music Maven**

Chris Thompson is a versatile musician and educator hailing from the vibrant music scene of Sydney, Australia. With a passion for rhythm and melody coursing through his veins, Chris has made a significant mark in both the world of music performance and teaching.

Chris's journey into the world of music began with a fascination for the instruments themselves. Drums, bass guitar, and acoustic/electric guitar all found a place in his hands, and he quickly mastered the art of playing them. His love for music deepened as he delved into various genres and styles, refining his skills to become a true virtuoso.

As an educator, Chris's commitment to sharing his musical expertise shines through. At his School of Rock franchises in the Sydney region, he not only plays these instruments with finesse but also imparts his knowledge to eager students. His teaching repertoire includes drums, bass guitar, and both acoustic and electric guitar, making him a well-rounded mentor for aspiring musicians.

Chris's musical journey was ignited by a desire to impress and connect with others, a sentiment that he continues to embody today. His philosophy is simple: "Life's a party," and he believes that music is the universal language that brings people together to celebrate.

Influenced by inspirational music teachers and formal music education, Chris honed his craft and became a sought-after musician in his own right. His proficiency in playing musical pieces and creating captivating rhythms is a testament to his dedication to the art form.

Chris's musical influences span a wide spectrum, from Gerard Way to Laura Lee and Tyler The Creator. He draws inspiration from diverse artists and genres, which enriches his own musical expression.

Outside of his musical pursuits, Chris is a culinary minimalist, with a fondness for broccoli as his ideal last meal. He dreams of flying to Bankstown Airport with a first-class airline ticket, showcasing his adventurous spirit.

While he may not have a definitive answer to his potential biography's title, one thing is clear: Chris Thompson is a musician, educator, and party enthusiast who lives life to the beat of his own drum, creating melodies and memories that resonate with all who have the pleasure of crossing his path.
Studio Coordinator Lily Velecky
Lily Velecky
Studio Coordinator
Lily Velecky, based in Sydney, Australia, may not teach music, but she's a vital part of the School of Rock as a Studio Coordinator. Her journey into the world of music was shaped by the tunes her parents played during her upbringing, featuring iconic bands like U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Wolfmother, alongside pop sensations like Hannah Montana and The Veronicas.

As a Studio Coordinator, Lily's primary mission is to ensure that all students at the School of Rock have the same incredible experience that she had when she was a student herself. Her passion for music and her belief in the transformative power of music education drive her dedication to creating a vibrant musical community.

Lily's journey in music involved an influential music teacher who left a lasting impact. Her dedication to ear training and playing a wide range of songs and musical pieces demonstrates her commitment to the art form. If she had one wish to enhance her musical abilities, she'd choose to become proficient at playing the guitar.

Lily's musical tastes are diverse, spanning from U2 and Foo Fighters to Miley Cyrus, Stonefield, The 1975, and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard. Her top three influential records include U2's "Rattle and Hum," Red Hot Chili Peppers' "By The Way," and The 1975's "A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships." Outside of music, Lily enjoys collecting vinyl records and attending live gigs, making her an integral part of the music scene.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Ariq Sulthan
Ariq Sulthan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Ariq is a multi-instrumentalist who was inspired to become a musician by watching artists like Jimmy Page, Kevin Parker and Dave Grohl. Learning to become a musician by self-expression took Ariq to complete his Bachelor of Music degree through JMC in Sydney.

Ariq is a keen car enthusiast and lover of football (the English kind) but nothing brings a smile to his face more than the music of Led Zeppelin. Ariq is available for guitar lessons, bass guitar lessons, and drum lessons at School of Rock Bella Vista.
Singing Teacher Eleni Kokkinos
Eleni Kokkinos
Vocal Teacher
Miss Eleni, a versatile musician and singer, calls New South Wales, Australia, her home. Her musical journey began with a deep-rooted love for singing, nurtured by moments in the car, in the shower, and harmonizing with her mom's vinyl records. She expanded her repertoire to include piano, keyboards, bass guitar, and even percussion instruments like tambourines and shakers. This diverse skill set reflects her insatiable passion for music.

As an educator, Miss Eleni's goal is to help her students express themselves with nuance and emotion through music. Music and singing have been her constant companions throughout her life, and she aspires to provide the same enriching experience for her students. Her teaching philosophy centres on conveying messages through music, allowing students to find their own path in this timeless art form.

Miss Eleni's musical journey features a diverse array of projects, from being the backing vocalist in "Th!nk Pink" to leading the original outfit "Sisco Electro." Her dedication to music has led her to perform with award-winning bands and participate in memorable choir experiences, including singing at the Sydney Opera House with 300 voices.

Outside the spotlight, Miss Eleni engages in solo performances at Aged Care Homes, offering comfort and joy to seniors through music. Her interests extend to motorbike rides with friends, hitting the beach, and exploring other countries. With a penchant for double cheeseburgers and a lifelong connection to Elvis's music, her dream destination is Graceland, where the King of Rock 'n' Roll's legacy lives on.
Drum Teacher Simone White
Simone White
Drum Teacher
Simone White is a versatile, eclectic drummer with his eye on the bigger picture. Not content to just lay down a beat, Simone contemplates the significance of everything around him and the role every part plays in creating and expressing music. With a versatile background ranging from Hip-Hop, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Jazz, and Drum and Bass, to Rock, Punk, Metal, and Progressive, Simone has played with George Clinton and recorded and toured with Mark Eitze of the American Music Club. He is an accomplished live and session musician.

Simone was the drummer for The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and has toured with Nirvana, L7, and The Breeders. Simone is a Drum Teacher at School of Rock Bella Vista in Sydney. Originally from San Francisco in the United States, Simone called Australia home after falling in love with Sydney after playing The Big Day Out Tour. Simone has been teaching drums for 30 plus years and is available for Drum Lessons at School of Rock Bella Vista
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Ryley Simmonds
Ryley Simmonds
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Ryley is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher, and keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Bella Vista in Sydney’s Hills District.

Ryley graduated from School of Rock as a student and was accepted to continue his music education through Western Sydney University’s Music Program.

Growing up in a family passionate about music, Ryley was exposed to a variety of musical styles and cut his teeth learning the songs of Queen and The Beatles. Throughout his School of Rock journey, Ryley had the opportunity to perform at the Whiskey a Go-Go in Los Angeles as well as showcasing his talents at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood where he impressed the faculty. He has toured the United States playing shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

Ryley’s passion for music has passed onto his students with his ability to engage them and make music fun.
Keyboard Teacher Cameron Towell
Cameron Towell
Keyboard Teacher
Cameron Towell is a piano teacher and keyboard teacher at School of Rock Bella Vista, with a focus on contemporary and jazz piano. He studied classical piano as a young child and still loves beaking down the master composers of that era.

Taking inspiration from artists Billy Joel, Bill Evans, and Stevie Wonder, Cameron plays in a funk band called Soul Craft. His band is often seen around the wedding circuit in Sydney.

Cameron is passionate about teaching his students and can break down difficult concepts into easily digestible pieces. He has enormous patience with younger students and easily turns musical ideas into games.

His favourite song is Elton John’s “Benny and The Jets” and his guilty pleasure song is the Campfire song from Spongebob Squarepants.

Cameron is available to take on new piano and keyboard students at School of Rock Bella Vista.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Cooper Scarfe
Cooper Scarfe
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Cooper Scarfe, a skilled guitarist based in New South Wales, Australia, embodies the soul of music with his mastery of the bass and electric/acoustic guitar. His musical journey was ignited by the legendary riffs of bands like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, which played a pivotal role in shaping his path as a guitarist. His love for the instrument began in childhood, nurtured by the powerful melodies and captivating guitar work of these iconic bands.

Cooper's commitment to music extends beyond his own talent. He aspires to pass on the knowledge he's acquired, offering his students a means of self-expression through music. In this pursuit, he hopes to empower future generations of musicians, sharing the transformative power of melody and rhythm.

At the heart of Cooper's musical endeavors is his role as the lead guitarist in "Shallow Pink." For two years, he has lent his exceptional skills and creativity to the band, playing a pivotal role in their sonic journey. As the lead guitarist, Cooper adds his unique touch to the band's sound, helping them craft their distinctive musical identity.

Influenced by guitar legends like John Petrucci, Marty Friedman, and Dave Grohl, Cooper's musical horizon knows no bounds. He draws inspiration from the guitar virtuosos who pushed the boundaries of their craft, forever changing the way the instrument is played. With albums like "Images and Words," "OK Computer," and "Master of Puppets" in his repertoire, Cooper's musical taste spans diverse genres and styles.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher Jackson Lobb
Jackson Lobb
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Jackson Lobb, a versatile musician residing in New South Wales, Australia, is a musical explorer with a diverse set of talents. His musical journey was sparked by a love for singing along to the radio during his daily commute to school. Encouragement from his parents and friends recognized his innate gift for music, setting him on a path to become a musician.

As an educator, Jackson's mission is to instill a love for learning and playing music in his students. His goal is to expand their horizons by introducing them to various music genres and styles, allowing them to explore the rich world of music and develop their unique musical identities.

Jackson's musical journey has been enriched by self-exploration, influential music teachers, and formal music education. He places a strong emphasis on understanding music theory, refining technique, ear training, and playing diverse musical pieces. His desire for improvement lies in mastering musical theory, enabling him to apply scales, modes, intervals, and more in his improvisation and overall music practice.

In terms of musical influences, Jackson draws inspiration from artists like Cory Wong, John Mayer, and Keith Urban. His top three influential records include John Mayer's "Where The Light Is" (Live), Cory Wong's "Meditation" Paisley Park Session, and Vulfpeck's "Live at Madison Square Garden." A song that brings a smile to his face is "Brown Eyes Baby" by Keith Urban.
Singing Teacher Liza-Marie Cacnio
Liza-Marie Cacnio
Vocal Teacher
Liza-Marie is a singing teacher at School of Rock Bella Vista with a background as a singer-songwriter, arranger, and performer based in Sydney, Australia.

Taking inspiration from artists Tori Kelly, H.E.R, Pink Sweat$, Lianne La Havas, and alike, Liza-Marie writes and performs songs influenced by mixed genres of R&B, Soul, Pop, Christian, and many more.

Not only does she compose songs for herself, but also for church (Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)) in the Music Department of Oceania. As she continues to find her voice through her songs and develop her skills as an individual artist, she hopes to make herself known in the community and inspire others.

Liza-Marie's go-to song to jam out to is Bittersweet by Lianne La Havas.
Drum Teacher Kaitlyn Holland
Kaitlyn Holland
Drum Teacher
Katie Holland's musical journey began with a simple yet powerful inspiration—her dad playing the guitar. His melodies resonated with her, igniting a spark of curiosity and creativity. She embarked on her musical path by teaching herself the bass guitar and later joined School of Rock for drum lessons. As she delved deeper into the world of music, especially the heavier genres, Katie felt an irresistible urge to become a part of the sonic tapestry she admired.

Now, as an accomplished drummer, Katie imparts her knowledge and passion to aspiring musicians at School of Rock. Her mission is clear: to help her students establish a personal connection with music that speaks to their individuality. Katie nurtures their confidence, whether it's the exhilaration of owning the stage or simply the courage to explore new horizons in music.

Katie's musical journey has taken her to the realms of Pesticide, a band that she drums for. While the band is currently on hiatus, their memorable debut gig radiates with excitement and the shared eagerness to make music come alive.

In her pursuit of excellence, Katie continues to explore her musical prowess. She delves into ear training and masters various songs and musical pieces. If she had one wish, it would be to bolster her confidence when performing on stage, further embracing the spotlight.

Katie draws inspiration from legendary drummers like Nick Menza, Danny Carey, Dave Grohl, Neil Peart, Joey Jordison, and Taylor Hawkins. Their rhythmic genius and passion for music motivate her. In an ideal gathering, she'd invite the wise voices of Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, and Chino Moreno to share their invaluable insights.

Outside the world of music, Katie indulges in video games, and true crime podcasts, and pursues her degree in social work at university. She also enjoys savouring Italian cuisine with a Diet Coke by her side.

In her future adventures, Katie dreams of revisiting America after being inspired by the 2023 School of Rock America tour. As she continues to drum her way through life, Katie "Dutchy" Holland remains a dynamic force in the world of music and beyond.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher Luke Smith-O'Brien
Luke Smith-O'Brien
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Luke has a diverse musical background that led him to his current role as a music teacher. While art was initially his favourite subject, he found himself drawn to music in year 9, thanks to friends and his love for singing. At the age of 15, he received a guitar for his birthday, sparking a deep passion for playing and singing, particularly in the style of James Hetfield from Metallica.

As a music teacher, Luke's mission is to pass on his profound love and knowledge of music to his students. His journey into music education began in school, where he participated in choir and instrumental groups. He continued his musical studies through college and eventually studied music at TAFE. Teaching music at home became his main job, and he honed his skills, eventually pursuing a career as a high school music teacher.

Luke's musical interests span a wide range of genres, including heavy metal, rock, and symphonic metal. Influenced by iconic musicians like James Hetfield, Tuomas Holopainen, and Brian May, Luke's favourite albums include Metallica's "Symphony and Metallica," Iron Maiden's "Rock in Rio," and Kamelot's "The Black Halo." His favourite songs range from Metallica's "Creeping Death" to Queen's "Somebody to Love."

Beyond music, Luke is a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for cartoons like "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," and "South Park." He enjoys sci-fi and fantasy TV and movies, attends conventions like Supanova and OzComicCon, and collects figures and memorabilia from various pop culture franchises. His ideal meal is a hearty burger with chicken, bacon, and pineapple, accompanied by chips and a large drink.

Luke's dream destination is Europe, where he hopes to attend metal festivals and explore castles. He envisions himself as "that guy who plays guitar and likes Power Rangers." If he could have one superpower, it would be teleportation, allowing him to go anywhere he desires. Luke, also known as Luke Krusty Smitho, is a music enthusiast and a devoted nerd with a passion for teaching and all things music-related.

Luke is available to teach guitar, bass guitar, keys and vocals at School of Rock Bella Vista.
Ian Pritchett – Multi-Instrumentalist & Educator
Ian Pritchett
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Ian Pritchett brings a rich tapestry of musical skills and experiences to the School of Rock. As an adept musician proficient in drums, bass guitar, and both acoustic and electric guitar, Ian’s musical journey was sparked by childhood inspirations like The Beatles and the vibrant scenes on ABC TV’s Countdown. His passion was further fueled by the local bands in his neighbourhood, leading him to a career that spans over two decades, including significant global tours with The Beautiful Girls, with memorable stints in Brazil.

At the School of Rock, Ian is committed to sharing the transformative power of music. He focuses on helping students experience the joy of creating and performing music collaboratively, emphasizing the profound sense of achievement that comes from continual learning and improvement. His teaching philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of music theory, refined technique, and effective ear training, all designed to nurture creativity and self-expression.

Ian’s musical influence extends beyond teaching. He actively performs with bands like Flaneurs and The Green Dream, showcasing his versatile talent in guitar, drums, and vocals. Influenced by legends such as John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, and Jaco Pastorius, Ian also draws inspiration from icons like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Miles Davis.

Outside of music, Ian values fitness through swimming and yoga, cherishes time with friends and family, and has a penchant for Massaman Curry. His favourite musical works include classics like *Dark Side of The Moon*, *Led Zeppelin 2*, and *Where Have I Known You Before* by Return to Forever.

With a philosophy that every musical note holds a story, Ian strives to inspire his students at the School of Rock, guiding them toward their own unique musical narratives.
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Reviews

What I like about the program is that my kids LOVE it!

This is so different from the music lessons that existed when I was a kid. These kids are actually making music and learning to play as a band. The performances are so impressive, and watching the kids gain confidence and express themselves on stage is priceless.

The structure around how kids learn is amazing.

Taking lessons to learn an instrument is one thing, but learning how to be a part of a band is on another level. These kids are learning how to communicate, respect people and their opinions, and how to be accountable for themselves. It’s more than just music here.

It's the best music program in the city.

Dedicated instructors and staff, vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, it's fun! My 8-year-old has grown leaps and bounds in skill and personal confidence. If you're thinking about checking it out, don't wait, just do it!

The kids have a great time while learning to play.

Lifelong skills and relationships are born here. The staff shares their passion for music and are very professional and accommodating. Wish I had this type of exposure to music when I was growing up!

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