Ryan Schiff
District Manager
Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Ryan began playing guitar at age 13 after seeing the movie "La Bamba" about rock legend Ritchie Valens. He studied with Grammy-nominated guitarist Steve Briody for several years before starting his own projects and soon became an instructor himself. While still in New York, his band Code Anchor independently released several EPs and one full-length album, "Rosada," while touring extensively nationwide from 2005-2009. A co-writer in the band, Ryan also played lead and rhythm guitar while singing lead and backup vocals. Memorable stages include the Vans Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum and headlining bills at some of New York City's greatest venues like CBGB's and The Knitting Factory. It was during this time that Ryan began teaching at School of Rock in NY. Hungry to pursue new musical ventures, Ryan departed from Code Anchor and moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Since then, he's been busy writing, producing and performing with his newest project, Lou Pine. As a Sony/ATV artist, Lou Pine’s music has been featured on television shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word” and “Food Paradise." Ryan enjoys playing every genre, including jazz, funk, country and folk, but credits the blues and rock n' roll as his main influences. He is the district manager at School of Rock Burbank.
Selena Lysle
General Manager
Raised in Los Angeles, Selena has always been passionate about music, from photographing concerts to working in health and safety at music festivals. She started with School of Rock in 2014 and since then, she’s helped cultivate a welcoming and inspiring community of future rock stars.
Selena has an associate's degree in Business and Studio Photography. She is currently pursuing degrees in Graphic Design and UX Design. Selena loves creating rad artwork and running around with her camera at School of Rock shows. You can catch her custom-made show posters around the school. In February 2023, she was promoted to Multi-Unit General Manager and also leads School of Rock Santa Clarita.
When she's not behind the front desk, she enjoys learning new things, gardening, cooking, and being outdoors.
Pierre Karlsson
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Before moving to Los Angeles to study music at the world renowned Musicians Institute (GIT), Pierre performed and recorded with various rock bands from his homeland, Sweden. Since graduating, Pierre Karlsson has established himself as a sought after guitarist, composer/arranger and music collaborator whose stylistic flexibility and enthusiasm speaks for itself.
He has been teaching at School of Rock since 2007, sharing his passion and love of music by being a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher, and directing seasonal shows. Pierre is a multi-faceted musician with credits like the film "Night School" (starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish), "Green Eggs and Ham" (Warner Bros) and Hollywood Reel Film Festival winner "The Truth About Marriage," as well as many commercial and indie projects. He has recorded with artists ranging from Benny Mardones (Into the Night) to Dona Oxford and producer/engineer Rob Brill (Paul McCartney), as well as Billy Sullivan (Trekkies) and Daniel Mendez (Motley Crue). His playing has been featured on television broadcasts around the world, including recent credits "Sing Like a Star," "Daily Blast," "Evidence of Innocence" and "Xploration Awesome Planet."
Katie Cole
Assistant Music Director, Drum Teacher
Katie Cole has always had a passion for music and has been playing all kinds of instruments for the past two decades. She specializes in drums and has played in multiple touring bands. Katie was in jazz bands throughout high school and college and has played anything from pop to heavy metal. She is currently writing with her bands Dangerkids and Prinze George. Katie also works in music production and session drumming.
Candy Londono
Studio Coordinator
Born and raised in Burbank, California, Candy has always had a love for music and the arts. A singer-songwriter herself, she writes to inspire and shed light during hard times. She grew up with a vast musical background and a love for all types including opera and classic rock. Additionally, Candy has a love for travel; she lived in Boston for three years and has traveled through multiple states and some countries. Meeting people from all walks of life has always inspired her. Candy is currently working on improving her own songwriting craft and knowledge of instruments, along with many other learning endeavors.
Phoebe Randall
Studio Coordinator
Born and raised under the blazing Arizona sun, yet somehow incapable of absorbing vitamin D, Phoebe Randall has loved and valued music since she got her hands on a Hello Kitty boombox and her very first CD—a Britany Spears album she won at Dave and Busters.
Phoebe loves to sing, and has been trying to learn guitar for years, but just can’t get those barre chords down. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Art Studies, focusing primarily on animation. She loves how animation is a marriage of moving images and sound, the two made more impactful together than apart.
Phoebe loves that music alone has the ability to transport us to worlds of our creation, and she believes strongly in the therapeutic power of listening to and playing music. Phoebe will often be found listening to her favorite artists while she draws, goes on a hike, or while she’s brushing her teeth. She very much looks forward to supporting you on your uniquely beautiful artistic journey!
Nick Mason
Drum Teacher
Nick Mason is one of today's most in-demand session and touring drummers. He has contributed to over 100 recorded releases, as well as appeared in mainstream films and on network television. As an international touring musician, his credits include '80s Sunset Strip idols Pretty Boy Floyd, industrial/metal acts FleischKrieg and DK-Zero, and many many more.
Nick began teaching private lessons over two decades ago and has expanded his role as an educator to include the development of percussion products and tools, as well as speaking at industry conventions. Many of his former students have gone on to great success with their own musical careers, including touring with major artists, recording, and becoming teachers themselves.
Scott Warren
Keyboard Teacher
Scott Warren was the latest keyboardist for heavy metal bands Dio, and Heaven and Hell. Scott is a self-taught keyboardist. He began playing at age six. Later he trained professionally at Dick Grove School of Music. Scott Warren was a member of the groups Warrant, Keel and Berlin.
Today Scott Warren is part of Dio Disciples, which includes surviving members of the final line-up of Dio, along with former Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan. He also plays in the band Hellion alongside fellow Dio Disciples member Simon Wright. His most notable work with the band would have to include his keyboard solo on the recent "Killing the Dragon" album on a track titled "Before the Fall." He is a piano teacher at School of Rock Burbank.
Alexis Angel
Keyboard Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alexis is a much-sought after session/touring musician in Los Angeles. Alexis started learning music at 6 years old and has been heavily involved in it ever since. Some projects that he’s involved in include, playing the part of Ray Manzarek in a Doors Tribute band “Strange Days” and George Harrison in various other Beatles tribute bands. His main focus is on writing original music and session work. His music style ranges from Rock n' Roll, Blues, Latin and Honky Tonk, to name a few.
He has been highly praised by legendary Doors guitarist, Robby Krieger, for his skill on the keyboard, as well as having the ability to play guitar and bass efficiently.
Some of his other passions outside of music include illustration, as his ability to sketch/draw has been another one of his passions since he was in elementary school. Alexis continues to keep chasing his dream of having a career in the arts and is very passionate of sharing the knowledge he has learned to students who are after the same goal.
Marcel Borbón
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Marcel Borbón Pérez is a performer-composer born and raised in Los Angeles, California. From his beginnings as a punk, ska, and reggae guitarist - he went on to study classical guitar, composition, and music theory at Loyola Marymount University.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Marcel has toured internationally on electric bass, played Balinese Gamelan with various LA ensembles, and has honed his percussion and string skills playing the Caribbean and Mexican music of his childhood. Over the years, his musical interests have evolved into making music on synthesizers and drum machines, alongside an incessant studying and appreciation of jazz music and the music of Abya Yala.
His music has appeared on the Netflix series The OA, and he has released 3 albums with his band under Saddle Creek Records. Marcel's passion for music pushes beyond any genre as he constantly seeks to better himself and inspire his students and colleagues.
Jason Austan
Drum Teacher
Jason Austan is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, audio engineer, composer, arranger, and educator. Jason began playing drums at the age 15, being taught by instructors in the area and playing with local bands while growing up in New Jersey. During his early 20s, he turned his passion into a full time career by moving to Los Angeles, California. Focusing exclusively on music, he began his journey by attending the Musicians Institute of Hollywood where he received a diverse education. First, he studied drum set performance and then moved on to audio engineering, live sound, and the independent artist programs. He has played and recorded drums, engineered and produced with countless number of artists and bands in his personal recording studio and other studios around the country. At the same time, he also uses his talents to teach students of all ages the encyclopedia of knowledge he has attained along the way, while keeping in mind the value of self education and finding your own individual voice. Versatility and balance are the key ingredients in his lifelong journey as a musician. Jason is always moving forward, improving with hard work and determination, while never forgetting the joy that music has always brought him.
Elias Williams
Drum Teacher
Elias Williams grew up in San Francisco where he began playing drums at the age of six + started playing professionally at fifteen. Having always loved music + seeking to further his knowledge of percussion, he attended the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts World Music Program where he learned how to play a variety of styles including Japanese taiko, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian samba + Balinese gamelan. He was also the drummer of the Blondies, a Bay Area-based indie rock band with which he gained experience playing a variety of live shows between the Bay Area and LA + eventually went on his first tour around the Pacific Northwest.
He returned to his High School as a drum technique teacher + teaching assistant. At this time he began playing with Aylon Cohen, a local blues guitarist who he performed with at a variety of clubs + bars across Northern California + began teaching drum lessons. Elias went on to study at Musicians Institute in the Drum Performance Program, where he studied a variety of musical styles including Jazz, Funk, Classic Rock + R&B. At the beginning of the pandemic he began writing + producing his own music, which he will soon be releasing as part of a duo called Notferadio. He now spends his time producing his own music + works as a drum teacher at School of Rock Burbank.
Bella Primera
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Born and raised in Burbank, Bella has been playing music since 2016 when she began taking lessons at School of Rock. As a multi-instrumentalist Bella plays Drums, Bass, Guitar, and Piano in a variety of different styles. Her favorite genres include Classic Rock, R&B, and Pop. She has played venues throughout LA such as the Troubadour and the Whisky a Go Go. During her time at School of Rock, Bella moved her way up through the Performance Program and was in House Band. After graduating out of SoR, she began and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Music with a minor in Business.
Tita Farrar
Vocal Teacher
With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, Vocal Performance, innate market knowledge and professional skills in the areas of Band development, Vocal Coaching, lead vocals and background vocals, Tita is a Veteran Vocalist who an unmatched passion and dedication to each project. Having a wealth of experience, Tita now focuses on her own recording and creating her online presence. She also has an absolute passion for teaching and making a difference to the younger generation.
Tita is a member of Norwood Fisher’s Trulio Disgracias currently signed with Rope a Dope Records Los Angeles. Tita has also been featured Vocalist for many Big bands in Los Angeles - The Ikeda Kings Orchestra , Big band Express, as well as smaller combo’s, Liz Lomax Band, Paul McDonald sextet here in Los Angeles.
One of her greatest experiences was performing with the Great Stevie Wonder at a private event at the Las Vegas Mirage Penthouse tower. In Chicago, she played with older jazz icons. Tita also performed at Dance Clubs for featured Diva performance with DJ Sets. Tita also got the wonderful opportunity to perform with Roy Ayers at a Bridge Magazine launch in Chicago.
Christian Porro
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Christian Porro is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and educator born and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up in a Hispanic household, he gravitated towards music at a very young age, specifically Latin and Jazz styles. He picked up the guitar at the age of 13, after playing the flute and piano since the age of 8. As a child, Christian studied on scholarship at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. After diving into and discovering his love for rock and metal music, he went on to graduate with a degree in Guitar Performance from the acclaimed Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. Growing up in such an immersive music city, he has had the opportunity to play in bands of all styles across the LA music scene, ranging from metal to salsa to grunge-pop and more. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and recording his original compositions, however teaching has become his most fulfilling passion.
Joel Hernandez
Piano Teacher
Originally from Fresno, California, Joel Hernandez is a multi-instrumentalist that earned a B.A. in Music Education at UCLA and earned a teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University to work as a classroom teacher. Moving back to LA and now working with School of Rock Burbank, Joel is a keyboard and string specialist having worked with various groups ranging from Early Music Ensembles, Video Game Orchestras to Mariachi and Rock Bands. Instrumental proficiencies include Keys, Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello, Ukulele and most recently Folk Harp.
Gigging in his free time he mainly plays piano and offers a background in support of learning many various styles of keyboard music. Familiar with Classical repertoire from Baroque to Post-Modern and Pop/Jazz music styles ranging from Snarky Puppy to John Legend, Joel is always looking forward to helping others learn keyboard and having fun with it.
Niko Gemini
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Niko Gemini is a Russian-born musician and songwriter. He moved to the US in 2011, after graduating from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory College, to start his career as a professional musician.
After joining Davey Suicide for their "The Reckoning" tour, Niko became a permanent member of the band. In 2016, he started his new band, CRY VENOM, with Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling In Reverse). Their first full-length album, Vanquish The Demon, was released via King Records (Japan). The band went on their first tour, following it up with a performance in Japan at the Loud Park music festival in 2017 alongside Slayer, Devin Townsend Project, Meshuggah, Alice Cooper, and others. In March 2017, Davey Suicide's new album, Made From Fire, charted on Billboard and started their Made From Fire world tour that included North America, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia.
In November 2017, Niko released his first instrumental solo track, "Alter The Ego." Since then, a new LP with Davey Suicide (Rock Ain't Dead) and multiple solo singles have been released on all streaming platforms.
Niko joined the hard rock band Foundry from Las Vegas, NV in 2020. The band performed at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip festival in 2022 featuring Rob Zombie, Papa Roach, Bad Wolves, Snoop Dogg, and many others. Foundry is currently working in the studio with producer Colin Brittain creating future singles and planning tours.
Adam Nye
Guitar Teacher
Adam Nye lives as a musician and artist. He thrives on stage, where he gets to share his passion for music and the guitar with people all over.
Originally from Los Angeles, Adam began his musical journey after watching the 2003 classic, School of Rock, starring Jack Black. Since then, the fire ignited and it has not diminished.
Specializing in heavy rock styles, Adam plays with an edge and has a special focus on melody. With his experience, knowledge, and love for music, Adam is excited to teach at School of Rock Burbank.
Beth Meberg
Studio Coordinator
Beth Meberg is a vocalist and newly minted bass player who hails from Seattle, WA. Beth began classical vocal training at age 14 and performed in vocal ensembles, choirs, and musical theater throughout her high school and college career. Notable achievements include being selected for All-State Choir and performing in the University of Washington's vocal jazz ensemble.
After taking a long hiatus from music, Beth found herself at the School of Rock in Burbank. She instantly felt at home and soon her weekly vocal lessons led her to the adult performance program, and then to bass guitar lessons, and then to actually working at the school. Beth firmly and wholeheartedly believes in the power of music to express oneself in untold ways.
Jake Nuffer
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jake Nuffer is a multi-instrumentalist performer and songwriter born and raised in San Diego, California. He started playing guitar and cello at 9 years old, taking both private and rock band lessons similar to School of Rock. He quickly began playing in many rock, punk, and indie bands throughout his youth gigging professionally.
Jake went on to study Jazz at the New School of Jazz in New York. Shortly after he joined his former band, Fashion Jackson, with the same friends he grew up playing with in his youth rock band lessons. They went on to go on multiple nationwide tours and eventually opened for The 1975 at Pechanga Arena.
Along the way Jake has worked with many artists as a session musician, recording at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La, working with Grammy Award-winning producer DJ Dahi, and playing at Red Rocks as a hired guitar player. Now he writes and produces his own music under the name NUFFER.
Jake has always sought out the community music brings and is thankful for the lifelong friends it has given him. It is his goal to give back what his former rock band teachers had given him when growing up. The impact they had rippled throughout his entire adult career and Jake is excited to try to do the same at School of Rock.
Alexandra van der Hulst
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alexandra van der Hulst is a singer and actress in the Los Angeles area, originally from Hartford, Connecticut. She began studying music at a young age, beginning with piano and voice, and quickly grew to love all things music and performing! Alex began in musical theater and from there studied classical voice and jazz, in programs such as Hartt’s Music Theater Intensive and the Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship at The Bushnell.
Alexandra also had the opportunity to perform at The Metropolitan Opera House with HaZamir Choir in 2017. Alexandra received her Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance at The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theater where she performed in various operas, including the lead role in the east coast premiere of the new opera, The Three Feathers, by Lori Laitman.
Alexandra has been seen in regional theater Playhouse on Park’s productions of The Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog, and A Charles Dickens Christmas, part of their Theater For Young Audiences series! Working with young performers has always been a passion for Alex, and she is thrilled to continue doing so at School of Rock Burbank!
Clay Zimmerman
Drum Teacher
Originally from Harrisonburg, VA, Clay is a performing and recording musician and content creator/web designer. After getting hooked on band classes throughout middle and high school, Clay decided to further pursue his passion for music and art at James Madison University where he graduated with a BA in Media Arts and Design and Music Industry. There he gained valuable performance experience as a member of several student ensembles including the JMU Jazz Ensemble, Marching Royal Dukes Drumline, and JMU Pep Band. This experience helped set him up for his music career in Los Angeles.
Clay has been teaching and playing in LA since moving here in 2021. He has had the opportunity to perform and record with rock and jazz groups such as Cap’n Marble, Agent 18, and The Sages Of Future Soul big band.
Kapali Long
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Kapali Long is a native Hawaiian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Honolulu, Hawaii, whose works are described as Americana, Country, and Blues. He is a sponsored and endorsed Gibson Guitars Artist. Kapali has been playing piano and ukulele since the age of 4 and guitar since 9 years old. He has been educating all ages in the craft of guitar and voice for many years and was the former music director at the School of Rock in Burbank.
Along with all types of forms of conventional guitar, Kapali also studies with Alan Akaka for traditional Hawaiian lap steel guitar. He has played at music festivals such as Stagecoach, Echo Park Rising, Smokestack Lightning Festival, Americana West Fest, Americana Fest / ACME WRANGLER World 2023, and Gibson Garage Fest 2023 during CMA FEST 2023 under his name and moniker.
Kapali Long has performed at the Troubadour in LA to Whiskey Jam in Nashville, TN. He has been featured on Billboard.com and in an issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Kapali has performed with Carolina Liar as their touring pianist and guitarist and was slated to be the slide guitarist for Muddy Waters' youngest son, Joseph "Mojo" Morganfield, before his passing.
Stephen Cunningham
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
With over 20 years of experience, Stephen has spent much of his time playing guitar with local musicians and has studied under many experienced instructors. From rock and metal to jazz and classical, Stephen has an extensive knowledge of music theory and knows how to apply it to each genre to achieve the sound you may be looking for.
Stephen teaches primarily electric guitar, is great with beginners, and is ready to take anyone's playing to the next level.
Dean Passarella
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Dean is a Top 40 charting songwriter with national and international touring experience, both as a session player and independent artist. Named one of Rolling Stone's Next Top Gun Finalists, Dean has worked with major label artists both live and in the studio, on guitar and bass.
Dean is also a writer and producer, landing placements with Sony, The CW, NHL Network, Fox News, and Now That's What I Call Music, Vol. 62. His former band, Mount Holly, wrote the title track to the Sony/Hasbro official Transformer franchise inspired compilation album, Roll Out.
Dean's work history began in Nashville, TN where he was the touring lead guitarist for platinum country artist, Chase Rice. He has shared the bill with some heavy hitters such as Shakey Graves, Vince Gill, Rival Sons, Blackberry Smoke, Bret Michaels, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, Brantley Gilbert, and Love & Theft.
In addition to his professional experience, Dean grew up in a family of musicians and has been exposed to the language of music his entire life. He is a multi-instrumentalist with years of experience in different band scenarios on various instruments. This gives Dean the skill and perspective to produce his own music with the ability to play a majority of the instruments himself.
Abby Carey
Vocal Teacher
Abby Carey is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and majored in songwriting and vocal performance. She has been performing as a singer-songwriter for over a decade, playing hundreds of shows and writing over 1,000 songs. Abby was singing before she could talk and never stopped, originally falling in love with country music and later discovering a whole world of genres.
Abby believes that music should be fun, fulfilling, and cathartic. She loves animals, cooking, and reading. Abby has amassed over two million streams on Spotify with her co-written projects and is now releasing music under her own name.
J.T. Melaragno
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Originally from Denver, Colorado, J.T. Melaragno is a musician, actor, and producer. His musical journey started with piano and keyboards at the age of 5. Shortly after, he expanded his musical horizons to vocals and drums.
J.T. has participated in musical theater his entire life and served as the musical director for an ensemble a cappella group at the University of Colorado. As a drummer and percussionist, he has participated in jazz bands, mallet percussion ensembles, and pop/rock bands, and played marching snare drum in the world-class Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble.
Jimena Fosado
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Jimena Fosado is a guitarist born in Mexico City and now based in Los Angeles. She has played international tours in arenas, coliseums, and stadiums for pop and rock artists as well as musical theater. She has performed for Disney+, ABC, and TV and has played on stage with legends such as Steve Vai, Paul Reed Smith, Scott Paige (Pink Floyd), Gilby Clark (Guns N Roses), Dave Evans (AC/DC), Mike Beal (Earth Wind and Fire), Tim Pierce (Madonna, Elton John), Becky G, Plain White T's, Drake Bell, The Iron Maidens, Dave Weiner, Philip Bynoe, HS NATION, Rockland, and judge of The Voice Mexico Maria Leon, among other artists.
Endorsed by PRS Guitars, EMG Pickups, Elixir Strings, Mono Cases, and 64 Audio. She has also been a YAMAHA and LINE 6 product tester.
Today, Jimena stands proudly as part of the "Success Stories" portfolio of Musicians Institute, having graduated and achieved a remarkable presence in the music industry. Jimena's presence in the media features publications in Guitar Girl magazine, Women's International Music Network, TELEHIT, International Women's Music Network, GuitarraMX, Shed Guitar Masters, Guitarramente, Talent Raters, TMZ, Fox News live, and LA Weekly among others.