"The heart beat of the band" is how Leo McKinney describes being a drummer. An interest that became a passion starting at a young age.

Setting aside time to practice anything can feel like a chore. From sports to music, it's a challenge many people face in everyday life. That was Leo McKinney's attitude towards music before he started at School of Rock. But since starting at the Cedar Rapids/Marion location about a year ago, his outlook on practice changed.

"My skills have progressed more in just this year than I did in the three years prior," he said. While the saying practice makes perfect can be very motivational, McKinney explains sometimes the lessons are behind the imperfections. "The real greatness in music lies in the confidence that you believe whatever you play is perfection," McKinney said.

Music was a big part of McKinney's childhood. He played percussion in fifth grade in the school band and took part in the jazz band in middle school. But surprisingly, until he started playing music, listening to music for fun really wasn't really a thing.

"Since starting here, I have been exposed to many different kinds of music and new kinds of bands. I love to learn new things, and music never ceases to teach me something new," McKinney said.

So his advice for other musicians: enjoy practice and appreciate the "mess ups".

While the school has taught him how to be a better musician, he says the other aspect that makes learning enjoyable? The fellow musicians he plays with.

And it looks like practice and patience have been paying off, as McKinney is part of the house band.

"I have improved exponentially in the last year, and do not intend to slow down anytime soon," he said.

More about Leo:

Favorite song to perform: Knights of Cydonia by Muse

Fun fact: Certified in scuba diving because Leo plans on being a marine scientist despite his love for music.