Our team has had a running joke over the last 6 months that we're feeling like a hermit crab. We're a little crammed into our current shell we've been looking for some more room to grow into so our legs can be comfortable; we need some wriggle room. We need a new shell. And... That shell has been found! We now have a second location under construction just across the street at 1934 W Chicago Ave where we can continue to grow our community with more space for lessons, rehearsals, and shows. Surprise! So what’s going to change? Think of it like this: we will now have a school AND a studio space. Our current space isn't going ANYWHERE! Our rehearsals (performance program, House Band, adult band, etc.) will take place at the studio and we will resume lessons and some rehearsals as normal here at SOR Chicago West! One of our students asked us the other day why she thought we were growing so quickly and why there’s been this recent boom of students and families coming into ChiWest. Our immediate answer was because of all of YOU! We are so fortunate for the kindness that you all continue to share about Chicago West to your friends and families. Every time we have a new student walk in our doors, we always ask how they heard about us; 9 times out of 10, they say that one of our current students said they should check us out. This is all thanks to our incredible community and we are so grateful. Thank you for supporting us as we take on this new adventure - we are so excited! Please stay tuned for updates via social media, newsletters, and at the desk! Cheers to more room and more ROCK N ROLL! -Charles, Abby, Joe, Maxx, and the whole Chicago West team

We were thrilled to have our House Band play at the main entrance to Soldier Field In March for the Chicago Fire game. Not only did our students greet all the fans with a raucous set, but two of our vocalists, Gabi and Dylan, actually sang the National Anthems of the U.S. and Canada on the field before the game. Thank you to the Chicago Fire, the fans and all our families who helped support this big day!

School of Rock is providing support to Independent Venue Week, taking place Oct. 24-30. The annual event recognizes and celebrates all that independent venues have done for the live music scene. This year, with COVID-19 considerations, more than 100 independent venues from around the U.S. will provide online programming or participate in other ways throughout the week. Additionally, a memorabilia auction will take place to raise funds for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Emergency Relief Fund, allowing fans the chance to own a piece of music history while providing much-needed assistance to independent venues and promoters. School of Rock will be donating to the fund as well as inviting its students to attend the programming. "Independent venues are the stages where many musicians got their start, and as we take students through the journey of becoming musicians, these venues are paramount to the success of our performance-based education model," said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. "Our students play over 4,000 shows a year in independent venues across the world and with all the challenges COVID-19 has presented this year, it's more important than ever to support them for the vitality and longevity of the music community." For more information on Independent Venue Week, visit www.independentvenueweek.com

Our top priority is the safety of our employees, students and families. We continue to follow or exceed all city and state ordinances, including this latest 6-month duration treatment (EnviroPro Endure) from JanPro! This ensures as much as possible that our in-school lessons and classes remain safe. Call us if you'd like to hear more about our other everyday risk mitigation measures.

School of Rock's award-winning instructors are now available for private lessons in guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, vocals and drums. This is an example of how easy it is to launch our newest platform School of Rock Remote. Keeping our community engaged during this difficult time is our highest priority. Contact us today at chicagowest@schoolofrock.com or 312-526-3978 to schedule your online lesson!