START YOUR SCHOOL YEAR OFF RIGHT!

The Performance Program is School of Rock's hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. Utilizing the patented School of Rock Method, Performance Program 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, and refine 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, Performance Program students take the stage and play at local music venues in front of a live audience.

Nirvana

Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen Washington in 1987 by friends Kurt Cobain (vocals and guitar) and Krist Novoselic (bass). Aer a succession of drummers including the Melvinsʼ Dale Crover, Chad Channing joined and they released their first 7” single “Love Buzz” on the fledgling label Sub Pop in 1988. Combining elements of Punk, Metal, and Pop, Nirvana channeled teen angst into Rockʼs last sweeping mainstream movement. In 1989 the band recorded their first full-length record “Bleach”, which was a hit on college radio. As their tour to support their LP progressed, Cobain and Novoselic became frustrated with Channingʼs drumming, and Channing le the group. Buzz Osborne of Mudhoney introduced the band to Dave Grohl, providing the missing piece of the puzzle. Nirvana went on to record what is known as the pinnacle of the Grunge movement, Nevermind. With tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Come As You Are”, and “In Bloom”, Nirvana skyrocketed into mainstream success, crowning them the kings of Grunge. While the bandʼs career was cut short by Cobainʼs untimely death in 1994, Nirvana have remained prominent music legends due to their innovative sound and their influence on countless bands who came aer them. Beginner and intermediate guitar players will learn power chords and melodic lead guitar in this show, while any drum student will be challenged by David Grohlʼs powerful, technical drumming. The Nirvana show is a solid show for all levels of playing and is packed with crowd-pleasing '90s anthems.  

The Rolling Stones

Dubbed `The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The Worldʼ, The Rolling Stones have remained relevant and rocking for nearly 60 years. Though their songs are rooted in the Blues that inspired them to pursue music, throughout their legendary career they have incorporated everything into their sound from Rock to Country to Blues to Punk to Disco. For an education in pocket, groove, stage presence, and tasteful lead playing, there are few equals to a Stones show. Keith Richards' guitar wizardry will serve as a masterclass for guitarists looking to expand their rhythmic prowess. Drummers will not only be tested on their ability to play for the song, but they will also have opportunities to explore percussion usage like bongos, congas, and shakers. Studying Mick Jaggerʼs stage moves and the creative vocal arrangements within the Rolling Stones catalog is an excellent learning experience for vocal students of all ages and skill levels. Keys players will enjoy learning from Ian Stewart, Jack Nitzsche, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston, and Ian McLagan - all legendary players who recorded and performed with the Stones. From standing tall on the front lines of the British Invasion to selling out stadiums in more recent times, The Rolling Stones are truly one of the most impactful and important Rock nʼ Roll bands of all time, and they will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.

Aretha Franklin - Queen of Soul

Perhaps the greatest vocalist of the modern era of music, Aretha Franklin - hailed as “The Queen of Soul” - possessed a powerful voice capable of expressing emotion like few others. She was a gied interpreter of other peopleʼs work, oen putting unique soul, funk, and gospel spins onto songs originally done by rock artists. Arethaʼs bands were legendary, and this music is as educational as anything School of Rock offers. Aretha was also an amazing songwriter in her own right, as well as an underrated piano player. Beyond her musical talents, Aretha was an advocate for civil rights and an inspiration as a woman who forged her own path to the absolute height of artistic success. This show is an important and challenging theme for all instrumentalists, as Aretha Franklinʼs performances featured some of the most in-demand players in the business, including the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Song selections such as “Respect”, “Chain Of Fools”, “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman”, and “Think” will show students why Aretha Franklin is considered the best of the best.

The White Stripes vs Black Keys 

The White Stripes vs Black Keys show is one of the School of Rock shows that gives a nod to more contemporary bands who have forged their name in the music industry and become inspirations to others. Both bands rely heavily on Blues-based riffs and a Garage Rock sound, each with a stripped-down lineup of only two band members. The White Stripes are a lesson in simplicity and are the standout leaders of the early 2000ʼs Garage-Rock revival movement. While Jack White champions traditions of the past to peddle his reinterpretations of Blues, the Black Keys are a lesson in evolving into the new internet-age music era. Both Jack White and Dan Auerbach are known as some of the most influential modern-day rock guitarists. Aspiring guitarists can learn a soulful approach to playing in this show. Although these artists are not known as technical virtuosos on their instruments, achieving their feel is a task for any level player. To serve the songs, drummers will be playing in the pocket and maintaining driving rhythms. This is a great show for vocalists at all levels, as both bands feature catchy and emotive melodies that heavily influenced modern Rock music.

Glam Rock

Glam Rock was a reaction against the earnest blues guitar rock that had dominated the airwaves in the late 1960s. Platform boots, glitter, heavy makeup, jumpsuits and androgynous costumes all combined with larger than life stage personas in the 1970s to create the artfully arranged image of all that was “glam”. Some of the most notable artists of this super-style are British artists such as David Bowie, T. Rex, Elton John, Mott the Hoople, Slade, and Roxy Music, as well as American acts like New York Dolls, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Suzi Quatro. Though Glam Rock may have had a limited run, its influence has also been seen in other eras and genres, perhaps most notably in 1980s Sunset Strip “hair metal”, which has traceable roots in the glitter, trash, and guitars of glam. Modern artists who borrow elements of Glam Rock include The Darkness and Scissor Sisters. The Glam Rock show is filled with challenging vocal and keyboard parts, and also features some deceptively difficult parts for lead guitar and great grooves for rhythm sections.

Iron Maiden and Judas Priest

No two bands better represent the epitome of 1980s Heavy Metal. While each act has their own unique sound, what they share in common is power, precision, technical mastery, and unrelenting energy. In the late 1960s, the earliest version of Judas Priest had begun performing on a regular basis. Aer several years and many lineup changes, the core band of Ian Hill, Rob Halford, KK Downing, and Glenn Tipton would sign their first record deal, resulting in Rocka Rolla being released in 1974. Throughout the rest of the decade, Judas Priest would steadily grow their fanbase worldwide. Influential albums such as Sad Wings of Destiny, Sin Aer Sin, Stained Class, and the live masterpiece Unleashed in the East would win over new fans at every turn. As Judas Priest was tearing it up on the road, a young Steve Harris was in the early stages of forming what would become Iron Maiden by enlisting singer Paul DiʼAnno (later replaced by Bruce Dickinson), guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton (later replaced by Adrian Smith), and drummer Clive Burr (later replaced by Nicko McBrain). With their self-titled debut album in 1980, Iron Maiden began a decade which would earn them worldwide acclaim. Following the release of Iron Maiden, albums like Piece Of Mind, Number Of The Beast and Powerslave have cemented the bandʼs place as a legendary Metal band. Iron Maiden and Judas Priest continue to record and tour to this day. While there may have been some obstacles along the way, both acts have successfully made the transition from hot, new acts to elder statesmen of Metal. Their catalogs leave behind a legacy of music that will inspire musicians around the globe for generations to come. The Iron Maiden vs Judas Priest show will challenge even the most seasoned School of Rock students with the technical demands of the music, while encouraging fledgling players to up their game learning fundamentals of the Metal genre.