Mandarin
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Mandarin

TAKE 25% OFF YOUR MUSIC CAMP PURCHASE! USE CODE NOVSALE25 AT CHECKOUT.   VIEW CAMPS
Map
School of Rock Mandarin
11112 San Jose Blvd
Unit #25
Jacksonville, FL 32223
(904) 795-7625
Hours
  • Monday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 2 PM - 8 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM - 6 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 11/28/2024: Closed
  • 12/24/2024 - 12/25/2024: Closed
  • 12/31/2024: 1 PM - 5 PM
  • 01/01/2025: Closed

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

Programs we offer

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

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

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

Rookies music program for children in Jacksonville
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Mandarin, 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Mandarin 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 Mandarin, 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Mandarin 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Mandarin'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 Mandarin 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 Jacksonville.

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 Mandarin 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 Jacksonville.

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

The School of Rock Mandarin 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 Mandarin's House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at FL 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 Jacksonville and the rest of FL. 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 Mandarin

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Jacksonville

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Jacksonville

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Mandarin 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 Mandarin, 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 Mandarin 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Jacksonville

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Mandarin 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 Jacksonville 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville 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 Mandarin, 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 Jacksonville

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

General Manager Ryan Campbell
Ryan Campbell
General Manager
A drummer since the fourth grade, Ryan has been playing in bands and writing his own music for over 20 years. His most recent project has been as a drummer with the jazz trio Scott Greenaway and The Rhythm Method. He also formed and was lead guitarist and singer/songwriter for the St. Augustine-based folk-rock group, Wingfield.

Ryan taught music privately off and on while managing the Service Department of a local Audio Visual integrator since 2013. With a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida and coursework in Commercial Music from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, he is uniquely qualified to manage the first School of Rock in Jacksonville, FL. Ryan has been married to his wife for over 15 years and enjoys spending time with her and their two boys.
Music Director, Singing Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Victoria Benkoski
Victoria Benkoski
Music Director, Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Victoria (Vicki) Benkoski is an actor, vocalist, and teacher from Albany, NY. She attended Schenectady County Community College and earned her associate's degree in Music Performance before venturing on to SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music and matriculating with her BA in Music Education.

Vicki's teaching career began in 2014 in southern Vermont, where she taught general music, band, and chorus to students in Pre-K to 8th grade. Along with teaching, Vicki directed several elementary school musicals and assisted with vocal development with the Drama program at her alma mater in Hoosick Falls.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Vicki decided to leave teaching and pursue her passion for performance. She has since been involved in many tri-state area theaters, and her favorite credits include Medda, Newsies (ILST), Maria, Twelfth Night (Will Kempe's Players), and Wicked Stepmother, Cinderella (Capital Rep Theatre). She quickly became a member of the Actor's Equity Association, and prior to that was a founding member of Will Kempe's Players in Troy, NY, which is the only worker-owned Shakespeare cooperative in the United States specializing in original practices. Vicki relocated to Jacksonville, FL in the fall of 2021 and is excited to serve as Music Director for School of Rock Mandarin.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Little Wing Teacher Isabella Altenbach
Isabella Altenbach
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Little Wing Teacher
Isabella is a music teacher and vocalist who graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in music education. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, she is very excited to join the School of Rock team in her hometown!

Isabella has experience performing in a range of different genres such as operas, musicals, choirs, and various classical recitals. She has been teaching music privately for over four years and has a passion for working with kids of all ages. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for all music with her students and bands here at School of Rock in Mandarin!
Little Wing Teacher Holly Ford
Holly Ford
Little Wing Teacher
Holly grew up on the stage—singing, dancing, playing piano, and acting. She earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education while immersing herself in various musical roles on campus. Holly won a regional talent competition in Indiana, called Stars in the Park, in 2013. She now balances her time between teaching at School of Rock Mandarin, writing grant proposals, and performing in a jazz quartet.

Holly is a proud mother of two young kids, Luca and Adalyn, and is excited to see your little one(s) light up as they experience the joys of music!
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher Sarah Fullford
Sara Fullford
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Sara is an actor and vocalist who graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor's degree in vocal performance. She grew up in Jacksonville, FL performing in musicals, operas, bands, and choirs.

Sara has explored all ranges of musical genres and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with those who share a passion for music. She is excited to join the School of Rock in Mandarin, FL as a vocal teacher and band coach!
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher Ezra Welborn
Ezra Welborn
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Ezra is a current student at UNF pursuing a degree in Music Performance with a concentration in music technology and production. He has been involved in the world of percussion since 2013 with experience ranging from intense drum corps shows to gigging with local bands on drum set.

Ezra's recent activity includes performing with the UNF percussion ensemble and tech ensemble, as well as playing drum set and percussion for theatrical productions.
Drum Teacher
Ash Adams
Drum Teacher
Ash received his percussion training from Augusta College before embarking on his 30-year teaching career in Charleston, South Carolina. Throughout this time, he taught private percussion lessons at various music schools in the Mt. Pleasant South Carolina vicinity. He has performed on the drum set with local bands in Charleston, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville, including fundraisers for Ducks Unlimited and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Additionally, Ash orchestrated percussion camps catering to both typical and special needs children, and directed the Rock Band Camp at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department. Ash's teaching repertoire spans all music genres, as well as rudiments, and he enjoys teaching students at every level. Throughout his 30-year career as a percussionist, he has enjoyed a rich musical background, having been part of the Olde City Drum Corps and collaborating with diverse musical genres, notably featuring in the Nepalese band Agni's music video "Smriti," released in Nepal in 2018.
Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Gary Cellucci
Show Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Gary grew up in Troy, NY. At a young age, discovering the rock band KISS led to a fascination with the guitar. He is an alumnus of The Berklee College of Music, The American Institute of Guitar as a private student of Alex Skolnick, and The National Guitar Workshop. Gary taught guitar classes at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY before relocating to Jacksonville, FL. He has performed extensively with various acts in New England, New York, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the South. As a member of BedRock, he continues his quest to perform and recreate some of the best Rock music ever made. Gary is proud and honored to be part of the School of Rock Mandarin team, and looks forward to sharing and experiencing the gift of music with the School of Rock community.
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher Liam Flaherty
Liam Flaherty
Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Liam believes anyone can sing, as long as they have the drive to do it. From opera to country, pop to rock, blues to smooth jazz, Liam enjoys helping each student find their unique voice in any genre.

Liam has over six years of private and group teaching experience with kids as young as 4, and over 10 years of training beginning as a student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Liam's energy, expertise, and passion are a huge asset to the School of Rock Mandarin.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Show Director Jeff Rogers
Jeff Rogers
Bass Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Jeff Rogers is an accomplished musician and instructor with over 36 years of experience in the local rock music scene. Jeff started with classical piano training at age 8 then switched to bass guitar at 15 and booked his first professional gig less than a year later. An extremely versatile artist, Jeff is highly skilled as a bassist, keyboardist, sound engineer, lighting designer, and DMX programmer. He has played in several popular cover bands as well as touring acts like Bliss and Funk University throughout his rich musical career.

With a passion for nurturing new talent, Jeff focuses on teaching students not just instrumental skills but the art of commanding the stage through School of Rock's performance-based education approach. Eager to give back to the community that nurtured him, Jeff aims to share the invaluable tips and tricks he has learned throughout his decades of experience with a new generation of aspiring musicians. His depth of expertise, coupled with an unwavering commitment to music education, makes him a guiding force for young artists.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Kevin Peacon
Kevin Peacon
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Kevin is a guitarist who began his musical journey at the School of Rock Coral Springs at the age of 10. He was performing professionally by 14 with classic rock cover bands in local bars and restaurants. Kevin was eventually selected for the prestigious School of Rock AllStars program and performed at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Lollapalooza. \

After graduating from the University of Florida in 2021, Kevin moved to Jacksonville and began teaching private guitar and bass lessons while gigging in both live and studio settings. He has since toured the southeastern United States with a variety of original acts. Kevin brought his School of Rock journey full circle by joining the School of Rock Mandarin team in August 2024!
Vocal Teacher, Rookies Teacher Olivia Garvey
Olivia Garvey
Vocal Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Olivia is a vocalist, performer, and songwriter, originally from Fenwick Island, Delaware. Before relocating to St. Augustine, Florida, she attended the Southern Delaware School of the Arts, where she became versed in vocal music, fine art, the dramatic arts, and varying styles of dance, and has since held roles in productions of The Great Gatsby and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Olivia graduated from Flagler College with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in journalism and media production. She is now working as a vocal instructor, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer, and as a frontman for her rock band MADAM and for The Life Atlantic event band out of Jacksonville. Olivia joined the School of Rock Mandarin team in September of 2024.
Guitar Teacher Cole Smith
Cole Smith
Guitar Teacher
Cole is a guitarist from Coral Springs, Florida. He has been playing guitar for over twenty years and has been teaching guitar and piano for the last several years. Cole graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in music composition. His motto for teaching music is “Progress, not perfection.”

Cole taught as a show director and private instructor at School of Rock Pampano Beach for five years before moving to Jacksonville in September of 2024. While in South Florida, he toured and recorded with the math rock band Makoto from 2019 to 2022. Cole joined the School of Rock Mandarin in October 2024.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

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!

By submitting your email address you are verifying that you are 13 years or older.