Frankie Muriel
Owner, Director of Operations
From his hair band days on MTV to his 20+ years as a lead singer and front man of St. Louis based DRZHIVEGAS, Frankie has performed on stages all over the world. His experience of performing in venues, from intimate clubs to arenas, will bring a real world perspective to the St Porter’s school. When he partnered with School of Rock, Frankie instantly connected to the SOR philosophy of using group based music education to bring to the kids something that professional musicians have learned and understand that being in a band is how you learn the importance of group goals and supporting each other creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
As a lifelong performer, Frankie is excited to bring these lessons and his real world experiences to a new generation of rockers!
Frankie knows all aspects of the music business, writing, engineering and producing music in his recording studio. He travels whenever his schedule allows, loves to cook and knows the best restaurants all around the world!
Diane Mantovani
Owner
Diane is a residential and commercial interior designer who has established herself as a leader in the St Louis design community. She opened her award-winning design firm, Savvy Design Group, in 2009. She has a strong passion for design, a creative eye and finds inspiration in her clients and her many travels.
With a lifelong love of music and a background in special education, establishing a School of Rock checked all the boxes for Diane. She loves architecture, coffee dates, art galleries, and especially live music! She spends her free time with her close friends and family hanging around town. She also loves spending as much time as possible on the beach in North Carolina!
Sean Buchert
Assistant General Manager, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Sean graduated from Webster University as a communications major with a minor in audio production. He has worked as a musician and recording engineer/mixer and has been the focus of articles in the Riverfront Times “Best Local” band and song series for original music.
Sean has been playing music his entire life, starting with piano, then learning the guitar from his dad, and eventually finding the drums on his own. He has been performing in various groups and styles for over a decade and has played on some of the area’s biggest stages.
Sean’s favorite part of being a music educator is figuring out what a student aspires to and providing them with the tools to achieve their goals. He hopes that sharing his experiences will help students unlock the artist and performer within them, not just the musician.
Alayna Ahrens
Studio Coordinator
Alayna grew up listening to classic rock with her grandmother and stepfather, creating a fondness for rock n’ roll from the very beginning. She played cello for a number of years in the Alton Youth Symphony Orchestra and never grew out of telling her family and friends she wanted to be a “performer” when she grew up.
These days she sings and writes in a local band; in her other bits of free time she can be found drawing, painting, playing video games, caring for her kiddo, and trying to get out and enjoy nature as much as possible. She loves working in an environment that allows her to play a part in introducing kids to the world of rock music in a way that isn’t offered anywhere else.
Ethan Jones
Music Director, Guitar Teacher
A native of Southern Illinois and SIUE alumnus, Ethan Jones is a recognized name in the St. Louis music scene. Whether it’s country, blues, 80’s, or 90’s, (anything from Eagles to Earth, Wind & Fire) he covers all the bases in a fun sing-a-long setting with his acoustic sets. While being known as the STL Troubadour, Ethan plays lead guitar for the party band DRZHIVEGAS.
Ethan was a featured contestant on American Idol, making it to Hollywood Week! He has performed thousands of shows all over the country. In his free time, he likes watching movies and playing video games.
Jonathan “Louie” Dalton
Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Louie was born and raised in St. Louis. A multi-instrumental performer, he began his musical journey playing electric bass in the jazz band at Francis Howell North High School. He went on to play in the jazz ensemble at St. Charles Community College.
Louie is a student at Lindenwood University, pursuing a degree in music business. He is a member of many ensembles at LU, including the free jazz group Endeavor. Louie has also played with rock groups such as Falling with Style, Polysonikx, and The Plums, and has performed at venues such as Brewskeez, Blueberry Hill Duck Room, Red Flag, and Pop’s Nightclub.
Ryan Hill
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO. Ryan went to high school at Francis Howell High and graduated from Mizzou with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Ryan was introduced to music at an early age but didn’t begin playing until he was about 11 years old. His father, grandmother, and stepmom all played and influenced his love of music, especially his stepmom, Jenny. He also was inspired by the Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games, and that was when rock music became his passion.
Ryan has played in several bands over the years. He began performing as a bass player. He has written songs and in 2017 he formed his own band, Armenta.
Justin Watson
Guitar Teacher
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Justin graduated from Fort Zumwalt South High School and was introduced to music at a very young age. Justin began playing guitar when he was 10 years old and has never looked back. His family has always played music around the house, and his dad, who worked in the music world, drove his passion more.
Justin has played in various bands, creating a name for himself in the St. Louis music scene. Justin plays in a Kiss tribute band called Mystery - A Definitive Tribute To Kiss, and his original band, The Breakdowwns. In his spare time, Justin loves to spend time in the woods and do outdoor activities.
Pete Hilario
Drum Teacher
Pete's love for playing the drums began around 6 years old when his aunt took him to his first Kiss concert. In junior high, he sought out drum lessons from jazz drummer Luigi Waites, and from that point, he began to develop a deep appreciation for fusion rock drumming.
Pete's influences consist of Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, John Bonham, Simon Phillips, Alex Van Halen, and Peter Criss. With rock drumming as his primary area of strength, his heart is still in progressive fusion drumming.
Pete is ambitious and passionate about teaching others how to play the drums and knows how important it is to show up in a student's life. He can't wait to meet you!
Jacob Levy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jacob Levy is a passionate and down-to-earth guitar teacher who genuinely loves sharing the joy of music. Jacob discovered his fascination with the guitar from a young age and began a lifelong musical journey at the age of 4. Through dedicated practice, he was performing in local venues alongside his father by age 15.
With a diverse background in music, Jacob has had the privilege of being part of various bands, including Eagles tribute bands, a Van Halen tribute band, an AC/DC tribute band, and even an '80s New Wave cover band. These experiences have not only sharpened his skills but have also given him a deep appreciation for a variety of genres.
When Jacob isn't immersed in music, he enjoys simple pleasures like watching movies and exploring nature with loved ones and his furry companion.
Logan Cozart
Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
From an early age, Logan showed a passion for all things music. Raised in St. Louis by a music-loving family, he was supported early on and received a drum kit at age 6. Playing just about every day he could, Logan played in the jazz band at Fort Zumwalt North High and Saint Charles Community College and various jazz combos around town during his high school and college career.
In his senior year, Logan formed his band Native State and has played drums and sung lead vocals since 2019. Apart from his band, he freelances as a hired drummer and has opened for acts such as Humble Pie, Warrant, Escape the Fate, and L.A. Guns.
If Logan isn’t playing or listening to music, you can usually find him hiking outside, skateboarding, or playing video games.