Vancouver
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Vancouver

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School of Rock Vancouver
2837 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 3Y8
778-561-4261
Hours
  • Monday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Thursday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 1 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM

Upcoming Special Hours:

  • 12/25/2024: Closed

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

School of Rock in Vancouver, British Columbia proudly serves the local community and surrounding areas like Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Richmond with a revolutionary music education approach. Our quality music lessons are taught by real, practicing musicians and students can learn to rock out on guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, across many genres. At School of Rock, students can jam together, perform live music, and develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Our students perform at community-based events like Khatsalano Street Party, Canada Day at Canada Place, and FanExpo Vancouver. Our students also regularly play at local venues like The Roxy Cabaret and the Rio Theatre! Join the band and visit School of Rock Vancouver today!

Programs we offer

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

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

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

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

At School of Rock Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Vancouver 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.

Adult music program in Vancouver for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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

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

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Vancouver

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

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

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Vancouver

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

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

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Vancouver

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

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

Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher , Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher Grant Truesdell
Grant Truesdell
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher , Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Grant Truesdell is a Juno Award-winning musician with over two decades in the industry. Grant is best known for his guitar work in the heavy metal band Unleash the Archers and is the founder of Might and Music, a nonprofit with a mission to help empower and educate young musicians. He is a father of two children, a lover of hockey and fitness, and a forever student of life.

Music has always been the grounding force for Grant and has provided a direction and meaning to his life that has transcended any situation or circumstance. He believes that music has the power to change lives, especially the lives of young people. He also believes that investing in our youth sets the stage for a brighter future. Grant strives not to just teach students to become amazing musicians, but to have the tools within themselves to conquer any challenge that they may face in their life.

Grant's approach to teaching is based on timeless principles rooted in discipline, habits, routine, emotions, and creativity. His main goal in teaching is to help the student have fun and enjoy their experience of learning a musical instrument and help them find ways to express themselves through their instrument.
Dani Camacho Singing Teacher, Piano Teacher
Dani Camacho
Vocal Teacher, Piano Teacher
Dani is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music instructor based in Vancouver, BC. Her passion for music and love for singing started when she was six years old. Dani completed an intensive Music Diploma program at Capilano University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at the University of British Columbia, finishing with distinction.

In addition to her musical education, Dani is an emerging artist of Vancouver’s Music Scene. She can be heard performing live at local music venues and events. After producing covers and writing songs for years, Dani released her first single, “Closer Than It Seems”, in March 2021. As a singer-songwriter, her music touches the souls of those who long to feel heard through diary-like lyrics and a folk, pop, and rock influenced sound. Since then, Dani has released two more singles, the latest is called “Twisted”, a soft pop ballad about heartbreak and unrequited love.

Dani’s biggest passion lies in teaching music and giving her students a learning experience that will allow them to grow as singers and as human beings. Her teaching approach is guided by 4 core values: connection, vulnerability, healing, and empowerment. Dani is excited to work with her students at School of Rock; develop their confidence in performance, encourage them to believe in themselves, and guide them in exploration of their unique voices.
Cole Woodland Bass Teacher
Cole Woodland
Bass Teacher
Cole Woodland is an electric bass player in the Vancouver music scene. As a life-long learner, Coleʼs experience in music spans multiple genres such as jazz, rock, reggae, funk and West African music. One of Coleʼs favourite times on stage was performing in a Frank Zappa cover band. With each genre another tool in his toolkit, Cole provides a great environment for students whose knowledge base ranges from absolute beginner to advanced.

To pursue a deeper knowledge of his instrument and music theory, Cole completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, majoring in electric bass at Capilano University. During those years, he studied electric bass under notable local bassists Andre LaChance and Darren Radtke, and studied guitar with Ron Samworth.

Student turned teacher, Coleʼs teaching approach provides a relaxed atmosphere that allows the pressures of learning an instrument to be eased. With learning through playing being at the core of his approach, Cole believes that music theory can be fun when integrated into learning songs. If you are a student of Coleʼs, you can expect an emphasis on the equal importance of developing healthy habits in technique, and learning how to explore the fretboard. Coleʼs ultimate goal for his students is to have fun and be excited about their instrument, all while ensuring progress milestones are being completed.
Nadim Kmeid Guitar Teacher
Nadim Kmeid
Guitar Teacher
Nadim is a guitarist, educator and solo artist with over 7 years of teaching experience, aiming not only to teach a musical instrument but to inspire his students and help them in becoming confident and capable musicians.

"My class is a safe and creative space for students of all levels where they can be themselves, enjoy learning and find a clear path to their goals."

Nadim has been playing the guitar for 16 years and possesses wide musical knowledge from multiple genres including Metal, Rock, Blues, Acoustics, Celtic and Classical. He is currently in the process of attaining his diploma in music performance as well as writing his third music album. Carrying extensive lessons experience, he is known for his methodology in delivering technical lessons and in-depth understanding of the instrument, all while maintaining a patient and steady tempo that allows the learner to feel comfortable and learn at a healthy pace.

Driven by his strong intuition, passion for music and love for teaching, Nadim has trained and inspired students from all ages and cultures and continues to grow as a teacher and musician.
Aaron Trory Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Singing Teacher
Aaron Trory
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Aaron Trory has been called "a refreshingly distinctive singer-songwriter" by some and is a fixture on the Vancouver music scene. He has been performing live in Vancouver as a solo artist, and with various types of bands for the last 14 years. Most Saturday nights you can find Aaron at The Blarney Stone in Gastown, playing a diverse mix of Celtic traditional music and modern-day pop/rock with Blarney Stone house band, The Shenanigans.

Born and raised on Saltspring Island, Aaron was exposed to memorable elements of west coast counterculture and alternative music at an early age, both of which remain an influence on him to this day. He started playing guitar in middle school, dedicating many long hours to studying and emulating the sounds of pop-punk, which was the style at the time. Upon entering high school, Aaron's influences moved towards harder rock and earlier punk, before they eventually shifted towards moody 80s alternative bands like The Smiths and The Cure. Eventually his desire to participate in the school’s music program became a higher priority, and his horizons expanded towards playing drums, bass, and guitar in the Jazz Band, as well as composing music for several school theatre productions.

After moving to Vancouver and getting a lucky break playing guitar for an up-and-coming artist, he was inspired to finally take the leap and make his first record. After recording and releasing a follow-up album years later, he formed the electronically influenced synth-rock duo Mully & Sculder, which explores different sounds and darker themes. This led to him discovering the magic of co-writing music and collaborating with other artists, as well as the many amazing and life-changing things that can come as a result of it.

Aaron will be forever fascinated with the link between music and mental health, and the many positive effects music can have on one’s life. His work as a solo artist is intended to be a reflection of this and he hopes that his music may help or inspire others.
Johneil Vinas Drums Teacher
Johneil Vinas
Drums Teacher
Hailing from the far east, Johneil's journey to becoming the drummer he is today came from different facets of music. He come from a non-musician family but has a deep level of appreciation to music of all sorts of genre, through listening to cassettes, CDs and as of today, different streaming platforms. His first exposure to the real world of music was in 2012 when he passed the audition for a choir. This choir competed in the prestigious chorale competition in Arezzo, Italy and Debrecen, Hungary with his main role of playing bamboo percussion and was a bass two singer in the group. Returning home from the choir’s European tours and competition that lasted three months, he decided to study music seriously and went to Perth Western Australia after finishing his Broadcasting degree in 2015. While studying full-time, He managed to record and play with different outfits such as punk, RnB, rock, folk, alternative and lots more on various occasions. Apart from his gigs, he was hired as a part-time drum instructor at Sound Centre in Morley where he got a good amount of teaching experience from.

In August of 2019, he was then hired as a full-time drum teacher at a school in Brunei Darussalam. It was a good three years of drum teaching experience wherein he got the chance to hone his skills in teaching and helped students pass their exams with merit and distinction marks and turn non-players into players of the drums. While teaching, he was able to do remote sessions for 2 artists in Perth Western Australia and one for a choir in the Philippines.

His recent achievement in drumming is when he got selected as one of five 1st Prize winners of the 2022 Hudson Music’s Steve Gadd “Gaddiments” Contest based in the US. Currently, he’s studying for the Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music Major in Drums at Vancouver Community College Broadway Campus.
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher A.J. Cunanan
A.J. Cunanan
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
A.J. is a multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, and music instructor based in Vancouver, BC specializing in rock, funk, and R&B. He has completed the intensive Contemporary Music & Technology Program at Selkirk College, receiving two diplomas in sound engineering and performance, majoring in both guitar and drums. One of A.J.'s biggest passions is sharing his skills and knowledge with students, helping them grow and learn to find their musical identity so they can express themselves through their instrument.

In addition to his music education, A.J. is a martial arts instructor with four black belts, running classes of various age groups. His music teaching methods use a similar approach, encouraging students to push themselves past their comfort zone while prioritizing having fun. With over 15 years of playing with 50+ bands on various instruments, A.J. teaches the ins and outs of performing as well as collaborating with fellow musicians. Today, you can find him writing and playing around town with his band, Cat Larceny.
Emily Erhart Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
Emily Erhart
Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Emily Erhart is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in Vancouver, BC Growing up in a musical household, Emily sang in choirs and began taking piano lessons at age 9. In addition, she took up the saxophone in school band and began teaching herself the guitar. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto where she studied both Anthropology and Music. In her program she focused primarily on musical theory and history and enjoys seeking out the why' behind the music she plays and teaches. During her time in University, Emily surrounded herself with fellow Toronto musicians and plaved a variety of shows both as a solo act and in ensembles. In 2019 she recorded and released her first solo EP titled "Doubt in My Mind.’ More recently, Emily and fellow Toronto musicians collectively wrote, recorded and produced a handful of music under the name 'The Dav Choir.' Emilv hopes to provide her students with a deeper understanding of the music they play and listen to, instilling them with a life-long passion for music.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher Nathan Browns
Nathan Browns
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nathan is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, professional recording artist, and performer. Starting from the age of 8, Nathan began piano lessons, but for much of his childhood and teenage years, did not enjoy playing music. It was not until he realized that music was supposed to be fun that he truly started to succeed and grow an immense passion for learning and playing music. It is for this reason that he is driven to give young and new learners the opportunity to learn in a fun-only zone and to ensure that his students are equipped with the tools and resources to play and learn whatever they wish.

Nathan graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Music from Vancouver Community College (VCC). He studied vocal technique with the esteemed Paula Kremer, songwriting with songwriter and producer, Erik Severinson, and experimental music with the innovative artist, Giorgio Magnanensi. He specializes in contemporary and classical voice, piano, songwriting, composition, and experimental music/improvisation.

Nathan currently performing professionally around Vancouver and can be heard singing and playing styles of music that encompass pop, rock, folk, singer-songwriter, R&B, funk, and jazz. He also records tracks professionally and can be heard on solo records, and records released by Luvinya, Pleasant Trees, and Ada Ferguson, all of whom he performs with frequently.
Singing Teacher Allyson Jedrzejek
Allyson Jedrzejek
Vocal Teacher
Toronto-based vocalist Ally Jed moved to North Vancouver to pursue a BMus in Jazz Studies Education at Capilano University and is now in her graduating year. Before taking time off to dedicate to her studies, Ally was a touring vocalist performing for tribute acts across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean as well as performing with multiple acts across the Greater Toronto Area over the past decade. When she wasn’t performing, she worked at a music studio in Milton, Ontario as a vocal instructor receiving a reader's choice award for vocal instruction in 2021 shortly after her move.

While studying, Ally gained experience and practice in tonal harmony, ear training, conducting, and performance in jazz ensembles including studies playing and studying the woodwind, brass, and percussion families for teaching and arranging purposes. She particularly found great interest in sociology and ethnomusicology studies and focused most of her electives within these fields as well as gaining appreciation and adopting basic teaching methods from cross-cultural pedagogy and Orff Afrique methods.

Ally has taught many different age groups (from kids to adults) prior to entering Capilano University and is very excited to bring her enthusiasm and newfound knowledge back to the classroom for her future students.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Jenna Earle
Jenna Earle
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jenna enjoys teaching guitar/bass/voice/songwriting and nearly every style including rock, blues, and folk. She has over 19 years of teaching experience, and her teaching style is based on encouraging students to learn music from artists that they like, which fosters an interest in practising. Through their favourite songs, and supplemented material, she introduces and builds upon playing techniques and theory.

Jenna has developed and taught several rock camps and rock programs for children and adults. She is also a member of the board of directors for Star Jasmine Music Foundation, a non-profit based in Santa Barbara, California.

Jenna’s current project is Space Queen – a power trio that plays heavy, psychedelic rock with 3-part vocal harmonies. Jenna plays guitar and sings as well as writes songs in the band. She also released a solo album, under the moniker Ghostess. Several tracks from the Ghostess EP were used on TV shows on major networks worldwide, and in skateboarding videos for international brands.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Trey Hilley
Trey Hilley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Trey Hilley is a multi-instrumentalist composer, sound designer, and producer with over 25 years of experience in music and audio. On his primary instrument of guitar, he is well versed in many different genres, ranging from jazz, funk, rock, and metal. Trey brings a passion for music and engaging collaboration to teaching and all projects involving sound.
Owner and Music Director Al MacInnes
Al MacInnes
Owner, Music Director
Al MacInnes is a skilled musician with over 40 years of experience in the music industry in Vancouver, BC, and on tour internationally. Beginning his career at a young age as an award-winning Side Drummer for the BC Junior & White Spot Highland Pipe Band, Al also expanded his talents to play electric guitar and bass, forming various cover bands. He eventually started the Indie band Jimmy’s Lunch in 1990 where he wrote, recorded and performed original music throughout Vancouver’s popular music venues. Later in his career he joined Vancouver’s Jazzberry Ram as bass player, recording four studio albums on Green Tea Records and toured internationally for 13 years.

With a strong passion for the music industry and growing the next generation of musical talent, Al has been teaching guitar, bass and drums for the past two decades, even helping his students form their own bands, producing demo albums and securing performance opportunities for them. Al helped mentor, write, and produce songs on Light Organ Records for Vancouver’s JPNGRLS, who are now widely known as Hotel Mira. Al continues to be a professional musician through various live and studio projects including Jazzberry Ram, Spygirl, and Friction Project.

In additional to his career in the music industry, Al is a successful entrepreneur applying his creative and masterful approach to projects through his high-end specialized landscaping company, MacInnes Landscaping, which has seen consistent growth in loyal clients for the past nine years. With a passion for hockey and inspiring youth to develop their personal strengths and team skills, Al is also a certified Hockey Canada Coach with the Vancouver Minor Hockey Association where he was honoured with the 2020 Coach of the Year Award.
Studio Manager  Keziah Estrada
Keziah Estrada
Studio Manager
Keziah is a local musician and songwriter with a background in admin and childcare. Coming from an extremely musically diverse family, Keziah was exposed to Latin, rock, and R&B music, which greatly inspires her writing style today. Before joining the School of Rock Vancouver team, Keziah was a full-time private nanny, where she utilized and further built upon her skills in helping kids to learn and grow.

Keziah is an SAE Institute Vancouver graduate with a diploma in Audio Engineering and Music Production and also worked as part of the staff there in admin after graduating. She has played piano since the early age of 5 and went on to learn other instruments like guitar and flute in her high school band. She now plays keys in her current band with her cousin and childhood friend.

Keziah writes music to this day and enjoys jamming and collaborating with other talented local artists, mixing their sounds to produce something unique and original. She is passionate to be a part of the students' journey into fine-tuning their abilities, the inevitable discovery of each of their musical expression and to continue to inspire others to join the legacy of School of Rock Vancouver.
Studio Coordinator Amarhisse Vivanco
Amarhisse Vivanco
Studio Coordinator
Amarhisse Vivanco is a Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Vancouver. If not in school or at a concert, you can find her at our front desk coordinating and facilitating our daily activities!

From a young age, Amarhisse always gravitated to live music, attending her first concert when she was 6 years old. She is currently balancing her undergraduate studies working towards a bachelor's degree in the Arts, while also furthering her skills in playing guitar and songwriting. Some of her favourite artists include The Strokes, Jeff Buckley, and Fleetwood Mac. Amarhisse has a passion for encouraging anyone to pursue their dreams as a musician and is proud to be part of the School of Rock Vancouver team.
Owner and General Manager Michael Granek
Michael Granek
Owner, General Manager
Michael Granek, MBA is a successful entrepreneur and award-winning event producer with over 20 years of leadership and management experience in arts, events, music, and business administration, and over 10 years in adult education and teaching.

Previously to School of Rock, Michael was the President, COO of a global online education company where he applied his diverse background of business management, adult education, and special events to connect professionals with leading industry education, training, and professional development. Prior to this, Michael was an Academic Director at a private higher-education institution, and the owner of an event production company that produced prestigious award shows, galas, and large scale corporate events for local and international clients.

Outside of his professional experience, Michael has been volunteering at his children’s school for several years to help them produce concerts and plays. With his previous experience producing events, he was able to bring professional level production and staging to the school for the first time. Michael found this experience to be extremely rewarding as he saw the school community come together, and students form new-found interest in music, arts, and technology that they might not have otherwise been exposed to. His annual volunteering has now turned into a passion, which inspired him to bring the first School of Rock location to Vancouver.

Michael has also been a board member of professional associations, has judged various event industry awards, and has delivered numerous seminars and training workshops at leading conferences, colleges, and universities.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher Nathaniel Caguiat
Nathaniel Caguiat
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nathaniel Caguiat is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and educator. He has graduated from the Bachelor of Applied Music program at Vancouver Community College, with a major in Jazz/Contemporary Electric Guitar, and holds an audio engineering diploma from Trebas Institute. His goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians through education, and community.

Nathaniel found his passion when he was 14 years old and saw a guitar and a piano in his closet. He taught himself how to play them and decided that music would be his life's mission. After high school, Nathaniel went to Trebas Institute to become an audio engineer. After graduating, he moved to British Columbia and started to record music on social media. It didn't take long to realize his passion for teaching after hosting guitar lessons and teaching at a local private studio. He decided to pursue a music degree to teach and play music.

Nathaniel continues to record music, collaborate with other musicians, and teach guitar, piano, bass, drums, and ukulele. Nathaniel Caguiat's sound is a unique blend of jazz and R&B. His influences are Isaiah Sharkey, Spanky Alford, John Mayer, and D'Angelo. He is a rock musician with a love of R&B and creates a mix of shredding and lush harmonies.
Rookies Teacher, Drums Teacher, Vocals Teacher Noureen Elsayed
Noureen Elsayed
Rookies Teacher, Drums Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Noureen is a performance program graduate from the School of Rock Calgary, where she learned to excel at drums, and vocals. With over 10 years of performance experience, including acting, musical theater, dance, rock and metal performances, she is excited to share her passion for music and the stage with the next generation of performers. Combining her knowledge and skills of singing and breathing techniques with her passion for stage presence, Noureen works with students to develop technical skills while growing their confidence on stage as a performer.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Seah Maister
Seah Maister
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Seah Maister is an accomplished musician, songwriter, collaborator, and music teacher. She performs/tours regularly with her band Space Queen as the bassist and singer. She holds 2 diplomas and 1 bachelor's degree in contemporary music studies majoring in voice and minoring in piano. Seah has also been teaching for 12 years and performing and touring in a variety of projects covering multiple genres - hard rock, R&B, soul, blues, jazz, musical theatre, etc - for over 20 years. Seah teaches voice, piano, bass, and guitar. Her lessons are tailored to each individual student with a focus on finding the fun in learning to play music!
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher Alec Taylor-Poole
Alec Taylor-Poole
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alec Taylor is an artist and recording engineer/producer from North Vancouver whose main influences are rock, punk, indie, and folk. He entered the world of music learning guitar at the age of 7 and has since been in multiple bands playing lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, and vocals. After graduating from SAE Institute in 2021 with a diploma in audio engineering and music production, he was thrust into the vibrant music scene of Vancouver which offers countless niches and passionate people who all share the same goal. Alec’s passion for music and drive for inspiration is something he hopes to pass on to the next generation of musicians during his time at School of Rock.

Alec’s other passions include being outdoors, going on hikes, and exploring the vast and beautiful landscape we have at our disposal, as well as cooking and playing hockey. Otherwise, you can find him performing with his band, Cat Larceny, at one of the awesome venues we have in Vancouver.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Jeff Felix
Jeff Felix
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jeff Felix is a Vancouver-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator and has been a part of multiple recording and live acts. Most notably, Jeff is the lead guitarist and keyboardist for Vancouver group Shimbashi Station, an act that has been praised for its unique mash of effects heavy indie rock, synth-pop, and new wave sound. Throughout his professional career, Jeff has gained over a decade of educational experience working with youth of all ages in both camp and classroom settings.

From a young age, Jeff found happiness through listening, playing, and recording music. Beginning with a love for the Beatles, Jeff’s influences include but are not limited to rock, blues, punk, Folk, and indie. Jeff aims to share the joy of music that he experienced with students of all ages and abilities. By promoting a relaxed and fun educational environment Jeff aims to create an engaging setting where learning is achievable for all. Jeff is attending UBC and working towards his Bachelor of Education with hopes of being an elementary school teacher. Jeff is honored to be a part of the School of Rock in Vancouver family and is proud to be helping students of all ages reach their musical goals!
Drum Teacher Sam Riddell
Sam Riddell
Drum Teacher
Sam Riddell is a talented drummer and a key member of the Canadian indie band Black Pontiac. Together with his brother, Mack, who is the band's guitarist, lead vocalist Matty Mclaren, and bassist Avery John Shoesmith, Sam contributes to the band's youthful exuberance and carefree rock sound.

Born and raised in Canada, Sam's musical journey started at a young age, influenced by his father who is a member of a local band. In 2018, Sam, along with his brother Mack and their high school friends Matty and Avery, decided to form Black Pontiac. The band recently made waves with the release of their new single "Soda Pop Rock" and its accompanying debut music video.

Sam Riddell's dedication to his craft and his role as Black Pontiac's drummer are essential elements that contribute to the band's success and growing popularity in the indie music scene. With their fresh sound and engaging performances, Black Pontiac and Sam Riddell are poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry.
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!

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