By A.J. Dugger III
NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville School of Rock hit all the right notes during their Grand Opening on October 5. The school teaches children and adults how to play various instruments and learn about the responsibility it takes to be a professional musician.
“It’s not just a place where kids come to learn music,” said Angie McCreight, owner of the Franklin and Nashville locations. “This is actually their second home. They form lifelong friendships here. These kids would rather be here than anywhere else. They feel safe. It’s like a big family. Some kids hang out here even when they don’t have lessons scheduled.”
The first School of Rock began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1998. It was founded by Paul Green. The 2003 movie starring Jack Black, “School of Rock” was loosely based on Green and his school.
Currently, the School of Rock has 120 locations, including schools in Singapore, Mexico and The United Kingdom.
“Within the past year and half it really took off,” said McCreight. Even before the Nashville school’s grand opening on October 5, there were already over 400 “likes” for the Facebook page. McCreight took this as a sign. “I think this is something that Nashville is really going to latch on to,” she said. “This is definitely a great place to have a School of Rock.”
The lessons are taught by professional musicians, many of whom are multi-instrumentalists. Lessons are taught in guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, vocals, violins, fiddles, saxophones and other instruments. In addition, the students learn what it takes to be professional musicians. “We don’t focus on just teaching music,” said McCreight. “We teach them how to be a musician as well as being humble and responsible. They learn about teamwork and rehearsals.”
5 and 6 year-olds receive 30 minute lessons. Children from the ages of 7 through 18 get 45 minute lessons and are eligible to participate in performance programs. During these performances, the kids are put into rotating bands and perform live every couple of months in local places. Adults can also take part in the performance programs, but are not required to switch band mates the way the children do.
The Nashville School of Rock is open from noon until 8 pm on Monday through Thursday and from 10 A.M. until 4 pm on Saturdays. The lessons take place at 3201 Belmont Blvd. For more information visit nashville.schoolofrock.com.