School of Rock New York

I recently re-​read my Unilocal review from last year and I would say that my raves then are even more warranted now. School of Rock has changed my son’s life for the better. He has entered the cycle in which learning is fun so you practice and as you practice you get better and as you get better you get recognition (from teachers/​director/​peers) and as you get recognition. . you enjoy what you are doing more! So – his drumming has improved tremendously as has his confidence and his identity as a musician. In the meantime – he is having a blast. Last night when I went to pick him up after rehearsal he and the gang were all grins-​clowning around while waiting to rehearse. They have a tight bond and support each other. I can only speak of our director (Bob)-he is the Mary Poppins of rock education. The kids are great, the directors are great, the shows are great. I am so happy to have this program in our lives.

So, now, my younger daughter is taking drum lessons with equal success/​enthusiasm…
I did mean to mention that in the past, there was a tendency toward disorganization, and for NY parents with busy schedules, this sometimes created some inconvenience. Although I still wouldn’t say it’s a tightly run as, for example, your typical NYC public school — take that as you will — I have to say that they are definitely attempting to address this so things run more smoothly.

My 13 year old daughter has attended the summer boot camp several times and is currently rehearsing weekly for a Queen show (she plays keyboards). She keeps returning to SOR because she thoroughly enjoys all of it – the instructors, the other students, the learning how to play as a cohesive unit, the sheer joy of playing music at top volume.
We have been very pleased with the teaching staff; they are all performers themselves and have a great deal of knowledge to impart to the students. They are genuinely interested in teaching and supporting music education, and kids in general.
Although any kid could have a great time at SOR, I think it’s particularly valuable for girls in terms of building confidence and self-​esteem. They get to experience the excitement of making the music, instead of watching from backstage as girlfriends and hangers-​on. I’ve tried to impress upon my daughters that it’s much more preferable to say «I’m IN the band» rather than «I’m WITH the band»!