Photos courtesy of the School of Rock
The School of Rock may have more than 180 locations worldwide but, last year, its first central Ohio location opened right here in Dublin.
With three locations in the Cleveland area and one location just north of Cincinnati, it’s not the international franchise’s first time setting its roots down in the Buckeye State. But 6727 Dublin Center Dr., in the Dublin Village Center, has turned out to be an ideal location to kick-start its presence in central Ohio. The School of Rock has more than 50 students, General Manager Molly Young says, and it’s only growing.
The School of Rock has 180 locations around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, Brazil and Chile.
“They’re building friendships and learning how to interact with kids in real life,” Young says. Young has been with the School of Rock since it opened in September 2015. The franchise itself dates back to 1998. “They’re not just on their phones. They’re gaining valuable confidence by being able to get up in front of people on stage.”
The School of Rock has multiple programs, and each one breaks down into different age groups and skill levels.
School of Rock students pose in front of the Dublin location's storefront. School of Rock, which has 180 locations worldwide, opened in Dublin in September
There’s Little Wing, which targets 4- and 5-year-olds and aims to provide them with experience and knowledge that will help them become lifelong lovers of music. The Rookies program is for 6- and 7-year-olds, and helps students learn the ins and outs of pitch and rhythm while also helping them develop their skills through musical games and simple activities. Rookies is group-based, so the students learn how to operate in a band-like setting right from the start.
Rock 101 is for 8-10 year olds and focuses more on music theory and technique. The adult program is ideal for those with music experience looking to re-enter the music scene, but also creates a welcoming environment for those who are just starting off. The performance program, targeted toward 11-17 year olds, incorporates teamwork and also helps students learn about harmonizing and gives them opportunities to take the stage in various rock venues.
All School of Rock teachers know how to play multiple instruments. Dublin’s branch of the School of Rock teaches all rock instruments, which include guitar, bass, keyboard and voice.
Many students come in already knowing what instrument or instruments they’d like to learn – or, in some cases, they might already play an instrument. However, the School of Rock can help indecisive students determine the right fit.
“It helps that our teachers know multiple instruments,” Young says. “We can help them switch to something that’s more their liking.”
The School of Rock’s curriculum is set apart from traditional private lessons. While a student might have the occasional recital through his or her private lessons, the School of Rock aims to get students in front of live audiences more often than not. It also focuses largely on working together as a group, and teaching the students how to become leaders in their communities. Private lessons are throughout the week, and there is one three-hour group session every week.
“They do get individual instruction, as well as group instruction,” Young says. “But the main focus is the group. It gives them the opportunity to be with other kids and see other musically talented children. It’s teamwork. It’s a sense of accomplishment and working toward a goal. It’s like a team sport, but it’s music.”
The school’s shows are about every 14-16 weeks and are based around a musical theme or genre. Currently, the students are working exclusively on Aerosmith music. Previously, the students worked on music from the British Invasion era – think the Beatles, the Who, the Rolling Stones and the Kinks. For their second show, they performed Pink Floyd’s The Wall album in its entirety. Over the summer, the school incorporated themed summer camps, including camps that focused on music by Led Zeppelin, Green Day and the Beatles.
“They play at real rock venues,” Young says. Past venues have included King Avenue Five and the amphitheater in Scioto Park. Throughout the summer, Young says, the students played at various festivals throughout Dublin and the Columbus area.
Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
