For over 15 years, School of Rock Main Line has been offering performance-based music lessons for guitar, drums, vocals, bass and keyboards to students of all ages and skill levels. They have established themselves as leaders in performance-based music education by combining one-on-one lessons with group practices and live performances.
Dave Marsh, owner and general manager, said that he was inspired to open the main line location because of the impact School of Rock had on his own kids. “When my kids were younger, they attended School of Rock in Fort Washington,” he explained. “I watched them not only learn how to play their instruments, but
I saw their confidence grow into something that was far beyond the music itself.”
Dave, with the help of School of Rock’s Ft. Washington’s owner, Steve Zack, worked together to find the perfect location on Lancaster Ave in Berwyn. “I am thankful for Steve’s friendship and help in getting the main line location started,” said Dave. “I have to say that the most rewarding part of owning School of Rock Main Line is hearing the parents of my students tell me how our program has given their children skills and confidence beyond what they ever thought possible.”
Their programs, camps and workshops for kids, teens and adults make learning to play music fun and create great communities of musicians. Students learn to play music from day one and put on live performances at local venues. Their experienced instructors are local musicians themselves who combine the performance-based
School of Rock Method and programs with individual music lessons resulting in a well-rounded student and bandmate.
Rik Alison is a part-owner and serves as the school’s Musical Director. He has over 20 years of professional performing experience and has been teaching for over 15 years. From traveling the Midwest in a road cover band, to playing his own music in some of the top venues on the eastern seaboard, Rik has played thousands of gigs and brings this real-world experience to the classroom.
Rik is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in Performance and Music Education. Through his experiences, Rik has devised a program to solidify students’ understanding of harmony, arranging and ear training as it pertains to their instruments and the music they love.
School of Rock Main Line is proud to offer lessons in guitar, drums, bass guitar, keyboard, vocals and piano, taught by a team of practicing, passionate musicians. Dave said that as their students progress, they can refine their skills in popular local styles, such as pop, and then go on to perform at live music venues in the area, such as Ardmore Music Hall. “Our students grow as individuals by taking the stage with others,” he explained. “While our students learn to work with their bandmates, they also learn broader life skills like collaboration, compromise and courage.”
What sets School of Rock Main Line apart from traditional music and vocal lessons is their revolutionary approach to music education called The School of Rock MethodTM. Their course builds musical proficiency through their proprietary Method App and Method Book collection. Their integrated SongFirst® approach teaches students techniques and theory while also helping them apply those skills when performing with other musicians. This award-winning method makes their teaching system one-of-a-kind.
Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Main Line’s top programs for kids and beginners ages 8-13. The Performance Program is their hallmark music program for students ages 8-18. Their Songwriting Program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory and helps students compose original works.
School of Rock Main Line’s Adult Program is for students over 18 years old looking to improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience.
In addition, the House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school, and The School of Rock All-Stars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States.
Dave said that no matter what age or skill level, he and his talented team of instructors are there to help every student grow into confident, gifted musicians. He encourages anyone interested in learning more to contact them for a tour and free trial lesson.
School of Rock Main Line is located at 511 Old Lancaster Rd, Berwyn (behind Casey’s Pour House). Their hours are Mon. – Thu. 3:30-8:00pm; Fri. 4-6pm; Sat. 12-6pm and Sun. 12-8pm. For more information or to schedule a tour and trial lesson, call them at 610-647-2900, visit their website at www.SchoolOfRock.com/locations/mainline and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.