New Naperville School 'Rocks!'

Children learn from doing.  That is one of the beliefs of the , a performance-based music school that is slowly expanding across the country. One of the newest schools opened in Naperville.

“We believe kids learn best by doing, which means we get them playing in bands and on stage in front of an audience as soon as possible,” said Anne Dills, who owns the franchise with her mother, Denise Dills. “School of Rock makes music a team sport and teaches students not only the skills they need to be a great musician, but also the confidence to get on stage and the dedication and teamwork needed to create a truly great band.”

The school held an open house over the weekend and numerous families came out, delighted to have something unique and not sports related in town.

“We are excited to have an outlet for our kids, who are not sports-minded,” said Dee French of Lisle. “We are looking for a place where Kirk can find camaraderie with people” interested in music like he is. 

“We have done our research and we like that the school has personal lessons and focuses on teaching my son the [music] fundamentals.”

Kirk, who at 14 is focusing on playing the drums, but also plays the guitar, said he liked the feel of the school during the open house.

“I think it would really be fun,” he said of joining the School of Rock.  “Everything [in the house] is nice and easy to get to and the teacher was nice and very helpful.”

For the owners, the location for the school— which is in an old home at 220 N. Washington Street—was clever and a perfect spot.

“We really wanted to start (a franchise) in Naperville, as it is such a strong community which greatly values education and the arts,” Ane Dills said. “When my mom saw this funky vintage house on Washington Street, we knew it was the perfect spot to house the School of Rock community.”

“Naperville was the ideal community to open because it is a great town full of kids,” Denise Dills said.  “When I saw this house I thought it was perfect, because the school becomes like a clubhouse for the kids.  Sometimes we have movie nights or music clinics.  It becomes a place for the kids to hang out.”

Rooms were converted into lesson rooms, one is set up for recording and the basement has several rooms with complete drum sets. This is where Laura and Doug Walsh of Naperville found their son, Nick, displaying his talent.

“It’s pretty cool,” the 11-year-old said after playing on the drums. “It felt good.”

“The boys attend a rock academy in Downers Grove,” mom Laura Walsh said, “But, we were looking for something to expand on. We had been online and we saw they were opening a School of Rock in the area and we have been waiting to come to the open house.”

While son Nick plays the drums, his older brother, Justin, plays the guitar. But, mom said she liked the fact that the school also provides a place for the boys to learn how to write and compose music.

According to Dills, students receive almost 16 hours of instruction each month, including a 45-minute weekly private lesson, where they work on fundamentals of their instrument.  Each week they also perform in a three-hour rehearsal with a band. 

“After rehearsing for about 12 weeks, they play a concert at a real rock venue,” she said.  “There’s no better test of your skills then the ability to put on a great show.”

Learn more about the School of Rock on its website. A variety of programs are offered including a year-round performance program and performance rock camps.