Student from School of Rock Montclair to Continue His Musical Pursuits in College

Alex Cautela, who studied music at School of Rock Montclair and will be graduating from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange later this month, is planning to continue his arts and music education as he enters his freshman year at college.

“I began taking lessons at School of Rock Montclair in 2015 because I realized that it was the best way for me to advance my musicianship,” says Cautela, who’ll be enrolling at Penn State in the fall. “I got extremely positive affirmation and encouragement from the School’s impressive teachers, all of whom emphasized that preparedness is what it takes to make it in any professional situation. I also had a grand time learning exciting music and performing on stage with my band mates.”

Along with taking weekly lessons at School of Rock Montclair, Cautela was also a participant in the Schools’ Performance Programs, which represent the essence of the School of Rock performance-based music education approach. The Performance Programs, which feature repertoires that pay tribute to noteworthy artists, important music genres, and seminal music events, aim to help students develop their teamwork skills, stage presence, and musicianship.

After four months of rehearsals, the Programs culminate in a series of two-hour concerts that students perform at area rock venues - including Just Jake’s and The Old Mogul Theatre, both in Montclair.

“Eventually, I plan to be a full-time musician”, says Cautela, who sang and played lead and rhythm guitar in the School’s Led Zeppelin and Radiohead Performance Programs. “While I haven’t decided on a major yet at Penn State, I'm looking forward to forming a band with students who I meet and also publishing the original songs that I’ve written, which my School of Rock experience has motivated me to do.”