Summit Gym Teacher Turned Rocker Celebrates 5 Years Of Music

SUMMIT, NJ — Paul Fessock is a Physical Education teacher at Brayton’s School in Summit by day and a rock and roll musician by night.

The Scotch Plains native opened his music studio World of Rock in Summit, inside the Mondo Summit Building at 426 Springfield Ave., five years ago and is celebrating the anniversary with a celebrity appearance by Brad Birkedah on Oct. 27 to Oct. 29.

Birkedahl is best known for his work with the Dempseys and appearing in the movie “Walk The Line.” He has performed for presidents, prime ministers and across the world.

Birkedahl will perform at the Hat Tavern in the Grand Summit Hotel, 570 Springfield Ave. on Oct. 27 from 8 to 11 p.m. for free. He will offer a private guitar workshop at World of Rock on Oct. 28 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for $50 and also perform at Mondo, 426 Springfield Ave. in Summit on Oct. 29 for $25 tickets.

Fessock started playing the guitar when he was 8-years-old.

“I wasn’t the best student growing up but my mom always took me to lessons and didn’t let me give up,” Fessock said.

Fessock didn’t really enjoy playing guitar at first but in college he got into his first band and found playing for fun much more enjoyable. He has since been playing in his band “Ampd” for the past 15 years. His band performs at parties, special events and at local venues such as the Stage House Tavern in Mountainside once a month.

(Ampd)

In the 2000s, Fessock started to teach guitar as well on the side at people’s homes while working full-time as a Phys Ed teacher in Summit.

It wasn’t until 2012 when the opportunity to open a studio presented itself to Fessock and the rest is history.

“It’s a life changer. It’s the best thing I ever did,” Fessock said. “My life is pretty much all music and also teaching kids. I have two kids and I know the importance of music at an early age. It develops the brain and coordination and confidence.”

Fessock’s studio also teaches adults as well. His students range from first grade and up and he teaches not only guitar but rock, vocal, keyboard, drums and rock band classes.

Adding to his repertoire, Fessock also performs a kid’s show on his Youtube Channel called Mr. Socks World of Rock where he performs skits and teaches children all about rock and roll.

“It’s like Mr. Rogers meets AC/DC,” Fessock said.

For more information on World of Rock or for tickets for the five year celebration visit www.worldofrockmusic.com or Facebook or call 908-295-2587 or email paul@worldofrockmusic.com.

For information on his band Ampd or to book them visit Ampdrocks.com.

(Images and video via Paul Fessock with permission)

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