Performance-Based Music School Rocks its Way into Mamaroneck

Mamaroneck, NY – School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, is celebrating the opening of its newest location with a grand opening extravaganza and open house on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at One Depot Plaza in Mamaroneck, New York from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

School of Rock is an inventive concept that gets kids and adults to play renowned music they enjoy performing on stage together with their peers. Music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where music students of all skill levels are comfortable yet challenged at every turn. In addition to individual private instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students participating in the performance program also learn to jam with their peers in a weekly practice session. This team dynamic generates an engaging and motivating environment where the experience builds confidence and an appreciation for great music.

School of Rock Mamaroneck will be owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, fathers and music enthusiasts Steve Kennedy, Tony Reilly, Tory Ridder and Ned Kelly. With a background in publishing and advertising, Kennedy was first introduced to School of Rock in 2010 when he came across an advertisement promoting the franchise opportunity. Growing up with a passion for rock and roll, Kennedy was intrigued by the innovative approach to music education along with the company’s aggressive growth plans. When he was offered the opportunity to purchase several territories close to home, he approached Reilly - an old friend from the publishing industry who shared the same enthusiasm for rock music - to join him in his new business venture. Together, the partners acquired School of Rock Fairfield in 2010. With the escalating success of their Fairfield school, Reilly and Kennedy opened additional locations in Bedford, Shelton and New Canaan and couldn’t be happier with the success of School of Rock on all fronts.

“For the past several years, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to play a role in building kids’ musical skills and aspirations through School of Rock,” said Kennedy. “Everyone wants to see their child succeed and nothing is cooler than watching them rock out on stage. With two daughters in the program, I’ve seen firsthand how School of Rock can impact kids in so many ways. Seeing them come out of their shell and really thrive as young musicians has been very inspiring and uplifting, and I can’t wait to introduce this one-of-a-kind experience to the Mamaroneck community.”

In 2014, Reilly and Kennedy teamed up with Tory Ridder and Ned Kelly - lifelong residents of Southern Westchester including Larchmont and New Rochelle. With a career in education publishing and moonlighting as a drummer and keyboardist, Ridder appreciates the thrill of live performance having headlined at big venues such as B.B. Kings, CBGBs and Webster Hall. Ridder was first introduced to the concept of School of Rock in 2009 after he saw a group of School of Rock All-Stars perform with Jon Anderson, the former vocalist for his favorite rock band Yes. Friends since childhood, Ridder and Kelly were both inspired to bring the School of Rock to the Mamaroneck area. A finance executive having recently returned home from living abroad, Kelly knew bringing the School of Rock to the Southern Westchester community was going to be a hit. Having recently acquired the Roslyn School of Rock in Long Island, Kelly and Ridder are psyched to now be building a school from the ground up in their home area. With plans to open additional locations in lower Westchester County and the surrounding areas, the four entrepreneurs look forward to further expanding the concept throughout the Northeast.

“When I first found out about School of Rock, I knew it was the perfect way to unleash talent and confidence in young musicians while giving them a taste of what a professional music career is like. As a performing musician for over 20 years in various original and tribute bands, I appreciate the valuable lessons music performance can bring to many aspects of your life,” added Ridder. “My experience with School of Rock has been incredibly rewarding so far and I can’t wait to discover the potential of a new school of students.”

School of Rock programs are performance-based and emphasize the message that music is not just about playing an instrument; it’s about teamwork, building confidence, and creating leaders. The unique programs include “Rock 101”, which teaches basic skills to beginners, the “Performance Program,” the second stage and heart and soul of School of Rock, and an “Adult Program.” The school also offers an enriching program designed for first and second grade rockers called the “Rookies” program, and a pre-school program called “Little Wing,” designed to introduce toddlers to the joy of music. After about twelve weeks of one-on-one lessons and structured group rehearsals, the students of “Performance Program” transform into rock stars in a blowout concert in front of a real live audience at a local venue.

School of Rock Mamaroneck will be open for lessons and practices from 3:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays. For more information on the school and to schedule a FREE trial lesson, contact the owners and staff by emailing mamaroneck@schoolofrock.com or visit mamaroneck.schoolofrock.com.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF ROCK
The music school your mom and dad wished they had when they were kids, School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and up and performing with their peers. With more than 140 locations in eight countries, the franchise proves that rock and roll is here to stay.

Media Contact: Lauren Barbian, Fishman PR, 847-945-1300 x270, lbarbian@fishmanpr.com

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