School of Rock Austin off of Anderson Lane is a wonderful place. The Music, Director and teaching staff as well as the General Manager and the office staff all work together very closely to ensure the best for each of their students seven days a week. They really care about their students and their program. My sons have had wonderful experiences at the school and have grown as people as well as musicians . Being a part of the SOR performance program has given them a sense of belonging as well as lifted their self-esteem. My eldest son was able to get a lucrative job, though he is still an older teenager due to his knowledge and hard work at SOR in addition to some other great qualities he has. SOR is a place where students up to 18 years old can be themselves and discover music and get a chance to perform in actual venues in this wonderful city that is so much defined by music. Adult students have the chance to learn instruments or singing that they may have always wanted to learn, but never had a chance, for others, it proves to be a great activity be where they can develop skills make friendships. They too get to perform in venues. All of the students have one-on-one lessons with professional musicians. I just can't say enough good things about it, and I know that my children are better for having been a part of the SOR family. read more

TLDR: The only good thing about this location is the teachers. They are incredible. However, the directors at this location are extremely unethical in their practices, and they're following suit of the massive corporate chain above them. The teachers really are incredible. I know many kids have had a great experience because of them! They work hard and care about what they do. They also only make about $15/lesson, while parents are paying more than 5x that per lesson. That's at least $55 that goes... somewhere else.... These incredible teachers are refused benefits including health insurance. They are forced to apply for government assistance and charitable aid to get coverage. Indeed, there is a local nonprofit that provides assistance to musicians whose employers otherwise refuse to: HAAM. This location even unashamedly uses their students to fundraise for HAAM, showing the world what good philanthropists they are, while their own employees have to rely on them to afford health insurance. If your child does go there and shows enough talent or drive, they will be pressured to audition for the "B-Team." This is a great opportunity for kids to play gigs in front of audiences, especially if that's what they're passionate about. Unfortunately, however, this group of students is exploited and overworked. They are used as free marketing and labor at events, and the number of required weekends can be overburdensome and lead to burnout. Just be wary, and know a lot of the group quit this year. If your child is set on a rock-star dream, learning covers, and playing on stage at a venue in a rockband setting, more power to them! It's a lot of fun, and there are other great alternatives. BandAid is a great choice, or even the southwest location of School of Rock (private franchise). If your child is set on learning an instrument or furthering their musical education, please consider other options first. This School of Rock location is a corporate franchise, where money is valued over people, and the two directors take full advantage of their employees and students. Private instructors abound, all for less money and more learning, especially music theory and even just reading music. It will also be cheaper, since you'll pay teachers directly, and not the overhead of an international corporate chain, which is only a mere portfolio of an even more massive company, Youth Enrichment Brands. At the end of the day School of Rock is a business owned by an even bigger business. With a CEO, shareholders, profit margins to hit, and money to make. They will put profit over people at every level, despite their convincingly authentic appearances. The music director even makes some of his serious leadership decisions by rolling a die, as if it's a game to him? Our kids deserve better. -From a parent of a former student and spouse of a former teacher. read more

My kiddo takes classes and he loves it! I was hoping to sign up too but couldn't find the time, definitely something I will look into in the future. I love that their approach to is to prepare the student for performance. It's such a neat place with great kicks musicians to nurture young talents. Check it out! Trial is free. read more

My 3rd grader wanted to play guitar. I was pretty sure he wasn't going to actually want to start by learning how to read music and play boring songs so we decided to try School of Rock. He felt like a rock star right away since he learned some chords his first class :) All of the staff and instructors that we've interacted with have been friendly, helpful and informative. His first performance is next month and he's so excited to be on stage! read more

I am an adult student who wanted to learn drums. So far my experience has been great. The North Buffalo school is well equipped and my instructor takes the time to figure out how I learn the best and will try different ways to explain and demonstrate what they are trying to teach. You also get access to their online learning program that allows you to record your progress and share with your instructor. There are hundreds of songs in the library to help learn your instrument to and play along with the actual song. They also offer band lessons and help put you together with other musicians at your level to make a band. You can practice together and the school has performances organized etc... i am not there yet but it's cool and being able to go out to local venues and see fellow students perform is quite motivating. Overall it has been a great experience. Also the director is a veteran and you get a permanent discount if you are too. read more

Coolest place to send your kid to learn how to play an instrument they do classes weekly and on top of that play with a band. My daughter had been doing it a year and cannot say enough good things. Just watched their performance and was amazing! read more

My review is of the younger kid's program. The one hour classes are great for introducing kids to music. However it is much more like once a week daycare than musical instruction. Based on the price (and the price INCREASES) during the class, it really isn't worth the price. Its much more expensive than lessons you can take other places. I feel like you are simply paying for the "cool vibes" which the kids don't care about as much. Again, maybe the program for the younger kids isn't as developed bcs maybe it is new or something? I was just expecting that they'd get some basics of musical instruction at the very least... unfortunately they really didnt. Plus, if they want to move up you have to pay even more for the private lessons + the weekly program. I understand this is a business but I imagine if you're charging so much for your service, it would reflect the service being provided. I docked three stars for that reason only, it just isn't worth the price tag. If you're looking for a music-themed daycare for once a week for an hour and aren't worries about cost, this is the place for you. However if you want serious music instruction for your kiddo, I'd suggest looking at the other options. read more

I joined for a season in the adult program. I learned a hell of a lot in those 4 months and the anticipation of performing in a Prince cover concert really helped me put in time to improve. I highly recommend SoR for someone who wants to improve their instrumentation skills, learn to play music collaboratively (very different than alone), and make a few friends, all while engaging in the sometimes scary, oft-time playful weekly 2-hour rehearsals. read more

First and foremost, the School of Rock nationally is a sales organization first, Music school second. Constantly trying to upsell you to a more expensive offering. That said, the instructors are generally awesome, especially at the Farmingdale, NY location. Just be aware what you're getting into overall. $$$ is why they're in the biz, not music. read more

We've had a great experience. Our son has improved and enjoys his performance groups and teachers. It's a good investment.

This school has changed my daughter's life. I was crying like a teenager seeing the Beatles in 1963 when I saw my kid on stage the first time--finally in her element! As a family that struggles with money, it's not cheap. BUT it has been worth the money because of their approach (the combo of private and group lessons) and the positive effect it has on my daughter. She won't put down the guitar. My only complaint is that she is now interested in drums. ;) read more

I have 2 children with Autism and the school of rock and their staff was more than amazing! They are both taking lessons and loving every moment!! Thank you school or rock for making this such and amazing experience. I totally recommend it read more

School of Rock - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

I am an older amateur guitar hak who had been at it for a while. I had basic chord / scale knowledge with little experience and had a keen interest in learning to play with others. SoR granted me the opportunity to be part of the Fall 2021 adult Southern Rock performance group. It was a great experience overall and the live performance was one of the most joyful days in recent memory. The Music Directors worked very hard to help me reach a better place in my journey as a player. If you are an adult player looking for a positive and challenging experience to improve then the good folks at SoR can offer this to you. I am very happy to have found a nice place to help my further progress. Cheers! read more

No, the Paul Green School of Rock Music wasn't copied from the Jack Black film /School of Rock/ -- it was the other way around. Paul Green started up a performance-based music school to teach kids about classic rock by putting them in bands and booking gigs for them. And the kids reach phenomenal heights! The national School of Rock All-Stars play festivals such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Festival, and have toured with Jon Anderson of Yes, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Alice Cooper, Skunk Baxter of Steely Dan, and Adrian Belew of King Crimson. The Austin branch is managed and staffed by veteran local musicians, who not only teach the kids to be virtuosic musicians, but teach them from real-life experience what it means to work in the music industry. Three seasons a year are broken into tribute shows. The kids are put into a show together, and have about 2-3 months to be ready to play their gig. Every week sees a three-hour band practice to get their 2-hour set down perfectly, and a 45-minute private lesson on the student's instrument of choice. All this for, to be quite honest, about the same as other places charge for an hour a week of private lesson. And the kids LOVE it, because they're not just playing Smoke on the Water over and over in a small room for an instructor; they are playing as a unit with other kids and performing on an actual stage. Over the past few years, the shows that have been performed have featured Pink Floyd's The Wall in its entirety, Funk n Reggae, The Ramones, Led Zep, Stones, Beatles, Classic Metal, Southern Rock, Texas Rock, Aerosmith, Guitar Gods, Sabbath, AC/DC. Venues that have hosted the kids have included Stubbs, Emo's, Redrum, Ruta Maya, Antone's, Hanover's, Rock City Icehouse, Keep Austin Weird Festival, Pecan Street Festival, and various Guitar Center grand openings and private charity events around Texas. This place cannot be too highly recommended. Even if the student has never picked up an instrument before, they will be comfortably playing in front of a crowd within weeks. Students who have been here a few years are well on their way to being professional musicians in every sense of the word. read more

Don't just live vicariously through your kids - learn to rock out yourself! I found SoR after doing some research for bass lessons. My playing was in need of improvement and I began looking at different instruction options. What sold me on SoR over other programs was the performance program - not only do you have the ability to learn or improve an instrument, but also play in a band setting and to play gigs. It has made a huge difference in my playing ability. Playing as a band does so much to improve your timing and ear. And the knowledge that you will be on stage playing a gig is one hell of a motivator. The instructors are all proven musicians, and every one that I have worked with are excellent teachers. My son and I both take lessons and have been play involved in the adult program for almost a year now. It has been a phenomenal experience. read more

Austin School of Rock... well... ROCKS! We started with lessons for one son, and now have had three sons graduate Rock 101 and join performance bands. After longer periods with other programs, it didn't seem like it all ever came together to result in the ability to play full songs, let alone to play in a band. My only gripe with SOR has been the fact that they weren't around when I was a kid... 1 star for that! I'm instead resigned to rock vicariously through my boys. So, the program is awesome, but so are the people and the environment... this is well-managed chaos, and socialization instead of solo lessons. The teachers are terrific - special thanks to Geena, Sam, Yamal, and Case... all of whom have been AWESOME with my kids on bass, drums, and guitar, and Jason, who put together my favorite show to date, 80s Metal, maybe soon to be tied with his current show, AC/DC. By the way, each "quarter" for each band (there are five/quarter currently) ends with an awesome show at a real club downtown... my boys have played a number of great venues, including The Parish, Red 7, Red Eyed Fly, Holy Mountain, and North Door - thanks to the venues for opening up to the SOR kids! Guests that come to the shows say that the kids sound as good as the real bands they're covering. It's a big commitment, especially with three kids in performance band... it seems like we're always there... but it all pays off when my 11-year-old explains to me on the way home how a one-hit-wonder rock band could have been bigger than Metallica, if only they had Gene Simmons to do their marketing... this is the education that only a School of Rock could deliver! read more

This was my last hope in getting my daughter out of the cloud of noise that is Dubstep and interested in real music...and it worked! This place is exactly what you wished you could have done back in the day. The instructors are those cool musicians you remember playing smoke filled clubs when rock was king. They are all still kids at heart so it's a great fit to have them teaching kids. The group playing experience is the most fun for kids--and parents to watch! While it is pricey--300$/mo, each kid gets a 45min one on one lesson per week complete with homework and a 90min group/band session to practice the set songs. It's fun and lighthearted yet still teaches a ton. And talk about a turn around--we just saw Gary Clark Jr and Foo Fighters and she didn't even want to venture to the electronica noise playing on a different stage. Thank you School of Rock!! read more

Our eight year old daughter Gianna has been going to the School Of Rock in Austin for about a year and a half and they are simply amazing with the children!! Yvonne and her group of musicians are wonderful to work with and always a positive experience! although Gianna's not quite ready for performance-based activity.... My young family has seen a few performances put on by the children that are in the performance-based activity and it's simply amazing to watch!! How can you not give your young musician a head start by sending them here....especially if they plan on performing in Austin Texas!! Gianna takes electric guitar lessons from Jamie and bass from Geena who are both awesome!!! read more

Highly recommend. My 8 year-old son took drum lessons here. I loved their instructors, their philosophy, and their flexibility in working with us. He didn't end up continuing, but if either of my kids wants to play another instrument, I'll definitely send him there. read more

My daughter has been going to School of Rock for a little over a year. Before she started, she had not picked up a guitar ever. Now, she just completed performing in their "Riot Grrls" showcase. She went from nothing to actually playing lead guitar on four songs, and knocked them all out of the park, and the credit goes both to her own dedication and to the great teachers. She wants to now add vocals to her repertoire and has developed a deeper appreciation of rock music and the skill required to play it successfully. She does wish that the teaching was a bit more general and not just teaching what is needed for the showcases because she'd love to explore more. Other than that, School of Rock is a blast for her! Definitely recommended! read more

The Austin School of Rock is an amazing place for young musicians to learn and grow. The teachers are professional musicians that share their experiences and expertise with their students. The staff is friendly and very accommodating when it comes to scheduling. The kids are challenged to perfect their music skills. We travel 70 miles one way each week so that our son can take advantage of this awesome opportunity. He has even performed in downtown Austin venues. You can't get that kind of real-world experience at your regular music school. We are talking concerts, not recitals. We are very pleased with our son's progress. We are looking forward to watching his musical gift grow over the coming years. Proud Parents! read more

My kid is always happy of learn at this school and that is a good reason for me but let me tell you why I like this place. Communication: They send you and email after your kid get the lesson that is a great way to know what is going on. I recieve a message before my kid has a lesson to attend. No excuse to forget about lessons. Prices: Even if prices are in a middle range, they have programs that could help your kids to get lesson and perform at any season. Performance: They let the kids to have the experience of performing like a rock starts. Staff: They are amazing, always answering question and making you feel comfortable being at the school. Jo is the best and teachers rock. I love the place for many reasons but seeing my kid smile when he goes to this place is more than enough to like School Of Rock read more

My son started drums at School of Rock a few years back. He's now 10. It's such a wonderful place for him to learn and experience good ole rock n roll. He's a bit theatrical so look forward to when he'll feel comfortable doing some live shows. The school does an amazing job with these shows. We have attended ACDC and One Hit Wonders. Both were very well organized and produced and there were some really talented kids that participated. Thanks to Jason (who was Topher's first instructor & let him try guitar AND drums, and is such a nice & funny guy AND quite the musician!), Sam (great drummer and wonderful instructor who entertains all Topher's movie & book obsessions), Yamal, Dave & Jamie (for ROCK 101 & also as substitutes T has had, ALL very good and encouraging). You all ROCK and we are lucky to be a part of it. Thanks to Jo & Angel too! Julia Wynn read more

Fantastic program for kids of all ages. Teachers are great - truly music lovers and very talented.

BEST music school in town (and arguably the country). World-class curriculum, outstanding teachers who care for the kids, and your kids love the music. They don't have "recitals", but real gigs at local venues (like Red 7, etc). My kid balked at traditional music lessons, but was all-in for SOR. read more

Teachers and staff are excellent and super passionate and curriculum is dialed in and really works. We have 3 of us enrolled and we can all play multiple songs together in less than 5 months! While teachers are active musicians and award winning recording artists, the real value is the impact the teachers have personally on our sons as mentors and "big brothers/sisters." Cannot recommend them more highly. read more

We first heard of the School of Rock around the time one of our kids was 12 or 13, and starting to get really interested in drumming. We mentioned it a few times but he was always kind-of negative. Eventually, we sort-of pushed him into doing one of the short 2-week "Summer Camp" shows, just to get him out of his room. He thought it was going to be dumb. Heck, *I* thought that there was a good chance it'd be just another cheesy summer camp thing. He came back from the first day of that camp like he'd been through a religious transformation. He absolutely loved everything, everything about the experience: meeting other kids interested in music; the instructors who are all real musicians who've actually toured with bands he's heard of; the opportunity to cover real songs with real instruments turned up really loud. No kid activity is for everybody, and just like kid soccer and kid baseball and kid anything there are going to be those who like School of Rock and those who don't. What I've seen over the three years we've had two kids in the school is that the kids who get into the School of Rock thing not only like it, they love it. Sitting in the office waiting to fetch a child after a rehearsal is always amazing, as 9 and 10 year olds come marching out with guitars slung over their shoulders just beaming with happiness. It's clear that for them getting to spend a couple hours plugged into an amp playing Metallica songs is the high point of the week. In addition to just the basic music lesson aspect of the school, it's really impressive how much kids learn about being on stage and working with their instruments, cables, amps, microphones, etc. At shows, they hop on and off stage like professionals. The school operations are extremely well managed, including the always-complicated scheduling (and re-scheduling) of private lessons. Everybody is cooperative and eager to accommodate the ever-changing schedules of kids with busy school lives. The crowd of men and women who teach music and run the "shows" are all bona-fide musicians with awesome stories to tell, and every last one of them seems to really like the opportunity to work in that environment. This fall (2015) you can catch the School of Rock "House Band" playing at UT home games and at the "Austin Kiddie Limits" stage at ACL. The school shows at various clubs downtown (The Parish, Red 7 before it closed, Red Eyed Fly before it turned into whatever it is now, North Door, etc) are always open to everybody, and that's a great way to check out how the seasonal programs turn out. All in all I am as happy as can be with what School of Rock has been to my kids and my family and I'm sure I'll look back on this as one of the most amazing experiences we've been through together. read more

I love that both of my girls are playing songs already at home all on their own. They are really enjoying it! Music is a gift. Thank you for passing it on to my girls. read more

Great place for kids/teens to learn about rock and roll in a fun, cool, SAFE environment. My teen has been coming here for lessons /performances for a year now and she loves it. The teachers are really in tune with the kids and Rick Carney runs an incredibly tight ship, which can't be easy when you're working with teenagers! I highly recommend them if you have a kid wanting to learn to rock. read more

The School of Rock has transformed my three kids from wannabe rock stars to true musicians. My kids have attended the School of Rock since 2011 and have performed in many shows with the school. They previously were in their own band (for three years), so they came to the school with a lot of performance experience and knowledge. But Rick Carney and his staff have expanded their horizons greatly; my kids have learned about all types of music and have learned to really perform and play different instruments. Music is much more than learning the notes. It's about connecting with the audience, sharing an emotion, stretching outside your comfort zone, and expanding your abilities. The shows from the performance program at SOR have helped my kids to achieve all of these things, as well as to appreciate music they wouldn't otherwise have sought out. My oldest, originally the most reluctant of my kids to perform, has now been on the school's demo team for three years and last year made it to the Allstars, the national team. He has played at Lollapolooza, Summerfest, SXSW, and Austin City Limits (among others). He says the Allstars tour was the greatest experience of his life (so far!). At SOR, students are appreciated for their effort and ability. They are always encouraged, never compared to other students or made to feel "less than" when playing next to a seasoned musician. Rick Carney (also the national director for Allstars) runs a tight ship; he knows every student by name and pushes them to expand their abilities. Plus, the school is supremely organized (so different from most music schools these days!), a huge benefit for those of us with complicated schedules. The school is not about turning kids into rock stars. It's about making musicians who love music and love to rock out. The teachers are working, accomplished, educated musicians with experience in the real world of music ... and a love for helping the next generation achieve their dreams. read more

Forget DREAMING about being in a rock band--School of Rock fast tracks kids into a band experience and gives them an experience they might never have access to otherwise! I'm impressed with the amount my daughter has learned in only a few months time. Kids learn a lot of essential theory in their private lesson and then get to put it in action in a band environment and learn how to be part of a band. The School of Rock regular performances are also fantastic not only for firsthand performance experience (again, something not accessible to everyone) but for joining a fun community of people with similar interests. read more

SOR Austin ROCKS!! I can't say enough about the team that makes up School of Rock. Yvonne, Rick, Marquette (moving on up the SOR world Atlanta I think , so long we miss you ) all are professionals who have a passion for music and are great at sharing that passion with their students. I am so glad to have been introduced into this organization. Not only has my daughter been able to learn and grow in her musical experiences, she had made some great friends. If you are looking to expand your child's positive experiences, give the SOR a call. read more

This is the best music school I've seen. They have great staff and great music teachers! They are encouraging and friendly and a re great people to hang out with! read more

My son has been playing classical guitar, and wanted to learn electric, so we took him to School of Rock. He's having a lie of fun learning to play. His teacher is very positive, and gives him fun songs to learn so he wants to practice. We're fairly new to the school, but so far so good! read more

My son has attended SOR for over a year now, taking private drum lessons and performing in a show. He has really grown in his musical abilities and is often challenged. read more

Our daughter is loving playing the guitar and LOVING Rock 101! It's amazing to watch her progress, and we're really happy with her teachers. A few months ago we had a concern about knowing what exactly she was working on in class, and the School of Rock staff followed up immediately and totally satisfactorily. We love that we've finally hit on an activity our child has a real passion for! read more

Great place to learn guitar. My kiddo has attended for two years and I attend the adult program as well. Great crew, great location.

My daughter has been enrolled through her school for about 3 months now and absolutely loves it! What an awesome way to introduction the wonderful world of music to your kids! read more

My son has been playing drum set for a year now (in private lessons) and just started School of Rock last month. He loves having the opportunity to be able to play in a band and really likes his teachers. Jo and Sarah are really welcoming and helpful. read more

The School of Rock in Austin provides musical education in a format that kids love! Our son is starting his third year at the school and the entire staff is just incredible with these kids. Not only has our son learned his instrument (guitar), he has been challenged to improve himself and work with other people in collaboration and these skills have carried over to his academic achievements in school. Our whole family enjoys seeing the kids perform at their seasonal concerts. Highly recommend for anyone who has a kid interested in music-particularly who likes to ROCK:) read more