Joining the Adult Program at School of Rock Pasadena turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of my recent memory. My wife got me a trial lesson, and at the time, I was just a bedroom/garage musician who couldn't get unstuck. I walked into that first rehearsal terrified to stand up and play in front of other adults, but the culture here is unbelievably warm. Other students welcomed me immediately, and the instructors set a tone that was open and encouraging, and the fear evaporated faster than I expected. From there, I fell in. Over almost two years and five seasons, I went from a nervous beginner-in-a-band-setting to someone who genuinely feels confident playing with others. A huge part of that growth came not just from the rehearsals, but from the private lessons. They're completely customized. Some weeks I'd focus on the songs we were performing; other weeks we'd dive deep into music theory, technique, or ideas way outside the season's setlist. It felt like I had access to real mentorship, not just generic instruction. The musical directors who run the adult band rehearsals... they are the real magic. These are working musicians who teach you things you can't learn alone... how to listen, how to lock in with a drummer, how a band communicates, how to create dynamics, how to show up prepared. You could spend years trying to learn that by jamming with friends, but here you get the fast-forward version from people who live and breathe it. I learned band skills I didn't know I was missing.  People talk about the cost, and yes, it's an investment, but it's an incredible value. Weekly private lessons, weekly 90-minute rehearsals, a preview show, a big finale show, all the gear and venue logistics handled for you... you just show up and play. The performances were some of the most exhilarating moments I've had in a long time. If you're even mildly curious, do it. Beginners, rusty players, advanced players... there's room for everyone, and the instructors truly know how to bring people together. Massive thanks to all the teachers and directors. Extra shout-out to my mentors, Eva, Johnnie, Cole, Natalie, and Tomás. I'm a middle-aged guy who thought his music life was supposed to stay in the garage, and they completely changed that for me. read more

I highly recommend School of Rock of Pasadena for your children or as an older adult like me. After many years saying I was going to learn guitar on my own, it did not happen until I signed up with School of Rock. The weekly one-on-one guitar lessons and band rehearsals kept me learning and ready for the performance. At the end of the season, you get to perform with your band mates, have great friendships, and have loads of fun too. The customer service is great. You get greeted by Johnnie, the Assistant General Manager, who memorizes your name. Don't know how he does it, because there are so many students. LOL read more

My daughter, 14 loves this school of rock. She has been there for two - 3 month sessions and loves all the kids and teachers. She enjoys going there very much. The experience of getting up on a real rock stage and exploring being in a band is a huge value to her life. She will always remember this. They just played at the Troubadour!! Incredible read more

We have been attending School of Rock Pasadena for over eight years. My son Alex has thrived in several programs, from Rock 101 to performance to being in their house band. He has developed and harnessed his skills as a drummer and vocalist. The entire team fully supports him. He has the most talented instructors and is surrounded by peers who share his music taste. This has been his home, and he feels accepted and celebrated here. This is a truly transformative program for aspiring musicians with more of an edge in musical taste who want to feel seen for their abilities. It's also a good value for what you are paying. You do get so much support and opportunities to shine! read more

Nice staff who are really patient & helpful. They do not pressure you into anything. My child enjoyed their trial class and looking at signing up now! read more

Had a terrible experience in the adult performance program in this place, teachers highly unprofessional. Tons of mistakes made in music charts, big ego and arrogant attitude to talk about, unfair treatment and dishonest to students. For what I know and experience there, everyone leaves eventually after they understand what's going on. You will be so happy to start and so disappointed to leave. read more

Such an amazing program to enroll your child in !! My daughter is taking their 101 program for singing . As a student she's really enjoying the lessons and modules they base their teachings from. The instructors are all amazing and very well knowledgeable. Not only are they teaching the students , but they connect with the students on a musical level. My daughter loves her instructors and notices other instructors being just as attentive with their students. As a parent , I am very pleased with the school . The staff is always very helpful and available. I love that I get updates after every lesson my child takes. I would definitely recommend this school for beginners and advanced students . They have levels for all skills, and I can't wait for my child to promote to the next level !! Especially thanks to Rebecca and Tevis for being available for parents !! read more

School of Rock - Our first day at School Of Rock Pasadena a few months back - Specialty Schools Near Me - Pasadena, California

School of Rock, which is a fun and educational music school, is recommended by me, a student. If you (or your parents or if you are a parent, your child) would like to learn instruments (like keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, vocals, or drums), you should take a tour at this place anytime ( except Friday and Sunday) . Let me explain why I enjoy taking the time to learn here and why my mother did not regret spending money on the classes. I am currently taking private classes on guitar every Monday, and I have joined one of the performance programs on the same day. Tip: If you take one-on-one classes, they will eventually send you to a group experience called Rock 101, if you are a beginner. Another useful tip is: When your instructor decides that you are too good (which I bet you are) , you will take a test, graduate from Rock 101, and sign your name on the wall! FUN! I only been in Rock 101 for four classes, and I already got to move on. And I am one of the youngest that graduated, according to my guitar instructor. Anyway, every student ( including adults) seem to be enjoying the group and classes at SoR. Also, the staff and instructors/ group instructors are awesome and are very good at their job, which is to make music fun for everyone! First, they allow you to adjust to your instrument as slow as you want, and they will provide exercises and warm ups if you need them! They even have their own app, which is useful for learning songs and back tracking them. Next, the staffs and instructors always give you an opportunity to play another instrument. So far I only spend time on playing keyboard and guitar. If you are puzzled in what instrument to play, or you don't know what to do, you can let anyone know and they will teach you. Lastly, they never give up on you. Just keep trying, and they will say that you are awesome, or a "shredder" as they like to say. They also have many fun programs for both children and adults. I participated in the Winter camp last December to January. It was great! Now, I have to focus on another performance upcoming on May 21st,2023. Therefore, I appreciate SoR for many reasons! read more

The School of Rock totally rocks!!! . My son really enjoys his lessons here and Brady our multitalented music instructor is great with kids and a great musician! The school offers private individual lessons or the opportunity to have your kid rock it out with other kids playing different instruments! I wish they had the school of rock when I was young. What a great concept! Plus the facilities are pretty cool for kids. Props also to Laci who is so cool to the kids and parents as well! I would totally recommend this for any kids interested in a musical instrument - the school of rock makes learning music fun and interesting! read more

School of Rock - Specialty Schools Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Since the change in local management, the "fun" is no longer present according to our student. The last performance show managed by two former teachers who left after the school show was a mess. Need to improve the quality of the reception as well. read more

Pasadena location: I was concerned about my six-year-old son's safety. The teacher is great but my son's private lesson happens to be alone in a corner room in the basement. No one else is down there. The last 5 min or so of his 30 min lesson I would go downstairs, peak in the window and take a seat. Yesterday, Kevin Drew, a manager, came downstairs and asked me to go wait upstairs. He said I couldn't be down there. I said my son is alone in the basement and he's six years old. He said, "remember you signed" referring to a policy. I said "yeah, I don't care. I'm concerned for the safety of my child". He said, you can't be down here, remember you signed...there's cameras down here anyway." I replied "I didn't know that." I walked up the stairs to go wait in the waiting room and Kevin says "you can't be down here, remember you signed? And by the way, remember that sign at the front that says only students beyond this point?" All because I was concerned about my son's safety. I'm a teacher. If a parent told an administrator of their concern that their six-year-old son was in a basement alone with me, their teacher, I would completely understand. The administrator should simply address the concern by stating the safety measures in place. The response was entirely inappropriate and insulting. read more

Are you a kid that wants to have fun playing music? Are you a parent of one of those? Well I am (the latter) and my kid loves this place. We tried "traditional" music lessons and he wasn't into it. SoR was exactly what he wanted and it has been quite the success. My kid loves his lessons, the instructors and staff are cool, and the owner is approachable and reasonable. read more

We've been with School of Rock since day 1 and couldn't be happier!! We were at another school nearby for a number of years where my son played drums. But it felt like he was losing interest since the instructors weren't really into it. At SOR, the instructors are so motivational, super nice and encouraging. After his first lesson, it was like a light switch, my son came home wanting to play his drums even more! Very glad we made the switch!! In regards to the review where the person couldn't get a hold of the staff, they're not open every day so be sure to check their hours of operation. There was not one time where I reached out to them and didn't get a response within a day. read more

The instructors at School of Rock are wonderful!! Very skilled and encouraging. My daughter has been taking guitar lessons with Hassan since before Covid and has learned so much already! He's great!! They teach the music that both the kids and parents love (Radiohead, the Beatles, David Bowie). Everyone at School of Rock is really cool and they make you feel like a part of the family. They've done an amazing job keeping the kids motivated and on task through Covid period, with zoom lessons and virtual jam sessions, even a few new creative classes. The team has always been very responsive to any email or phone call I've had, and have been proactive in touching base if we happen to miss a class. School of Rock Rocks!! read more

Simply said -- we love Pasadena School of Rock. Our 10 year old started last summer with a camp, which he loved so much we enrolled him in a second. He now takes a weekly lesson and is in the Rock 101 program. He comes out of his SOR classes so happy and enthusiastic, and I know he's in safe hands while he's there. (He recently came out of lesson completely excited and inspired after watching his teacher "shred a pentatonic scale" (his words). Seriously - getting a kid excited about a scale takes real skill.) All of the teachers are amazing (patient, super talented, knowledgeable and really dialed in on the kids' interests). It's great that this program gives students the opportunity to play together as a band, even if they are young and/or brand new. And best of all, it's FUN. Plenty of basics are taught, scales, reading notes, and into music theory and such - a very solid base. But it's all taught in-context, learning actual songs. It's pretty incredible to see the staff get even the newest musicians up and playing riffs right away. I was so impressed that I even started taking adult lessons and have joined the adult performance program as well (did I mention this place is fun?). Thank you School of Rock Pasadena for providing age-appropriate, inspiring music education. read more

I am beyond happy with School of Rock in Pasadena. The entire staff, and especially Laci and my guitar instructor Kapali are so welcoming, patient and kind. I'm an "older" beginner and really excited to be on this journey. Such an incredible experience. read more

This is not about the teachers my one star is about the communication and access to actually getting hold of them. I really really wanted to like this place and very stoked about the teachers. However after numerous phone call and email attempt there's been no response so we are signed up somewhere else. read more