Noted Musicians Are Talented Instructors for Rock & Roll After School

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 01, 2009 -
PHOENIXVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – Some of the Philadelphia area’s most talented music artists are instructing students at Rock & Roll After School, opening on Monday, June 15 at 400 Franklin Avenue in Phoenixville, PA.  Rock & Roll After School is where kids ages 8 to 18 can learn from professionals how to play, perform and create their own music.

   Philadelphia-area musicians from well-known bands, including John Lilley (of the Hooters), Music Director/Instructor Michael O’Brien (formerly of Jealousy Curve), Michael Radcliffe (formerly of Robert Hazard & the Heroes), and Rich Fogg (formerly of Pawnshop Roses) are instructors in guitar, bass and drums. Revel Music artist and acclaimed solo guitarist Trevor Gordon Hall also teaches guitar.

   Piano and voice instructor Melissa Kusheloff Davignon, former backup vocalist for Tom Gillam, also previously taught general and choral music in grades K-12.  

   Instruction in DJ (turntable) techniques is taught by club and radio DJ Erica Baran (The Baraness) and DJ and audio engineer Larry D. Fowler, Jr. (DJ Mr. Cisum).

“These talented artists have real-world performance experience that our students are eager to absorb,” said Erin Riley, President, Rock & Roll After School. “But more importantly, they share a desire to impart their love of learning and playing music to the next generation.”

Unlike traditional music schools or lessons, Rock & Roll After School functions as combination music school and after-school community center - where kids interact as they explore their musical pursuits. Students are taught music theory and musicianship, as well as songwriting and performance, and perform their original works alongside other selections during concerts held throughout the year. Master classes, workshops and special events are designed to enhance each student’s experience and musical endeavors, and to encompass all popular music genres.

Rock & Roll After School’s brand new, state-of-the art, 5,850-square foot facility features 8 private lesson rooms (including a soundproof room for drums), a “quiet room” for homework study, a group “hangout room,” and an impressive, 4,000-square foot performance venue complete with professional staging, 24-channel sound board, DJ booth and lighting. Expansive, colorful, custom wall murals highlight the school’s open and inviting spaces. An in-house music supply store keeps students stocked with guitar strings, picks, and drumsticks, and serves double-duty as a box office for special events.

To provide the most professional instruments and equipment, Riley has secured sponsorships from companies including Bugera amps, D'Addario strings, DW drums, Gallien-Krueger bass amps, Hercules, KORG, Rhythm Tech, Sabian cymbals, Seymour Duncan, Toca Percussion, Ultrasone headphones and Vater drumsticks.

Rock & Roll After School is located at 400 Franklin Avenue (in Franklin Commons), Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460, convenient to major routes including the PA Turnpike, I-76, and routes 422, 29, 202, 23 and 113, as well as SEPTA bus and R5 rail service. The hours are 3-8 pm Monday through Friday, and 11am-4pm Saturday. The phone number is 610.983.4650. Rock & Roll After School is not affiliated with any other music school. Complete lesson and registration information, directions, photos and more can be found at www.rockandrollafterschool.com.

Photos, media tours and interviews are available upon request.


About Erin Riley, President, Rock & Roll After School:
Erin Riley brings more than 30 years’ experience in radio, music and entertainment to Rock and Roll After School (www.rockandrollafterschool.com), which she was inspired to create following her teenage son’s positive experiences in learning piano and guitar. She began as a disc jockey at the legendary KROQ/Los Angeles before becoming music director for WMMR/Philadelphia, for which she was recognized with Gavin Report’s “Music Director of the Year” award three times, and Billboard’s “Music Director of the Year” award. As executive director of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS, the organization that produces the GRAMMY Awards), Riley increased membership by more than 300% and maintained a 98% annual retention rate, making it one of the most successful chapters in the GRAMMY family. Riley also produced and hosted Xtra Local on WXPN/ Philadelphia, showcasing independent music, and produced the station’s highly successful Singer-Songwriter Weekend music festivals on the Delaware River waterfront. She has also worked extensively in concert, theatre and special event production and marketing for commercial as well as non-profit concerns. More information about Erin can be found at http://erinriley.com.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10248116/1