The School of Rock has landed in the UK, bringing its Rock ‘n’ Roll inspired sessions to music fans in Twickenham.
The brand new branch replaces the former Barclays Bank building in York Street, right in the centre of Twickenham, offering immersive music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.
The school is famous for its performance-first approach of teaching, replacing traditional music theory and scales drills with immersive band rehearsals and live gigs, turning students into band members right from the first week.
The international music franchise, first founded in Philadelphia in 1978, hosts over 410 locations across 16 countries around the world.
Matias Puga-Hamilton, 53, a former finance executive and part time drummer turned master franchiser from Chile, is responsible for leading the school’s expansion to over nine countries in Latina America and now the UK.
He said: “Richmond and Twickenham are iconic for music. The Rolling Stones played here and I have always loved the British rock scene.”
The school’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that music has the power to transform lives and unlock creative confidence so launching in Twickenham, a family centered community connected to music is especially important for Puga-Hamilton, a father and musician.
“We want children and adults to just try and learn by playing actual songs and by the end of the course after a few months they get to perform in a band,” Puga-Hamilton said.
The Twickenham studio is equipped with a range of instruments, from guitars to drum sets and keyboards.
The first cohort is set to perform in Shepherd’s Bush performing as a tribute band to the Beatles, a nod to the school’s special relationship to British music.
The school offers eight core programmes to students of all ages, from four to 18+ years, where supported by expert teachers and professional musicians they learn to rock out on a multitude of instruments.
Students enrolled on the adult programme can expect a weekly private lesson, as well as live rehearsals where they can play specific songs assigned to each band in preparation for a performance at a venue in the capital.
Featured image credit: Roger Singaraj
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