We sat down with Malcolm Crocker, 51, general manager of the School of Rock in Twickenham as he discussed Summer Fest and the inner workings of the music school.
School of Rock is a music school in the heart of Twickenham that takes practical learning to the next level where students are taught not just how to play instruments, but to perform them too.
The school’s previous experience of performing in well-known local nightclubs, like Circuit in Kingston, have provided the students the opportunity to prepare for their biggest performance to date in Summer Fest which was held on July 12 at Richmond Athletic Ground.
The students performance varied from renditions of David Bowie and Queen – all the way to themes such as ‘one hit wonders’.
Malcolm said excitedly: “The [event] is a huge highlight and we’ve only been going since October.”
Music is notorious for allowing people to make connections with others, and Malcolm is adamantly positive that the music school can provide new opportunities for connections between young people.
When asked what the most exciting part of the job is, Malcolm explained: “100% it’s the performance side of the operation.
“Kids and teenagers have an ability to find their tribe, in a physical way, not in a digital way.”
Malcolm also details the School of Rock’s participation in the upcoming High Tide Festival, with many of the school’s bands playing throughout the day alongside their elite adult band.
Malcolm said: “It’s really great to be part of the biggest free music festival in the country.”
The general manager says he adores his aspiring musicians, and for being a part of the musical community that has centred around Twickenham for decades, leaning into the influences of musical icons Genesis and Eric Clapton.
The rich musical history of Twickenham proves to be a huge factor within the School of Rock’s Twickenham location as well as their participation in local events such as High Tide, as Malcolm suggests.
Eel Pie Island was famous in the 1950s and 60s for rock, blues and jazz driven by local promoter Arthur Chisnall.
Malcolm explained: “It is exciting considering the history of music from Eel Pie Island and the birthplace of so many great brands that have emerged; to be able to play a show that’s effectively overlooking the island.”
The unconventional leadership of the School of Rock ensures musical lessons are practical – performing regularly instead of taking exams for a grade, helping students improve their music skills in front of an audience.
Malcolm said: “As humans, we need to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable, because life will always throw those challenges at you.
“When you do something as a collective, it becomes much more powerful because you have a shared experience… that is tremendously empowering.”
The School of Rock is the first UK flagship of the world’s largest performance-based music school, established in the US state of Philadelphia in 1998.
Since October 2025, the School of Rock has been teaching its 280 members, allowing them to gain valuable skills that Malcolm says can be translated to everyday life.
Malcolm explained: “A year in School of Rock is worth three years outside of that space.”
Students play local shows every three or four months in either Richmond or Twickenham building their connection with the local area.
In being the first of the US franchise in the UK, with Twickenham the original branch, the area’s already rich musical history is revived, bringing in new generations.
The School of Rock hopes to continue expanding their unconventional approach to musical learning, both in and outside of London.
Malcolm said: “Hopefully we’re going to have 10 within the next five years. All generally around London, although we’re obviously looking further afield than that.”
The school is certain to have a positive influence on more people in Twickenham in the future.
Featured image credit: Ethan Judd
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