School of Rock Palo Alto

I give SoR five stars and more than five if there was the option :)
My kids attended School of Rock in Palo Alto this summer and we had a positive experience.
My kids attended two of the summer camps that the school offered. The general manager Felix helped me pick out which camps to sign up for that were best suited for each of my boys. We went for the pop rock 101 for my younger son and the one hit wonders music video camp for my older son.
The camps were only five days long, so I wasn’t expecting much learning wise, but was more looking for them to have a good time. My oldest son was very apprehensive about going (as is pretty normal for him) and really didn’t want to attend. After the first day, my oldest son’s teacher John helped it to be a fun, at ease environment and Levi was able to open up, be himself and be comfortable there. After the first day he was significantly less apprehensive and after the second day it was gone completely.
On the fifth and final day of camp the boys performed at a Mexican restaurant next to the school to show off what they had learned. I was impressed that my younger sons teacher Edwin had been able to teach Toby (who’s only 6) the sheer amount of songs he had in such a short time.
For my older son, even though they only played a set of three songs they also put together a music video, which is a fun keepsake that I got to share with friends and family. John did a nice job putting that together. It was fun for Levi to watch. Toby’s class even made a cameo appearance in it: D
Basically my kids came to school of rock’s summer camps with no previous music background and by the last day were playing their first show ever and had a great time.

Although learning to copy popular songs is valuable to an extent, I feel that students at School of Rock never really learn anything beyond that. Once a kid develops technical skill, it’s important to equip them with the skills that will help them thrive in the long run: music theory, rhythm, improvisation, etc. School of Rock is part of a large corporate chain, and I’ve found that there are many local programs that go much more in depth & spend a lot more time focusing on individual growth. I left School of Rock for local Summer Rock Camp in downtown Palo Alto, and found that it was a much more thorough program. It also emphasized one-​on-​one interactions much more, and each kid got a large amount of individual attention.

I have been driving from Watsonville (1 – 2 hour drive!) to School of Rock Palo Alto since Fall 2013. Now that’s saying something!
SoR is a place where everyone’s inner rock star shines through. Always dreamed of singing your favorite Zeppelin song with an awesome band to a crowd of adoring strangers? Check. Yearning to show off your Rush guitar solo, play keyboard on an Artic Monkeys song, and sing backup on The Police? Check. Been meaning to try a drum lesson but want to continue the study of your main instrument at one location? Check. School of Rock really has it all for you and your kid. Yes, that’s right, I said YOU! (they teach adults too, it’s awesome)
All the teachers here are top notch and have years of experience teaching kids. (which is much different than teachings adults, mind you!) They teach bass, guitar, keyboard, vocals, and drums. Your rock band basics. Every kid is encouraged to participate in a show so that they can master their instrument and teamwork skills at the same time. It’s one thing playing that solo at home, another thing in front of a hundred people!
The school is definitely a confidence builder too. All the kids depend on each other because they each contribute different key parts to the songs. This makes them motivated in a special way. They want to impress their friends and not let down the band!
I encourage you to stop on by and take a tour, newbie or pro, 9 year old or 99! I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am in my music career without SoR, I really grew and learned things here that can’t be learned from lessons alone.
Thanks SoR!
ROCK ON

There aren’t a lot of options for kids to play music with a group, especially modern or rock music that they think is cool. School of Rock does a good job for being pretty new in this area.
My son has taken lessons with a couple of teachers there and both were dedicated and talented, although one of them didn’t seem experienced in motivating kids and keeping their interest.
The band/​group programs are really the main attraction. The kids learn a few songs and give a concert at the end of the program. Because they’re learning with other kids there’s some peer pressure that makes them take it seriously and practice. And I’ve rarely seen my son feel more proud of himself than at that concert.
Expensive but a good experience.

This place has been a blessing for my son! The staff is so enthusiastic and friendly! They help the kids feel so comfortable and welcome. My son has such a fun time playing music and simply «hanging out» during the occassional down time. He really looks forward to going every week. His drumming has improved immensely as well, but we are mostly pleased with how much fun he’s having. There are plently of opportunites for glory, so if your child is a ham, s/​he will love this place!

My 7 yr old daughter just completed her first «performance» with School of Rock and all I can say is what an amazing experience she (and I) had from beginning to end. Hansel and his staff were incredible and extremely helpful! Great place for kids/​adults to learn or enhance their music abilities while gaining self confidence.

Wow, what an amazing place! This is going to be one the most popular places in not just Palo Alto but the entire Peninsula! Be sure to check out, you will be impressed!