Music School Rocks its Way into Encinitas and the Heart of San Diego

School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, announced it opened its newest location, School of Rock Encinitas, on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 165 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, California 92024. In addition to introducing this brand new school to Encinitas, the current School of Rock San Diego will be moving to a vibrant new location that is twice the size of its previous space, in the heart of San Diego at Liberty Station in Point Loma this March.

School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to new and classic hits and performing on stage with their peers. Music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where music students of all skill levels are comfortable yet challenged at every turn. In addition to individual private music instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students also learn how to jam with their peers in a weekly practice session. The team dynamic creates a supportive and motivating environment where kids feel inspired to excel.

School of Rock Encinitas is in good hands as General Manager Laura Bratlien and Music Director Tyler Ward have a deeply-rooted passion for music and performing. Both Bratlien and Ward are residents of San Diego and are bringing their expertise from School of Rock San Diego, which has been training students since 2007. School of Rock San Diego is preparing for its big move this spring to Liberty Station in Point Loma to better accommodate existing and new students.

Upon learning about a new School of Rock opening in Encinitas, Bratlien and Ward jumped at the chance to help build it from the ground up, introducing School of Rock’s unique concept to kids in that community. Having seen incredible growth with School of Rock San Diego students – like with five year School of Rock veteran, Jordan Krimston, who made it to the big stage last year performing at Chicago’s Lollapalooza -- they both can’t wait to find out what is in store with this new batch of students.  

“For the past several years, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to play a role in building kids’ musical skills and aspirations through School of Rock,” said Bratlien. “Both Tyler and I have seen firsthand how School of Rock can impact kids in so many ways, helping them develop both their musical talent as well as strong friendships with their peers. It’s very exciting to be able to offer this one-of-a-kind experience to the Encinitas community.”

All School of Rock programs are performance-based and emphasize that music education is not just about teaching an instrument; it’s about teamwork, building confidence, and enabling students to reach their full potential. The first stage is “Rock 101”, which teaches basic skills through 45-minute private lessons and 90-minute group sessions. Next, students reach the heart and soul of School of Rock, the “Performance Program.” This stage consists of 45-minute private lessons and a 3-hour rehearsal each week, and a final show. The students are cast in songs and rehearse them each week, preparing to play them on stage at a real venue in front of real fans. School of Rock also offers 5-10 day intensive summer, spring break and winter camps, which involve daily rehearsals with a big show at the end. These 5-10 day intensive camps are guaranteed to transform a wannabe into a true rock performer.  School of Rock also recently launched an adult performance program and a pre-school program called “Little Wing,” which is designed to introduce toddlers to the joy of music.

What truly sets School of Rock apart from other music training is the School of Rock Allstars.  Each spring, students from School of Rock locations all over the world audition for the AllStars—a group of top students that embarks on a summer tour, complete with tour buses and multiple live shows throughout the country. Acclaimed as some of the best young musicians in the world, the students have performed at Red Rocks, Lollapolooza, Hangout Music Fest, NAMM, Gathering of the Vibes, Austin City Limits, BB King’s and countless other venues. The AllStars have shared the stage with the likes of Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, Eddie Vedder, Slash and other big rock names.

Also, through School of Rock’s “Guest Performer Series,” students have the opportunity to learn from and jam with some of music’s most iconic names, including Jon Anderson, lead vocalist from the legendary rock band Yes, Earl Slick, David Bowie’s guitarist, seminal post-punk bass player Mike Watt, and collaborator of the groundbreaking, pop-rock duo The Eurythmics, Dave Stewart.

Stay tuned for School of Rock Encinitas’ grand opening celebration full of festivities to take place on March 8, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The events will kick off with a live music performance from School of Rock students, and feature family fun activities and refreshments.

School of Rock Encinitas is open Monday – Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  For more information about the school, please contact 760-230-5968, encinitas@schoolofrock.com, or visit http://encinitas.schoolofrock.com/. School of Rock San Diego is open Monday – Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about the school, please contact 619-696-9343, sandiego@schoolofrock.com, or visit http://sandiego.schoolofrock.com/.