(Photo by Noah Nelson)
A new musical institution has opened its doors in Bend, promising to offer musical lessons and a fun, safe space to learn for students of all ages. School of Rock opened their doors on October 9 of this year. Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting, the owners, Niki and Jeff Reading, opted for a more theme-appropriate “guitar smashing,” headed by their son, a student at the school.
The lessons focus around the classic rock band formation: singing, guitar (both lead and bass), drums and keyboard/piano. Students often feel more connected to lessons where they learn songs and styles from artists they already enjoy, and School of Rock fosters that appreciation into education and art.
Co-owner Jeff first encountered the School of Rock when he was living with his family in Seattle. His teenage daughter saw a performance put on by the school and was mesmerized watching another girl rocking out on stage.
Once they settled in Bend, Jeff and Niki began to ask themselves, “Why does a place like Bend not have a School of Rock?”
They both believed that the franchise would fit great in a community like Bend, with a lively local music scene and an appreciation for the arts. Eventually, thoughts became words that became actions, and this husband and wife duo brought the School of Rock to Bend.
“We are very excited to offer a new space where kids and adults can express themselves creatively, discover what they are capable of, and deepen their connections with their community,” said Jeff.
School of Rock began as a single school in Philadelphia in 1998. In 2004, the company introduced a franchise model, and under new ownership since 2009, it has grown from 4,000 to more than 70,000 students, with over 650 schools open or in development across 23 global markets.
School of Rock Bend offers music programs for all skill levels and age groups, from kids as young as three to adults. Students receive weekly one-on-one instruction on their instrument, and participate in group rehearsals that culminate in live performances at real venues. School of Rock’s patented performance-based model builds musical skills while fostering life skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork.
Cooperation and creativity abound; the School of Rock is exactly what can help bolster a musical scene, and more than that, it is something that helps bring people together and create community.
“Community building is more important now than ever,” said Jeff. “People are becoming more and more isolated — as our reliance on screens grows, so does the loneliness epidemic throughout the country and among our children. Music, on the other hand, brings people together. It’s the most accessible of the arts, and the most vital. It gives us comfort when we’re hurt, teaches us how to feel when we’re confused, clarifies who we are when we’re lost. It’s also fun — fun to listen to and fun to play. Our school is a screen-free place for people in our community to come together, play music, have fun — and maybe even join the next generation of musicians in the Bend music community.”
The school itself is stylized to the max. Local artists VIVI Design Co. and Mac the Fruit Bat designed beautiful murals and walls to add to the creative feel of the school; colorful, musically inspired designs help students get into the groove and transport them to a place of fun and creativity.
The instructors who are guiding students on their own musical journeys are all local artists who can be heard themselves on stages across town.
“I’m genuinely excited to be an instructor because it allows me to share the transformative power of music with both youth and adults, while immersing myself in Bend’s vibrant community of passionate musicians,” said instructor Breanna Gonzalez. “School of Rock offers more than just music lessons — it cultivates a vibrant ecosystem where artistry and community thrive in tandem. By emphasizing collaborative performance alongside individual instruction, it nurtures not only technical skill but also creative synergy and confidence on stage. In a town like Bend, this creates rich soil for emerging musicians to blossom, fostering a culture that values experimentation, connection and shared passion. The institution acts as a catalyst, weaving together diverse talents into a cohesive, dynamic scene that enriches the local culture and inspires the next generation of artists to carry the torch forward.”