Why Kadie Thinks School of Rock Is the Perfect Gift for Kids and Adults

I wish I had an opportunity like the one offered at the School of Rock when I was a kid, because I was so eager to learn how to play and make music. When I was 6 years old, I would set up my own makeshift drum kit out of pots and pans (even though my parents hated it). I was ready to learn, and I wanted to, but my first opportunity to learn how to play a music instrument wasn’t until I was 12 years old in my middle school band program.

Even then, I didn't get the one-on-one instruction they offer at School of Rock, which is opening in East Amherst at the end of February with plans for an Orchard Park location in 2022. They are offering 30 percent off summer camps through Dec. 3 and 20 percent off up to three months of class enrollment through Dec. 31.

They offer classes for toddlers on up to adults and provide a mixture of individual and group instruction, adjusted for age and skill level, on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals. With enough practice, students will have an opportunity to perform country, rock or jazz at different venues around Western New York. They'll even have a recording studio in house for students and teacher to use! Click here to learn all the different programs they offer.

I'm really excited about their House Band. Essentially, experienced students younger than 18 can audition for a spot in the House Band, which performs gigs throughout the area. They'll even have an opportunity to participate in an 11-day tour, performing at a different venue each night. Can you imagine how excited the kids will be to climb into their own tour buses?

It's called School of Rock, but franchise owner Joseph Pietrkiewicz and his wife, RaeLyn Pietrkiewicz, are country AND rock & roll, so they'll feature all genres, including pop and rap. Joe has 16 years of teaching experience and he's like me -- he wishes the School of Rock method was available when he was a kid.

I grew up as an athlete and a band geek, but my school band was also very much a team, at least in the kids’ eyes. It would be nice to have an environment, like the one at School of Rock, that puts an emphasis on the teammate factor.

If you want to gift your children, nieces and nephews, adult siblings or friends with an awesome experience this holiday season, take advantage of School of Rock's Black Friday Sale. The summer camps can be purchased online at northbuffalo.schoolofrock.com, but you'll want to call 716-317-7625 to take advantage of the pre-enrollment sale.

You can find them on social media at facebook.com/schoolofrocknorthbuffalo, and instagram.com/schoolofrocknorthbuffalo.