People hear “School of Rock” and most immediately conjure memories of the early 2000s film where actor Jack Black transforms a group of prestigious prep school students into rock gods and goddesses to compete in a Battle of the Bands competition. Omaha’s School of Rock, a revolutionary Millard-area music school, has a similar plight, but their mission is about much more.
“Our kids went to School of Rock. They started a band and became best friends. And then we became best friends because we were managing the band,” explained Stephanie Ryan, who now owns the school, fittingly housed in what used to be a Millard school building, along with Larry Flyr, Matt Szymczak, and Melanie Szymczak.
Added Larry, “We did the booking… the merch… everything!”
“Yes,” agreed Melanie. “We did 43 shows in 52 weeks with their band. It was insane!”
The experience bonded the couples, and after seeing the impact the School of Rock program had on their kids, the four friends decided to purchase the company when the founding owner bowed out in 2019. Little did they know how the decision would change the trajectory of their lives.
“We didn’t want to see it fail. We didn’t want to see it close. The kids that were [enrolled], you looked at their faces and were like, ‘There's no way we can just turn away from this,’” said Melanie.
“The impact it had on our kids… It changed their lives completely,” said Matt. “They’re different people. Our sons were introverted.”
“My son, Jake, was so painfully shy, he couldn’t look you in the eye if you talked to him,” said Stephanie. “He was looking at your feet. School of Rock made Jake who he is today, and the biggest thing that did that was the stage.”
With a mission of growing students into real musicians, School of Rock’s method is different from other music schools as they not only teach music theory and how to proficiently sing or play instruments, but also how to perform live in a band setting.
Said Stephanie, “We don't just do lessons. If you just want lessons, we're the wrong place for you, because we’re going to put you on stage and you’re going to learn how to play as a band in a real venue with lights and sound and the whole nine yards. And that's what happened to Jake.”
The method succeeded as Jake not only found his confidence, passion, and place in the world, but also his vocation, now making a living touring and performing with a number of bands. The Szymczak’s sons, Mason and Max, also still work in music, paying it forward and impacting future students at School of Rock.
“Traditional lessons are a revolving door — get as many students in there and hope some stick,” explained Matt. “’Song first’ is our philosophy. We teach the song that matches the class.” School of Rock programs focus on modern music ranging from The Beatles, Metallica, AC/DC, to even Slayer. “Our plan is to entice students by giving them a different environment. We have multiple levels in our curriculum with music theory and everything secretly built in. That really keeps the interest of the kids. They're learning something but they don't quite realize it.”
“Yeah, you don't get School of Rock experience if you don't join the group [classes],” said Stephanie. “You can go anywhere for traditional lessons. So we do what we do. We’re good at what we do. We love what we do. It's the best job I've ever had. And we've made lifelong friendships with other families. It's one big music family.”
To get started at School of Rock, potential students can schedule a free tour and trial lesson on the school’s Web site. From there, staff assess and determine what programs will be the best fit. And new this year is an adult program, so adults can learn to rock out, too!
Since taking over, the owners have witnessed the lives of countless other kids changed as they find their confidence on stage. The School of Rock bands have even garnered attention landing them on the stages of national music festivals, two nominations at the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards for “Best Youth Band,” and Omaha Magazine’s “Best of Omaha” title for the past three years.
Interested in joining the School of Rock family? Find additional information on programming or schedule a free visit at schoolofrock.com/locations/omaha.
The impact it had on our kids… It changed their lives completely. They’re different people.