Not every kid wants a trophy. Some want a mic. A stage. A setlist.
Before the hit Jack Black movie, School of Rock was already a real place. And in the Valley, it’s more than real, it’s transformative.
“Sure, people still expect Jack Black,” laughs Michelle Worley, General Manager of School of Rock Scottsdale. “But what we’ve built is something even cooler. Because it’s real. And it’s theirs.”
This is where kids who don’t quite click with cleats or letterman jackets come to feel seen. Maybe they’re quiet, overlooked, unsure. Doesn’t matter. Once they pick up that guitar or step behind that drum kit, they start to come alive.
“We’re a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through music. But what we’re really teaching are life skills... teamwork, confidence, self-awareness through group development and performance,” says Michelle.
The program starts with understanding each student’s interests, learning style, and ability. Students begin with private lessons, but they’re quickly placed in a band setting, rehearsing multiple times a week under the guidance of professional instructors. These are musicians who also serve as mentors.
Placement is thoughtful as kids are grouped not only by age and skill, but by vibe.
“We often have elementary schoolers playing alongside high schoolers. It’s amazing to see how that dynamic brings out the best in both. The older ones step up as leaders, and the younger ones rise to the challenge.”
And the music? It’s the soundtrack of rebellion, resilience, and joy. Setlists have included Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Joan Jett, Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd, Green Day, Metallica, Queen, The White Stripes, and themed shows like Women in Rock, Best of the ’90s, British Invasion, and Arena Rock Anthems.
“Imagine trying to learn basketball without ever playing a game. That’s what traditional music lessons feel like to a lot of kids. We throw them into the game... in a good way. That’s where the growth happens."
Every few months, a new season begins. And at every session’s end, students hit the stage. And these aren’t pretend performances; they’re legit shows, held at real venues, with real crowds.
One of the most supportive venues? Wasted Grain in Old Town Scottsdale, part of Square One Concepts.
“Wasted Grain has many faces,” says General Manager Marcel Engelmann. “It’s not just a nightclub, it’s also a great live music venue. We love hosting events like School of Rock because we support all forms of musicianship, especially the next generation.”
The impact goes both ways.
“Seeing kids on stage in a professional environment is amazing. It’s a real confidence booster. And for us, it showcases what Wasted Grain can be- a multifunctional space where real community moments happen,” says Marcel.
That first show is always transformative.
“The adrenaline mixed with the sense of victory is pretty intense,” says Michelle. “Kids leave the stage taller. They realize they just did something they never thought they could.”
And the kids feel it, too:
“I can be loud and myself when I’m playing music.” — John, age 13
“I was super proud of myself when I played ‘Come Together’ for my school talent show—and I learned that song here.” — Charlie, age 7
“Sometimes we get to mosh around on stage and bang our heads to the music. That helps me get the anger out. I always feel better after I play music with my friends.” — Max, age 9
And for many of these kids, music becomes something more than a hobby.
“Music is therapy, whether we call it that or not. We’ve had students come in who were battling anxiety, self-doubt, or simply didn’t feel like they belonged anywhere. Suddenly, they’re part of something. They’re creating, expressing, and bonding over a jam session. That kind of emotional growth? You can’t measure it in notes.”
And science backs that up. Research from the American Psychological Association and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine shows that playing music activates nearly every region of the brain, enhancing memory, emotional regulation, motor coordination, and even resilience to stress. Furthermore, it says music training significantly reduces depression and anxiety levels in adolescents, while improving executive functioning and overall well-being. And for kids navigating anxiety, ADHD, or social isolation, consistent music education leads to measurable improvements in mood, self-esteem, and interpersonal connection.
“Kids start as young as six; adults are part of the mix too. The structure is fluid but supportive: Rock 101 for newcomers, performance groups for intermediate players, and House Band for the most committed. Everyone performs. Everyone improves,” reflects Michelle.
In fact, they’ve had students go on to form bands, record albums, and tour. One standout success story? Doll Skin, a band that formed at School of Rock Scottsdale, won their high school Battle of the Bands, and caught the attention of Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, who signed them to a record deal.
“It’s not just about building musicians. It’s about building humans who know how to collaborate, express themselves, and stay true to who they are.”
But most students won’t need a record label to feel like they belong. That happens the moment the lights hit and the first chord rings out.
Rock on.
Visit the Scottsdale & Arcadia Locations: schoolofrock.com