Carnival of Soul

School of Rock, a performance-based music education franchise, will host Saturday the reopening of its Oklahoma City location, 7200 N May Ave., Suite D, under new ownership.

To celebrate its new ownership under Jeff and Judy Walraven, School of Rock will host a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release.

The festivities will include live music, school tours, refreshments and giveaways, along with a ceremonial guitar smashing, which is School of Rock’s version of a ribbon cutting. 

“Judy and Jeff are exactly the type of people we look for to lead a School of Rock franchise,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock in a statement. “They are passionate about their community and eager to provide opportunities for students to further their music education. I look forward to watching School of Rock Oklahoma City grow as their students thrive.”

The reopening of the OKC location will allow local residents to learn music through School of Rock’s innovative, song-first teaching method. Unlike most traditional music schools, School of Rock students learn drums, keyboard, guitar, bass, and vocals by playing fun, upbeat rock ‘n’ roll music. The approach is devised to help students develop a passion and love for music that will stay with students for a lifetime, according to the news release.

“Music is a great way to find commonality among people who are otherwise very different,” Jeff Walraven said in a statement. “It brings people together and allows them to connect in new, meaningful ways.”

 Coming from careers in law and insurance, the idea operating a school of rock in their hometown was exciting for the Walravens.

“Anyone who has ever wanted to be in a rock band, or to play rock and roll music, will want to come check this out,” Judy Walraven said in a statement. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and participate in Oklahoma City’s music community.”

To learn more or to schedule a free lesson, visit okc.schoolofrock.com or call 242-4815.

About School of Rock
School of Rock is a music school for kids of all skill levels, ages and musical aspirations. With students ranging from preschool age to adults, School of Rock’s innovative song-first curriculum teaches music as a language, allowing students to fall in love with music while learning how to play their instrument. For more information about School of Rock OKC, visit okc.schoolofrock.com.

-BAM