School of Rock Update
Christmas Melodies
During a lesson in Manitouwadge, Johnson teaches 5 year old Emeraude Charron about the parts of a guitar.
Are you thinking of buying your child an instrument for Christmas? The School of Rock has a variety of instruments, music books and instrumental accessories available and also offers lessons in many Northshore communities. If Santa is bringing your loved one a guitar, piano or drum kit this year, make the most of it with the gift of lessons from the School of Rock, these can help in developing a love of music that will last a lifetime! Continue reading to learn more about the School of Rock…
Keith Johnson’s love for music began more than a decade ago and has been building momentum ever since. This fall, in addition to his role as the Lead Singer / Rhythm Guitarist of Marathon based band Broken Jimmy, Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to launch School of Rock, offering musical instruction across the Northshore.
Though School of Rock’s primary focus is to enrich musical opportunities across the Northshore. Johnson sells supplies including beginner instruments, guitar strings, tuners, drum sticks, guitar picks, metronomes, etc., aspiring to have a storefront in the not-so-distant future. DJ services are also provided as are sound services for bands. A music camp is planned which will run for 2 weeks beginning Summer 2011 for students who want an opportunity to network with other musicians and get accustomed to playing music in a band setting.
The School of Rock has received an incredible response, across the Northshore, from those wanting piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drum lessons or in need of equipment and books. More than 50 students are currently receiving instruction from School of Rock in Manitouwadge and Marathon with technical instruction based on that of the Frederick Harris Music books Johnson sells. Testing for students to receive official accreditations while studying with the School of Rock will be done in collaboration with the Royal Conservatory of Ontario.
If this weren’t enough, Johnson also provides lessons at Marathon’s Margaret Twomey Public School and Holy Savior School, and in Manitouwadge at Our Lady of Lourdes School and Manitouwadge Public School, thanks to the Ontario Education Act’s stipulation that students can leave class for up to one half day per week to receive musical instruction.
Marathon student Jayden Serrao with School of Rock Owner/Instructor Keith Johnson.
Johnson has started a waiting list for potential students in Terrace Bay and White River as people in those communities have expressed an interest in musical training from the School of Rock as well. Johnson has stipulated that a minimum of 10 students per town will need to register before he can begin scheduling the lessons; there is unfortunately also a maximum, those interested may be disappointed if they delay. A ½ hour lesson is $15 (in all communities).
[cincopa AMNA7VaxEn84] Why should you or your child begin music lessons? Well, Johnson reminds OntarioNewsNorth.com readers of the countless benefits to incorporating music into daily life including:
- Brain development: Early musical training has been proven to help develop the areas of the brain involved in language and reasoning.
- Problem Solving/Creativity: Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.
- Academic Success: Students who study music are more successful on standardized tests and achieve higher grades.
- Diligence: Studying music teaches students to learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
- Discipline/Team Work: Musical study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for an orchestra, or even a duet, to perform well all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal; they must commit to learning music, attending rehearsals, and practicing to ensure the outcome is a successful performance.
If you are interested in learning more about the School of Rock, you can;
- Enjoy performances by some of the students in Marathon at the Annual Christmas Recital hosted by the Marathon Public Library (time/date to be announced)
- Follow the School of Rock on Facebook
- Contact Keith at the School of Rock by calling 807-228-0194
- Marathon Public Library Hours of operation
