Rockstar Music School in Altamonte Springs is celebrating its first year of teaching future rock stars! The school ─ which specializes in bass, drum, guitar, keyboard, piano, and vocal lessons ─ offers a fun, rock star cool alternative to traditional lessons or the school band.

The school’s charity arm, Rockstar Music Foundation, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a simple mission: to offer music lessons and create performance opportunities to everyone, regardless of disability, ability to pay, or prior music training.

The concept of Rockstar Music was the brainchild of founder David Axel, a drummer with the local band Midnight Mayhem and dad to 14-year-old Zac who has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Zac has a genuine love and rare true talent for music. In fact, he’s following in his father’s footsteps by playing the drums. And, just like David, Zac will remind you that his favorite type of music is rock, specifically classic rock… not that “new” stuff.

David enrolled Zac in drum lessons at a local for-profit music school but, soon, worrisome phone calls began. Instructors felt that his son was “difficult to work with,” “stubborn,” and “disruptive.” During an uncomfortable conversation with the school’s owner, David was told, “If you think you have all the answers, why don’t you go open a music school?” So he did, and Rockstar Music School was born.

“I remember thinking that there really was no place that was ready, willing, and able to teach music to the next generation of musicians ─ no matter who they were or what they could afford.  I was determined to fix that,” explained David. Since opening its bright blue doors last year, Rockstar and its team of professional musicians have welcomed scores of students into the eclectic space. Although the school is open to all, the staff has a special talent and drive to help kids with learning disabilities overcome hurdles and unleash their inner rock stars.

All students follow an original three-step approach, and are soon playing and mastering the music that they love. The first part of each lesson (similar to that of a traditional music school) teaches proper technique; the second half of the lesson reinforces those techniques by learning and playing actual songs ─ but not obscure songs that no one under the age of sixty wants to hear! Rather, at Rockstar, the students learn music that they like and yearn to play. Once a student feels rock star ready, he/she is offered the opportunity to join one of the house bands sponsored by the school. The bands open for local acts and play at charity and community events, usually about once a month.

Like a professional music studio, the walls of Rockstar Music School and studios are full of cool memorabilia, like classic albums, autographed photos, drum heads, signed cymbals, and guitars. The custom-designed rehearsal space provides a professional sound and lighting system that allows budding musicians to practice their personal style and craft.

Because the school is open to all, even a budding musician who was previously labeled as a “problem kid,” every student feels a level of comfort and personal inspiration. And that’s why the magic happens! Soon, young musicians are transformed into rock stars, armed with the confidence to meet challenges on and off the stage.

“I have an audition for Berklee (College of Music) next month,” said Bethany in her soft voice. This very shy high school senior started vocal lessons last year with local chanteuse Lyndsley Green. Although Bethany’s speaking voice is soft and sweet, she can turn on her performance mode to belt out torch songs like Billie Holiday! She is on a mission now to make up needed academic credits so she can move on to a performing arts school, like Berklee, next year. By her own admission, last year she couldn’t gather up the courage to even order a pizza but, now, she’s proudly taking her voice abilities to the next level and showing off her skills at auditions. Bethany’s talent was always there and Rockstar Music just gave her a safe place to discover it for herself.

“Kids come in for their first lesson with their eyes averted, heads down, and voices so low that I have to strain to hear them,” said Johnny Lovacaine, a Rockstar instructor. “Some with their attitude wrapped so tightly that they can barely move, let alone succeed.” However, within a month, the once-shy students are typically chatting up fellow musicians in the lobby and rushing to see their bandmates in the rehearsal room. They are happy, enthusiastic, and engaged. They are rock stars… some for the first time in their lives.

At a recent performance at Dexter’s in Lake Mary, Zac stood up at his drum set for a particularly tasty roll. His mom giggled as she watched her son mimic his dad’s style. Admittedly, Zac looked over his shoulder and said, “Yeah, but I make it look cool!”

Rockstar Music School’s waiting list is as long as, well, as long as a drum solo. To help children (or another kids in need) foster their inner rock star, or to book a Rockstar band for an event, visit RockStarMusicLessons.com.

Sarah Harvey:  I’m a freelance writer, local music fan and volunteer at the Rockstar School of Music.  My website and portfolio can be found at www.selahbeemedia.com