School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, will be celebrating the opening of its school in North Haven, Connecticut, with an event taking place at 72 Washington Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Along with live performances from students and staff, the event will offer a raffle, food and drinks and more.
School of Rock North Haven is owned by Michael Stearns, a lifelong music enthusiast who discovered his profound connection to music through his childhood fascination with “Mary Poppins.” The magic of its music and dance kindled a lasting passion. It was during high school that he would find his true calling through classical vocal training.
As a School of Rock student, Stearns merged his classical expertise with contemporary music, forming bands and performing at various Connecticut venues by age 14. A pivotal moment came at age 15 when he became the lead singer in the Led Zeppelin tribute band, Presence, which solidified his reputation as a top-tier performer.
After graduating, Stearns returned to Connecticut and began teaching at School of Rock Madison. His teaching experience served as the inspiration behind opening his own location. Stearns’s journey, from “Mary Poppins” to opening his own School of Rock location underscores the lasting impact of music and its ability to influence lives and guide musicians in their individual journeys.
“It’s truly a full-circle journey, from being a student and teacher at School of Rock to now owning my own. The music that once inspired me as a student now fuels the passion I instill in others as an educator,” said Stearns. “As a student, I soaked in the wisdom and the magic of music, and now as an owner, I have the privilege of passing it forward, nurturing other people’s talents.”
School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging music lesson experience, which includes bass lessons, guitar lessons, singing lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin. Thanks to the school’s performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.
“Michael’s journey with us, from student to teacher, and now as owner, showcases his dedication to music education,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “His genuine love of rock n’ roll is admirable. I’m confident he’ll be an outstanding leader for the new School of Rock in North Haven.”
For more information on School of Rock North Haven visit, https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/northhaven