Grand-opening day is less than a week away for School of Rock-West Seattle, one of our newest sponsors. As a new local sponsor, they get the chance to introduce themselves to you, and here’s what School of Rock-West Seattle would like you to know:

Residing in a residential neighborhood, School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and on stage performing with their peers. Music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where music students of all skill levels are comfortable yet challenged at every turn. In addition to individual private music instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students also learn how to jam with their peers in a weekly rehearsal session.

West Seattle will be operated by former School of Rock instructor Phil Gustavson along with father Bob Gustavson and close friend Eric Muhs, each musicians, passionate youth advocates, and educators. Phil’s lifelong love of music began at an early age playing piano and falling asleep in the booths of clubs listening to his father’s bands. At age 12 he picked up a guitar, and his musical journey continued into adulthood as he produced small, all-ages concerts for local bands and played in various bands in his hometown of Richland, WA. After a horrific car accident in 2001, he lost use of his arm for a time and his ability to play guitar was tested. But from hardship came new dedication and he vowed to pursue his passion for music and education.

Following graduation from The Evergreen State College, Phil formed the Seattle area gypsy jazz group Hochiwichi and found a part time job teaching at The Seattle School of Rock. He rose the ranks from teacher to Assistant GM while earning two Master’s Degrees from Antioch University, which gave him the tools to become the operator of his own School of Rock.

“For the past six years I have had so much fun introducing students to music and I’ve seen firsthand how this place can impact kids in positive ways,” said Phil, “I’m thrilled to be bringing School of Rock to West Seattle families. It is such an enriching and creative environment that benefits not just the students but the community.”

All School of Rock programs are performance-based and emphasize the message that music is not just about playing an instrument; it’s about teamwork, building confidence, and creating leaders. The first stage is “School of Rock 101,” teaching basic skills through 45-minute private lessons and 90-minute group sessions. Next, students reach the main program, the heart and soul of School of Rock – the “Performance Program.” This stage consists of 45-minute private lessons and a final show. The students are cast in songs and rehearse them each week, preparing for a blowout concert in front of a real live audience.

Additionally, School of Rock also offers 5-day intensive summer, spring break, and winter camps, involving rehearsals with a big show at the end. These 5-day intensive camps are guaranteed to transform a wanna-be into a true rock performer.  School of Rock also recently launched an adult performance program and a preschool program called “Little Wing.”

Through School of Rock’s “Guest Performer Series,” students have the opportunity to learn from and jam with some of music’s most iconic names, including Matt Cameron, drummer from Soundgarden and Pearl Jam; Jon Anderson, lead vocalist from the legendary rock band Yes; Earl Slick, David Bowie’s guitarist; seminal post-punk bass player Mike Watt; and collaborator of the groundbreaking pop-rock duo The Eurythmics, Dave Stewart.

The grand opening for School of Rock-West Seattle is this Saturday, January 31st, 1-6 pm; pre-registration discounts are available now. Regular hours at 4701 41st SW will be Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, please call 206-294-3175.

We thank School of Rock-West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

What should the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce focus on in 2015? That’s one of the topics in the spotlight at the annual meeting this Thursday (January 29th), and the Chamber says both members and nonmembers are invited. The catered luncheon starts at 11:30 am at the city-landmark Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd/Lander); if you sign up by the end of today, you’re eligible for the early-registration discounted rate of $25 member/$35 non-member. Go here to register online.