Grand Rapids ‘School of Rock’ Opening Soon, Offering Summer Camps
Soon enough summer break will be here and the choruses of "I'm bored!" will begin. If your kiddo is into music, a new, unique music school is opening in Grand Rapids and offering summer camps!
What is School of Rock Grand Rapids?
Part of the School of Rock franchise, that bills itself "the most revolutionary music education school in the world", the Grand Rapids facility is set to open near Breton Village Mall this spring.
Early in 2021, owners Gwen Builtema and her husband began the process of opening a Grand Rapids' School of Rock location. In November, Bultema spoke with Fox 17 about the new school, saying,
We wanted to be able to kind of create not only a music education program but a place where people can hang out and feel at home.
She says students will get one on one instruction and also get to perform with other students:
Our cornerstone class would be a one-on-one kind of lesson with an instructor, and then later in the week, you would do a performance-based kind of group class.That's where you've got somebody on drums and bass and vocals, and you're learning together, and you're singing songs.
The plan is for the groups to eventually perform at local music venues. How cool will that be?!
Who Can Take Classes at School of Rock Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids School of Rock offers music education for students of all ages and skill levels. Adults are welcome too! They offer programs in guitar, drums, voice, bass guitar, keyboard/ piano, and there's even a music course for toddlers and preschoolers.
When Will School of Rock Grand Rapids Open?
Initially aiming to open in late last year, the construction timeline was pushed back by the pandemic. In December, School of Rock shared a video update on their progress and a tour of the facility.
And now it sounds like they're almost ready to open! School of Rock began early enrollment in January. You can check out their course offerings here.
School of Rock is also offering the below camps this summer:
- Rookies, ages 5-7, August 1-5, 9am to noon
- Rock 101, ages 7-12, June 13-17, 9am to 3pm
- Songwriting, ages 7-18, July 18-22, 9am to 3pm
You can learn more about the summer camps and register here.
Stay tuned their Facebook page for an exact "grand opening" date.