School of Rock Opens In Rogers, Plans Concert

School of Rock, a performance-based music school founded in 1998 by Philadelphia guitarist Paul Green, has opened a franchise in Rogers.

Co-owners Terry Longhway, Rose Carter and Dean Tarpley opened the school March 24 at 2890 W. Walnut St.

Chase Davidson is the school’s music director and Jennifer Register is its general manager.

Even before the school’s grand opening April 20-22, it had put together its first performance group and started on a set list, Register said.

Students will perform at regular music venues such as clubs on Dickson Street, she said.

“They’re all places where adult bands would play,” she said. “They are a real band, and put in just as much work as an adult band, if not more, and they deserve to be recognized for it. It’s a really important part of our program that they feel that recognition as a group of talented individuals.”

The first concert date hasn’t been set yet, but will be around the start of the fall semester, Register said.

The performance program involves one rehearsal a week ranging from 1 ½ to three hours, with one-on-one lessons available.

The school also offers a “kinder rock” program for kids as young as 4, which introduces them to music.

As for fees, Register said the school offers lots of options to accommodate parents’ and students’ needs.

“The performance classes are the heart and soul of what we do,” Register said, “but we can work with any family situation.”

Longhway, Carter and Tarpley also own five schools in the Dallas area and one in the Detroit metro area.

School of Rock, based in Teaneck, N.J., has more than 8,000 students in more than 80 franchises in the U.S. and Mexico.