Music is more than just melodies and rhythms—it’s a gateway to self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. At School of Rock Eden Prairie, owners Steve Davis and Becky Smith are passionate about inspiring young musicians and fostering a love for music through performance-based education. Since taking ownership in December 2021, the duo has built a vibrant community where students of all ages can discover their musical potential, from young beginners to seasoned performers.

Performance-Based Learning: A Proven Method

At the heart of School of Rock's philosophy is performance-based learning, a method that combines individual lessons with group rehearsals. Students don’t just learn to play their instruments—they experience what it’s like to perform in a band, collaborate with peers, and prepare for live shows. Weekly one-on-one lessons focus on refining technique and building foundational skills, while group rehearsals encourage teamwork and stage confidence.

Steve Davis explains, “In group rehearsals, students not only learn how to play together but also how to listen to one another and adjust as a team. It’s about collaboration and performance, which teaches life skills beyond music.”

This dynamic approach culminates in seasonal live performances, where students take the stage to perform in themed shows. Each three-month season focuses on a curated set of six to eight songs designed by the school’s instructors. These themes might explore specific genres, iconic artists, or broader musical concepts.

The structure of these seasons allows students to join new bands and collaborate with different peers, enriching their musical and social experiences. By working toward a shared goal, they learn the value of preparation, dedication, and adaptability.

Starting Young: The Rookies Program

For the youngest aspiring rock stars, the Rookies program introduces children aged 5-7 to the joys of music in a fun and accessible way. This program focuses on exploration, allowing children to experiment with different instruments and develop basic skills in rhythm, melody, and harmony.

“Rookies is all about sparking curiosity and building a foundation for a lifelong love of music,” says Davis. “At this age, it’s less about technical perfection and more about discovering how much fun music can be.”

Through engaging activities and age-appropriate instruction, the program helps children build confidence, develop coordination, and find their unique voice. For many, it’s the first step toward joining the full performance programs as they grow older.

A Global Network of Rock Stars

School of Rock Eden Prairie is part of a thriving global network of over 400 schools spanning 15 countries. This interconnected community provides students with unique opportunities to learn and grow alongside young musicians from around the world.

One of the highlights of this network is the School of Rock AllStars program, which selects the top 1% of students across all locations through a rigorous audition process. AllStars are placed into elite bands that tour internationally, performing at iconic venues and events.

“We’ve been thrilled to see students from Eden Prairie chosen as AllStars for the past three years,” shares Davis. “It’s an incredible accomplishment considering only 40 students are selected globally each year. These tours give them a taste of what it’s like to be a professional musician, playing on stages like The Tonight Show or major festivals.”

Building Confidence Through Band Formation

One of the most exciting aspects of the School of Rock program is the way students form new bands every season. Unlike traditional music education, where individual progress is the primary focus, School of Rock emphasizes collaboration. Each season, students are grouped into bands based on age, skill level, and the seasonal theme.

These seasonal bands work together during weekly rehearsals to prepare for their performance, with instructors guiding them through the setlist and teaching them how to play cohesively as a group.

“The seasonal structure ensures that students experience playing with different peers, which broadens their skills and strengthens their ability to collaborate,” says Davis.

Additionally, for students interested in creating their own music, the school offers a songwriting program. Here, students learn to write, compose, and record original songs,

often forming their own bands in the process. Some of these student-formed bands continue to play together long after they graduate from the program, showcasing the lasting impact of their time at School of Rock.

Join the Band

Whether your child is just starting their musical journey or ready to take the stage, School of Rock Eden Prairie offers programs tailored to all ages and skill levels. With experienced instructors, a supportive community, and connections to a global network of rockers, Steve and Becky are helping students unlock their potential one note at a time.

To learn more about School of Rock Eden Prairie, visit their website or stop by for a tour. With programs for kids, teens, and even adults, there’s a place for everyone in the band!

If you're interested in having an interview for a member blog, please email Grace Leapaldt at grace.leapaldt@epchamber.org for more details!