There’s a line from the 2003 movie School of Rock that aligns a bit with the Carlstadt music school of the same name:
“It will test your head, and your mind, … and your brain too.” — Jack Black as Dewey Finn, explaining the power of rock.
Not the same context, and meant as a joke in the film, which, in case you’re wondering, has little to do with the School of Rock franchise. (It opened as a single location in 1998, five years before the 2003 hit flick and a year after franchising in 2004.)
School of Rock Carlstadt
When longtime best friends Dominique Abita and Dave Santamaria decided to go into business together, it was after each had pursued different career paths. Wanting to be more immersed in music while a career as well, School of Rock hit the right notes.
“The music is the easy part,” said Dave Santamaria, co-owner and general manager.
Co-owner and music director Dominique Abita agreed, adding, “Music becomes the neutral ground … it’s where they find a language they all speak.”
When it’s time to get serious, it’s not packed with scales and theory – it’s about music like Led Zeppelin or The Rolling Stones – and understanding how they hear it differently. Their parents, from oldtimers-o-clock, didn’t hear it.
“Even if they have nothing to talk about, there’s music,” Abita said. “They leave here with life skills, with being open-minded.”
And then it flows through the strings, across the keys, a high note hit, every word nailed, and the song comes together. Perfectly.
“They grow as musicians. They gain confidence to be musicians,” Abita said.
Before becoming business partners, both wanted more fulfilling work in the music industry — something that would allow them to use their talents while having a positive effect on children, adults, and the surrounding community.
School of Rock’s performance-based teaching model was appealing, as was its involvement with the community.
Abita said they never wanted to be just another place that gave private lessons. Their mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults through music.
Rock Out, Celebrate With School of Rock Carlstadt
Join the three-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 3-6 p.m. The free event is open to the community, celebrates three years of enriching lives through music-based education. Guests can enjoy live performances while celebrating the milestone with the School of Rock Carlstadt community. The event takes place at School of Rock Carlstadt, 301 Hoboken Road, Carlstadt.
