Facilities

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Who We Are:

Academy of Rock Music (AoRM) is a locally owned and family run music performance program with locations in Newport News & Virginia Beach, VA. Established in 2007, we are proud to be Hampton Roads original rock school. Over the past 8 years, directors Ron Lowder & Vasili Simmons have taught countless AoRM students to perform over 500 songs ranging from classic rock to metal; from funk to reggae.

What We Do:

We place young musicians into full-fledged rock bands based on their age and skill level. Our bands consist of 6-8 students per band which can include 3-4 guitarists, 1-2 drummers, 1 bassist, 1-3 vocalists & 1 keyboardist. Bands meet once per week for a 2-hour rehearsal at a dedicated time slot and are led by either Ron Lowder or Vasili Simmons, both multi-instrumentalists.

AoRM operates year-round, holding spring, summer & fall sessions. Our bands start each session by choosing their song lists with help from their instructor. From there, bands are taught individual parts and work each week towards becoming a tight unit. Each session culminates in a “gig” at one of several very cool Hampton Roads venues. Past venues have included The NorVa in Norfolk and Neptune’s Park in Virginia Beach.

Interested in private instruction? AoRM also offers ½ hour and one hour private lessons on drum set, guitar, bass guitar, music theory and ear training. Please contact us for additional info.

Why We Do It:

AoRM is determined in leading the way to a resurgence of great bands and musicians within Hampton Roads. Several students who have come through our program have continued on to prestigious music colleges such as Berklee College of Music, Shenandoah Conservatory and Middle Tennessee State University to name a few. AoRM has also spawned several local orginal bands such as Nesta, Evan Button, Amorella, Alanton Drive & In Layman Terms. We’re excited to be a springboard for the next generation of great local talent!