School of Rock Nashua franchise owner Andy McKenna, left, and family members launch the Grand Opening of the local School of Rock franchise, one founded in 1998 in Philadelphia and now operational worldwide. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – No need to jump around with an air guitar as your boots are stompin’ and hair is flyin’ and hips are pulsing in a reverse twerk to compositions of whole notes, half notes and shrill staccato riffs of maybe 90 decibels.

Trade in that invisible Fender or Gibson or Rickenbacker for a new experience – rocking out alongside professional vocalists and masterful teachers of guitar, bass, keyboard and drums at School of Rock Nashua, 225 Daniel Webster Highway.

“Some of the most important relationships in my life have been formed through music,” said local Andy McKenna, owner and general manager. “Music builds lifelong friendships and I want to provide that opportunity to aspiring students throughout Greater Nashua.”

The mothership of the business founded in Philadelphia in1998 with a single music studio now boasts 650 schools open or in progress toward completion. Globally, 23 regions have active schools. Around 70,000 adults and youth are enrolled.

Students engage in performance-based music education whose methods of learning are devoid of memorization, repetition, recitation, rote, rote, quit. The construction of the lessons at School of Rock Nashua focuses more on learning by doing.

Adult students participating in escalating levels of expertise in music education at School of Rock Nashua learn by doing, a method of playing entailing ample opportunities for showcasing their skills at a variety of venues including here at Spyglass Brewing Company in Nashua. Courtesy photo

Band configurations of trios, quartets or larger ensembles unite like-minded learners. Solo lessons are popular for individuals with instruments in hand. The comfortable acquisition of tablatures is ensured through playing by ear in conjunction with learning the notes’ names for lifelong recall.

First-time students soon morph into competent musicians. Seasoned regulars perform at a wide range of community events and local venues.

McKenna invites youngsters aged 8 or more to join Rock 101, a baby step level with one weekly group rehearsal and one weekly lesson one-on-one. The combo is proven to easily crystalize the learning and build performance skills.

Adult students are welcome. Beginner guitar classes for adults highlight popular rock songs played simply and then with more flair. Weekly private lessons and group band rehearsals generate a proficiency that does not take years to achieve.

McKenna, a longtime pianist, saxophone player and band member formerly in the tech industry as an engineer and consultant, notes the goal for those of all skill levels, K-12 and adults, is to play songs or vocalize with confidence.

Alyssa O'Mara, left, formerly of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, jams with School of Rock Nashua instructors at the Grand Opening of the music studios where performance-based music education rules. Courtesy photo

Rock School Nashua is well documented with video performances on YouTube. See them play “Here I Go Again” by White Snake.

More information on a full range of programs at Rock School Nashua is found online at nashua.schoolofrock.com.