We are a music school, independently owned and operated. We specialize in teaching and motivating musicians of all ages through affordable programs. Our main focus is on Performance Band which is the unique teaching method that is a fun way to learn, develop team skills and show off what you have learned in public. Our students work their way from our lessons to the Performance Band into our elite Roadshow group which is hired to perform all over town to hundreds of fans.With the help of our professional and experienced music instructors in Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals, and Keyboards, our students don't just learn in the classroom - they get the opportunity to perform in a real band on stage at events all around Charlotte. Rock University is also partnered with local organizations recognized by musicians in the Carolinas including the Charlotte Music Awards and the Carolina Entertainment Network. The result is a fun and motivating experience that instills confidence, dedication, and a work and study ethic that Rock University students exhibit at home, at school and in life.
Our facilities include a fully equipped performance stage and sound room, along with several practice rooms. In addition to our Performance-Based Band for kids, we offer individual music lessons for both kids and adults, rehearsal rentals for bands, as well as special workshops and seminars hosted by music industry professionals. We also have a band development program.
Highlights and features
- Guitar, Bass, Brass, Keyboard, Drums
Services
Performance-Based Band Program
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Unlike traditional music lessons, this program teaches kids how to play an instrument, as well as how to perform with a band on stage. The ability to play music with their peers, and the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences, helps to motivate students to take their music training seriously and dream big. Our facilities include a complete performance stage, several practice rooms, and a full complement of music equipment from instruments to professional audio systems.Our instructors are professional musicians and performers that are active in local bands in Charlotte and take pride in being able to help to train, and more importantly, inspire the next generation of musicians.
Private Music Lessons
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We provide 30-minute to 60-minute private music lessons for both kids and adults, which are conducted by our professional and experienced instructors. This includes Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards. 
People
Jason Sossoman
Music Director- Performance Team Music Instructor, Advanced Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards
Jason has performed for more than 14 years. Jason began formal vocal training when he was 13 years old and this is where he picked up the guitar for the first time. And it was not long till Jason acquired his his first Gibson guitar and learned to play cover tunes. He was on his way to play rock clubs.
Rick Mckenna
Performance Band/Guitar/Vocals/Bass/Keyboard/Trumpet
Taisha Betha
Vocal Coach
Taisha is Rock U's own American Idol. She has been singing since she was five years old in church, bands, school and even on American Idol with her Golden Ticket to Hollywood. Tai is young and energetic. She has a true passion for music and for passing this on to others. Tai's been the lead vocalist for a very popular local band called CARSON.
Robert Wall
Drums And Percussion
Robert also performs with the band Wicked Jones with Jason Sossoman. Robert organized and managed a monthly drum shed for Rock University for several years and attracted the talents and respect of local artist who are Grammy winners, signed drummers and national drum off winners. They have all praised Robert's leadership and especially his skill and natural talent as a drummer. Robert is not a stranger to teaching and leading kids either. Robert is also a youth league football coach.
Dave Haywood
Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Vocal
We are proud to announce that Dave Haywood will be joining us in Mid-March to teach Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Vocals. Dave is super talented and can been seen every weekend performing at Howl at the Moon Charlotte as one of their regular featured performers. Anyone who's never seen Howl at the Moon's shows, it's a dueling piano bar that Rocks. Dave is asked by request to perform on multiple instruments as well as vocally a list of songs from the heaviest of rock to rap, country and pop.
Photos
Videos
Howl at the Moon Rock U
Spoonman cover.
Rock University Roadshow WestArtVideo Demo
Rock University Roadshow students show off their mad skills on several great rock covers.
Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse on Carolina Sessions Part 2
Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse Carolina Sessions Episode Part 2. Charlyhorse performs their original song, "Steamwhistle" and continue their conversation with radio personality and Carolina Session's episode host, Jason Taylor. More great music and more great conversation. Filmed at Rock U. Charlotte. No animals were harmed in the filming of this episode.
Chuck Johnson &
Chuck Johnson and his band "Charlyhorse" perform an original song, "Tao Of Betsy" and then chat with radio personality and a host of Carolina Sessions, Jason Taylor. Enjoy Charlyhorse's own brand of Americana/Folk and enjoy some laughs and learn about this fun bunch of musical misfits on Carolina Sessions.
Carolina Sessions ~ Michael Tracy pt 2.mov
Michael Tracy and his band perform Michael's crowd-pleasing original song, "Raven" for Carolina Sessions. Michael and the band sit down and chat Carolina Sessions host, Shannon Lee about his musical journey.
Carolina Sessions ~ Michael Tracy Part 1.mov
Singer-songwriter, Michael Tracy (Marshville, NC) and his band perform his original song, "Gonna Smile" and talk about his life, music and vision with Carolina Sessions host, Shannon Lee. Part 2 of the Michael Tracy will include another of his original songs and more discussion with Michael Tracy and his band.
Josh Fosdick Part 2
Josh Fosdick completes his interview with Carolina Sessions host, Patti Mercer. He also performs one of his crowd-pleasing originals, "Sugar Shack" in this segment. Subscribe to the Carolina Sessions You Tube channel and keep up with all new artists that we post!
Carolina Sessions - Josh Fosdick Part 1
Singer/Songwriter, Josh Fosdick performs his original song, "Backroads and Smalltown Folk" and interviews with host Patti Mercer on Carolina Sessions. Josh's original music is hard to categorize. Suffice it to say that in general, Josh is a little country, a little rock, a little Americana, and a little folk. Mix it all together and you get Josh Fosdick. Be sure to scheck out part two of this program featuring Josh.
Carolina Sessions - Carson Hill Pt. 2
Country Crossover Rising Star, Carson Hill performs her hit song, "Beautiful Heart" solo and and answers more question in part two of her interview on Carolina Sessions.
Carolina Sessions - Carson Hill Pt.1
Carson Hill performs her song, "Crazy Ex" for Carolina Sessions followed by Part 1 of her interview.
Tattermask on Carolina Sessions Part 2
Indie Alt-Metal band sensation, Tattermask interviews with Shannon Lee of Tantrum in this installment of Carolina Sessions. Live band interview to be followed with a live performance.
Tattermask Carolina Sessions Part 1
Carolina Sessions - Tattermask Episode Part 1 Alt-Metal band Tattermask performs their song "Monster" followed by Part 1 of their interview with Carolina Sessions host, Shannon Lee.
Reviews (7) Brad Brady
Jun 22, 2018
Shane Combs
May 25, 2018
We have watched a large number of kids go through the Rock University program over the years and grow into excellent musicians and great people. Karen and Kevin Corzine spend countless hours providing these kids with opportunities to learn, perform, and connect throughout the Charlotte music community. They hire the best instructors and tirelessly give of themselves to make kids lives better. Do your kid a favor and enroll them and watch them grow into what they dream they can be.
Michael Tarzia
May 16, 2018
My son has been at Rock U for close to 4 years and I can't say enough good things. Prior to Rock U, my son was taking lessons elsewhere and although he was progressing, things were getting stale. Rock U offered the opportunity to play with other kids in a welcoming environment and he's never looked back. He's very active at Rock U with guitar lessons, drum lessons and also does performance band.
He's made great friends and has thrived in that environment. In addition to the great work Kevin and Karen do with the school, Music 49 is in the same building and have a great selection of guitars, amps, etc. Their prices are competitive and the service is outstanding. Highly recommend both!
He's made great friends and has thrived in that environment. In addition to the great work Kevin and Karen do with the school, Music 49 is in the same building and have a great selection of guitars, amps, etc. Their prices are competitive and the service is outstanding. Highly recommend both!
Julie
Feb 17, 2018
Tommy Daniels
Feb 17, 2018
Trevor B.
Jan 04, 2018
Scott was the best teacher ever! I recommend having Scott because he can teach you anything. There staff are nice and I'm planning to go back soon after driver's test. I said I would come back and I will, but it's been a while. Scott and staff is wonderful. They do anything to help. I have autism and they helped me understand stuff better and was willing to make sacrifices for me.
I am loving this place. If you can give Scott a promotion. This place is amazing. I learned piano in 2 months is all because they are always practicing and sticking up for you. Thank you!
I am loving this place. If you can give Scott a promotion. This place is amazing. I learned piano in 2 months is all because they are always practicing and sticking up for you. Thank you!
Scott Callahan
Dec 17, 2017
Our son started four years ago with a Groupon and hasn't missed a month since. He takes both private lessons and performance band. He continues to improve and loves getting to play the same stages as touring artists do. He is also learning songwriting and recording skills. The owners and staff were also instrumental in helping him get accepted into the School of the Arts.
