The Academy of Rock Music

Geared towards young musicians between the ages of 8 & 18. Wanna play in front of hundreds of screaming fans on the biggest stages in Hampton Roads? AoRM’s year-round performance program places drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists and vocalists into full-fledged bands. Sessions culminate in live “gigs” at local venues on both the Peninsula and Southside. Having taught well over 350 students a large catalogue of rock classics over the past 5 years, this is the premier performance program for young musicians in Hampton Roads.

Please note that the deposit is required to secure class placement before paying the installment or in full rates.

Single Student Pricing

Term	Deposit	Installment Rate	Pay In Full Rate	Min. # of Gigs
Spring (early January - late May)	$55	5 payments of $99	$450	2
Summer (late June - late August)	$55	2 payments of $119	$215	1
Fall (early September - mid December)	$55	4 payments of $99	$350	2

Sibling Rates (per sibling)

Term	Deposit	Installment Rate	Pay In Full Rate	Min. # of Gigs
Spring (early January - late May)	$55	5 payments of $89	$400	2
Summer (late June - late August)	$55	2 payments of $109	$195	1
Fall (early September - mid Decmeber)	$55	4 payments of $89	$315	2

Tom Cole – Drum Set & Percussion

Tom is a professional working drummer with 40 years experience working for local and national acts. He has over 30 years experience providing a proven and successful drum teaching program. Tom works closely with Junior High and High School Band Leaders and teaches all ages from children to adults.

Tom recently had an 8th grade girl make 1st chair for drums and xylophone and another 10th grader make 1st chair in district band tryouts.

Nathan Belch – Guitar

Nathan Belch has been teaching professionally for over fifteen years. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors degree in Music Performance for classical guitar, while there Nathan performed in master classes for  world renowned guitarists, Elliot Fisk, Simon Dinnegan, and the LA guitar Quartet.

He currently is guitarist for the Breakthrough Worship Center, and the Tom & Nate duo, which performs throughout Hampton Roads. Nathan believes in a fun learning environment for the student to grow in whatever style they wish to pursue, whether it be rock, metal, blues, country, sight reading and theory, or classical. Nathan can help you reach your goals.

Ron Lowder Sr. – Keyboard & Saxophone

- Over 40 years of experience in the music business, both full and part-time.  Have played (and continue to play) professionally and am proficient in saxophone and piano.

- Graduate, Navy School of Music Little Creek Amphibious Base, Virginia Beach

- Three Years in the US Army Band at Ft. Eustis

- Was a member of several local musical groups and played full time with Sunny Days Revue (a local show group that toured nationally) for which I played both sax and keyboards.

Mission Statement:  To provide musical instruction in a customized fashion – tailored to the level of each student in ability, comprehension and speed of material retention.  My style of instruction is based on reinforcing positive aspects of performance while gently helping the student overcome aspects of performance that at first might seem difficult.  My objective is for the student to enjoy the learning experience while mastering the instrument.