These Alexandria Music Schools are Offering Online Courses

Alexandria’s music schools have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and are offering their classes online.

“Going online seem to be working out pretty well,” Rock of Ages Music owner John Patrick told ALXnow. “Generally speaking, it seems as if people are happy to at least have something for their kids to do that’s fun and educational.”

Rock of Ages Music (114 E. Del Ray Avenue) in Del Ray has moved hundreds of its students to online courses. The kids can’t play together, and Patrick has been unable to find the best software for such a collaboration, but in the meantime his business has remained steady.

“It’s been challenging, and we don’t know how we’re going to have our end of the semester concert,” Patrick said. “My 15 instructors have done a great job with their students.”

School Of Rock at 3260 Duke Street has lost about 30 students since COVID-19 hit the city, and the school is currently maintaining more than 100 students with online classes. The franchise is taking advantage of master classes offered on all the School of Rock websites throughout the country, and the school’s instructors are conducting individual courses.

“I’ve got about 12 people I need to call to schedule their free trial,” School of Rock owner Steve Mckay told ALXnow. “That’s just in the last week. People are interested, because they’re getting bored or their kids are getting bored, and they’re tired of sitting and want to pick their guitar back up. and we’re getting some adults as well since they’re at home bored.

For players who are more classically inclined, the Del Ray School of Music shut down its physical location at 2405 Mount Vernon Avenue on March 25, and has also continued by offering online courses.

Photo via Rock of Ages Music/Facebook