There are many things that make the holiday season a wonderful time of year, but near the top of the list is music and the magical effect the last month of the year has on children. It’s no secret that music can teach children many skills needed later in life, whether performing becomes a career choice or not. From logic and teamwork to discipline and thinking outside the box, music adds a lot of skills to a person’s resume.
There are many places to learn music in San Diego, but nothing is quite on the level of Rock and Roll San Diego. The music school in Point Loma also includes rehearsal rooms, recording studios, repair shops, equipment sales, a booking agency, record labels and more, with a world-class roster of instructors, including the likes of jazz/R&B vocalist, Stellita Lindgren and blues guitarist, Johnny “V” Vernazza, who has worked with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Van Morrison.
On Dec. 14, Rock and Roll San Diego is hosting a “Rockcital,” showcasing its students in 183-seat capacity Jimi Hendrix Hall. Soloists and duos will open up the program, with a short break followed by group performances. Guests can expect a bit of everything in the program, from jazz to classical to rock ’n’ roll.
For the students it’s a chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience, with state of the art gear. For parents and music fans, it’s a heartwarming chance to see an all ages group of future artists taking their first musical steps. You never know, one of those performing in Hendrix Hall this night, could actually go on to be the next Hendrix. According to Rock and Roll San Diego owner Mark Langford, music lessons like these students are taking can be an important part of a child’s development. “Giving the gift of music helps, because what you’re giving is confidence, creativity, teamwork and leadership skills to the individual that they can use, as well as mental well being,” he said. “You’re teaching them attention to detail. In order to play music you have to have attention to detail. “From one note to another has to be thought and analyzed through,” he said. “So these thought processes that we use are useful to any job throughout our entire lives. Learning to communicate through music helps you communicate as a person as well.” He said students have ranged in age from 2 to 80 years old. His reasons for opening up the music school are based in his own career. “I have skills that I have learned over many years of my life in music that I can pass on,” Langford said. “And I know that I have experiences and techniques that I have learned from masters, not only in guitar, but also working with major and international talent.” He’s clearly motivated by the opportunity to help musicians take their skills to the next level, while having a lot of fun. “These are experiences that I can pass on to others that many people won’t have and they won’t get at a local music store,” he said. “The real-life experience you get from these people who have actually done it is so valuable. They’re instructing you in what they’ve learned so, hopefully, you can avoid pitfalls and you can elevate yourself quicker through their experiences, becoming a better person and a better musician in the process,” he said. Rock and Roll San Diego prides itself in particular on its teaching staff. “It’s more than just being a good talent, teaching is another art in itself,” Langford said. “Not all great musicians have that. It’s important to find teachers who not only are great quality musicians and performers, but who also have the character to do this and people skills.” With the school now heading into its third year in business, Langford is looking forward to the school’s recital, and is thrilled with progress at Rock and Roll San Diego thus far. “I’m happy to have created an environment that people can come to and feel safe and be creative in, while learning and connecting with other musicians,” he said. “I take joy in the fact that I’ve seen people come in, could barely do anything, and now they’re doing amazing things with their music. I’ve found a joy in nurturing talent. That’s the biggest joy for me.” • Rockcital: Saturday, Dec. 14, at Rock and Roll San Diego, 3360 Sports Arena Blvd. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. No cover. All ages.
