Today we’d like to introduce you to Burny Pelsmajer.
Hi Burny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The School of Rock in Coral Springs opened in 2007, and in the beginning of 2008 I was brought in to substitute teach as a drumming instructor. I had just moved down from NYC, having worked for years as a professional touring and recording musician, but I was looking for a change of pace and opportunities.
Within a couple of months, I was offered the job of Music Director for the School of Rock. I always enjoyed teaching, and I love running things, so I figured I’d give it a shot. We didn’t have a lot to work with back then, except for a passion to teach kids and adults music, using a performance based approach.
Since then, School of Rock has grown into a huge company. When we started, there were 20-something units in the USA. Now there are over 400 in 20 different countries, as our patented methodology of teaching music has proven to not only make great musicians, but make great people out of children.
Throughout the years I’ve moved up in positions in the school, to where now I am a partial owner of the School of Rocks in Broward County. Now we’re opening a 5th location in Hollywood, FL, right around the corner from the Hard Rock Hotel!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID was a struggle for sure. We lost 60% of our enrollment within a month, because how could we keep group classes going when there was no leaving the house? But we pivoted within 3 days. Some of the main Managers and I formed a pod to stay healthy, and reformed our main rehearsal room into a live zoom studio. Strung a long cable into the ethernet, hooked up a multi camera system, and continued group classes at home (our Little Wing class for 4-5 year old kids was a hit!) We also offered masterclasses on different subjects, until we could reopen slowly again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started as a classical pianist, but the bulk of my training has been in jazz. I graduated from Oberlin Conservatory in the 90’s, and they really installed a sense of always being creative as a goal in the music I make.
I think what sets me apart is the different kinds of music I’ve played throughout the years, as well as the amount of instruments I play. I play 17 different instruments, and that’s in paid professional settings. These days I still gig when I can playing Piano, Keyboards, Drums, Guitar, and Bass. My MAIN instrument is saxophone, but that takes a lot of physical upkeep, so I don’t wheel that out very often. Throughout the years I’ve played RnB, Straight ahead jazz, Funk, Reggae, Afrobeat, Indie Rock, Country, Opera, Classical in many forms, Prog Rock, Metal, Punk, Ska, live Hip Hop, Salsa, Merengue … you get the point.
This is my least favorite question! Maybe it shows we’re not exactly slouches at the whole “teaching music” thing. Some of my teachers are monstrously good at music as well, and I appreciate them participating in this thing of ours that we love so much.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
None, really.
Professionally, we really approach the schools as a business. We can’t wait for luck to save us! We’re supporting a LOT of people here, including our 80 employees, so for us to be responsible and business minded serves everyone’s best interests. We WANT our staff working and earning, and that focus makes us concentrate in making sure we have as many happy students and parents for a long time. How do we keep them? By making sure they have a great product that they value.
Personally I think my choices have contributed the post part into where I am today, and I definitely could’ve made different ones in my life. I think sometimes about if I hadn’t left NYC what my professional music life could’ve still been. But no regrets! I’m happy where I am. I’m a single dad of a great 11 year old kid (who happens to play drums, sing, and is starting trumpet,) and I been able to bring music and life lessons to literally over 20,000 students throughout the years. We’re doing good work here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/hollywood
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolofrockhollywoodfl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579396666792
Image Credits
Leo Lino
