Today we’d like to introduce you to Tevis Sauer-Karlsson.
Tevis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A love for music and teaching music led me to an ad posted for a teaching position in 2006. I began as a vocal instructor with School of Rock and quickly began show directing and teaching bass, guitar and keys in addition to running rehearsals and summer camps.
The experience was far superior to any other school I had ever taught at. School of Rock students learns far beyond playing their instrument. They learn how to do it with others in a band. Playing in a band is like functioning in a family. Sometimes you are the weakest link. Sometimes you are the strongest link. You must do your best in support of the rest and we all learn and grow together.
Music is a sum of the parts and every part is important. Not only does the experience of performing on stage create confidence in music but in their entire lives. Seeing my students grow into amazing humans as adults is why I still love this program and believe in it reaching as many kids as possible. I am honored to be at the helm of making that a reality as the GM of two locations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Doing the right thing is not always doing the easiest thing. If we are going to run a program that benefits the kids on a larger scale, then we have to hold them accountable. Luckily, music offers an amazing opportunity to help with these lessons. If you’re a hard worker and a good ambassador you earn more stage time.
My team and I love the challenge each student’s unique needs present us to help them all become stellar examples of progress in a positive way. It’s amazing to see the kid’s confidence blossom as they become more centered and focused.
Please tell us about School of Rock Burbank/Pasadena.
School of Rock has 20 years of experience teaching kids to rock on stage and in life. We get kids on stage with their instruments as quickly as possible while setting them up for a successful experience each time. Our performance-based approach is the best way for kids to get really good really fast and keep their love for playing and sharing music strong.
I am most proud of my amazing team who make it possible for each child that is willing to learn, and starting out at any level of musicianship with us, can benefit and thrive from the experience we offer.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was very young my dad would end his day by playing guitar and singing songs out of his favorite songbooks for hours. I would sit and listen and was in awe of the private performance I got to listen to. I never got tired of it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4516 Mariota Ave, Toluca Lake CA 91602 (School of Rock Burbank)
1240 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91106 (School of Rock Pasadena) - Website: schoolofrock.com/burbank
- Phone: 818-980-1522
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: schoolofrockburbank
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofrockburbank
- Twitter: @SORBurbank
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/school-of-rock-burbank-toluca-lake
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