Guitar Faculty
Jay Fruet
As both the director and an instructor at the Rock On workshop, I have been privileged to meet and work with some of the finest young musicians in the area, in terms of both talent and temperament. The vast majority of kids who come to the camp have great attitudes, personalities and musical abilities- and are fun to work with.
We work with and guide them through the process of putting a group together, learning how to rehearse and put on a concert, as well as teaching other aspects of stage performance.
One other aspect of the camp is the songwriting workshop, which sometimes produces amazing pieces from the kids.
As a performer for over 30 years, I also try to teach what I call “band” philosophy, which is learning to appreciate the other band members not just for their musical talent, but learning to have care and respect for them as people as well. A group that has people who like each other tends to be more successful and productive than a group that doesn’t…as in real life, a team must work together well to succeed.
Over the years I have played on many stages, opened for some headliners, written some songs, received a few awards and have also met some famous musicians ( I even jammed with John Lennon’s bassist once!)
But for all the great shows I have been involved with, being able to share what I have learned with a younger generation is even more gratifying. It means that my work will live on through someone else’s- and perhaps enhance some one’s life as well.
To me, that is the higher calling and why we at Rock On strive to produce the best shows we can.
Andy Kelly
Andy Kelly has been playing and performing music for more than 40 years. He began performing regularly, in the Blarney Room, at Brodie Mt. Ski Resort at the age of eleven, and continues to make music his life to this day.
Andy studied music at Williams College, where he was also a part of the Jazz Ensemble, several jazz combos, as well as performing regularly in contemporary groups. During college he traveled to Spain where he performed frequently to the delight of his audiences and absorbed the Spanish style guitar.
He has lived and worked as a musician and guitar teacher in North Hollywood, California and New York City. On both coasts, Andy performed in working bands, the pit bands of shows and musicals, and for jazz events.
Andy’s musical talents have brought him to perform before thousands of students, in schools throughout Europe, Central and South America, as well as in the United States. He has performed with his talented Sister City Jazz Ambassadors throughout the Northeastern US, Ireland, and Italy.
The main focus of Andy’s music is to build bridges between cultures and people using music as the intermediary.
Jim Wojtaszek
Jim is an MI/GIT trained rock fusionist graduating in 1986. He has been sharpening his skills for 31 years and currently plays with local club band Fly By Night. Jim enjoys playing a wide variety of music but loves to focus on a blend of rock, jazz and blues guitar.
John Zarvis
A founding faculty member, John is a guitar instructor with virtuosic talent and skill. Learn technique, style and flexibility in playing at Rock On!
Marc Bogino
Marc has been honing his craft for 27 years. His playing has covered a diverse spectrum of music and for the past 5 years he has been in a Metallica Tribute band. His forte is Rock and Metal and he specializes in lead guitar.
See Marc’s Loose Change Band Page on MySpace.