The School of Rock on Catawba Avenue is closing its doors after its final performance this weekend at Boatyard LKN.

The musical learning center has been a hub for children and adults in the Lake Norman area. School of Rock takes a unique approach to music education. Rather than providing isolated instruction, the center focuses on teaching individuals within a group setting, building toward the goal of performing as a full band.

The school’s final show is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday and features performances by 311 & Friends and Generations of Metal, as well as three beginner bands and the school’s adult band. Tickets are available for $8 in advance by contacting General Manager Christian Pearson at [email protected], or by paying $10 cash-only at the door.

Pearson has worked at the Cornelius location since it opened in 2016, leading instruction for about 140 students per month who have performed in more than 150 shows during the past decade. He has sent students on to study music at numerous colleges and universities, including the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Numerous families said the center was an important part of the community arts scene in Cornelius, and will be missed by many.

“What Christian built doesn’t just disappear because a location closes,” said Laure Bokas, whose daughter, Isa, attended School of Rock through high school. “Cornelius is losing something real here — something built on connection, mentorship, and actual values. Our daughter walked in there at 12 years old not knowing the first thing about music. Somewhere along the way, we watched those kids find confidence, friendship, and a place they truly belonged.”

Pearson

School of Rock was founded in Philadelphia in 1998 and has grown to 450 locations worldwide. The company is part of Youth Enrichment Brands, a nationwide collection of youth activity organizations including U.S. Sports Camps, SafeSplash Swim School, i9 Sports and School of Rock.