Local Spotlight: Meet Jora Bart of School of Rock

We are excited to introduce you to Jora Bart.

Tell us all about you and what inspired you to start School of Rock?
I worked in the sports and entertainment industries for 20 years and loved it. However, after I had my third child, I knew I wanted to be closer to home and more available to be at their
activities and sporting events as they grew older. I had always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so opening my own business was a dream come true. School of Rock was truly a perfect fit as it combined my passions for music, people, and making a difference.

Tell us all about School of Rock. What can parents/kids expect?
School of Rock is the leader in performance-based education. It is a music school for all skill levels, ages, and musical aspirations! With students ranging from toddlers to adults, School of Rock is where music students grow into real musicians. Our tiniest rockers, ages 3-7, take a weekly class with their “band” where they learn the fundamentals of music and are exposed to all the different instruments we teach – vocals, keys, drums, guitar, and bass. With students that are eight and older, we combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices. And every four months, their band will put on a legit gig out in the community at a real venue! Working toward and experiencing live performance is the core of our curriculum. Our students grow as individuals by taking the stage with others. While our students work with bandmates, they learn broader life skills like collaboration, compromise, and courage.

What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community for School of Rock?
The Twin Cities have always felt like the biggest small town to me. There is such a sense of community and belonging here. The things we have in common bring us together and create this welcoming environment. And…Minnesotans love their music and appreciate excellent musicianship. It’s the perfect home for School of Rock! Minnesota parents understand the importance of having music in their child’s life. And place music education right up there with participating in sports, the arts, and theater. We’re fortunate in that respect!

What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support School of Rock?
We always offer interested parties a FREE trial lesson. Students will get to try out the instrument of their choice and then sit in on the band practice that they would be a part of. That way, they get to see what School of Rock is all about and ensure that it’s a good fit for them. And with three Minnesota locations (Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and St. Paul), it’s convenient to check out the location closest to you!

What’s been your greatest joy in seeing your business grow?
At least once a week, a parent or student will say something to me about how School of Rock is changing their life. How amazing is that? Spreading the joy of music is pretty amazing, but changing people’s lives along the way? That’s the best gift anyone could ask for. The more we grow, the more lives we’ll be able to change positively. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that!

How does your School inspire parents?
We inspire parents by inspiring their most prized possession…their children! We pride ourselves that School of Rock is for everyone- EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE! Your child might not be the best athlete or a student with a 4.0 GPA or the most talented artist…but as soon as they walk through our doors, they can be 100% uniquely them = the best version of themselves. They fit in here, and we are dedicated to helping them find their passion and sense of belonging… that is what we strive for!

Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?
I own the School of Rock with my fantastic husband, Adam. He is a full-time academic advisor at North Hennepin Community College. He puts a lot of time and heart into School of Rock. We have three phenomenal and spirited children – Lennon (7), Remy (5) and Evie (2). We love to spend time with cousins and grandparents and plan to travel whenever we can as a family.

Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids?
Minnesota and the surrounding area are chock full of fun things! Some of our favorites include The Minnesota Zoo, LuceLine Orchard, Wild Woods Waterpark (for an easy staycation) and Fawn Doe Rosa, where you are surrounded by deer frolicking around, and you can feed and pet them at your leisure.

Anything else you want to share?
I feel so grateful to be part of this community and to be able to give back through School of Rock.