Kent Nelson: Rock on

Coeur d'Alene Rock School, says owner Kent Nelson, "provides a positive environment with clean professional facility, quality equipment and professional instruction, as well as a variety of performances throughout the community."

Oh, and it's also a heckuva lot of fun and a great place to learn music.

"It is high energy and we do get silly sometimes but we work hard and take our craft seriously," he wrote.

There have been as many as 25 in the program, ranging in age from 9 to 15.

Nelson loves watching the kids grow as musicians and as people. If there's one key to instill in his students, he said this would be it:

"Never be afraid to try. Make positive choices in life and share your gifts with others."

Tell us about Cd'A Rock School. How did this get going?

It started with a few kids in our garage teaching them how to play and work together. It went so well we moved it to the store where I teach and opened it up to all kids in the community.

Is Cd'A Rock School at all like the movie, "School of Rock," starring Jack Black?

The idea is the same as far as teaching kids to play music together and providing performances. But we don't hide it from the parents and it's about the kids, not me. The movie was more about Jack Black's character and his desire to win the battle of the bands.

What kind of music do most of your students want to play?

Most of them want to play some style of rock. Some like classic rock, some alternative, some metal. I currently work with a duo who play country, Americana, fiddle music. We are open to all styles/instruments. We are Cd'A Rock School but we want to help young musicians with all styles of musical interests.

Do they want to be rock stars?

I imagine that some of them do but we don't focus on that at the school. The rock school is about becoming better musicians and better people, building teamwork, self confidence and community, not about striving for self indulgence and becoming rich and famous. We don't discuss that ever. Only how to handle yourself with confidence and humility on stage and in life.

For those that do, what will it take to become a rock star?

Hard work and a lot of luck. Some of the most talented musicians I have ever met make their living as plumbers and carpenters. Some of the artists that have huge musical careers don't impress me much as musicians. If someone wants to make a career for themselves in the music business I suggest an education in marketing/business and moving to an industry mecca, ie L.A. or Nashville.

Is this a career you recommend they pursue?

I recommend they pursue whatever it is they are interested in. Whatever they decide to pursue, it is important to research what it will take to accomplish the goal and work very hard.

Can you talk about your career in music?

I started playing guitar when I was 14 years old. I formed a band with three of my best friends and we basically learned how to play our instruments and create music together. We moved from Moscow to Seattle after high school in 1989. We played together in the Seattle scene until about 1996, including hundreds of shows, studio recordings, radio airplay, tours, record label interest etc.

At that time I started playing with a variety of acts including the Cecil Berry band - an Americana group that toured fairs and colleges across the north and southwestern U.S. In the early 2000s I went to college to learn music theory and started playing in a variety of bluegrass bands and ensembles. In 2007, I got married and moved to Coeur d'Alene where I currently teach, run the rock school and play in two local cover bands.

Have you met any rock stars?

I have met and played with some famous musicians. Yes, most of whom weren't really famous at the time.

Is Cd'A Rock School about more than making music?

Absolutely. The main focus of the school is to give kids a positive place to go where they learn how to work as a team and build self confidence. We strive to bring the community together at performances and show everyone that rock and roll music can be enjoyed in a positive family environment.

Most challenging part of what you do?

Trying to prevent/extinguish the social drama that occurs between people when working in groups.

How many shows do you play and where?

Last year the rock school played over 15 shows in the community including several charity events. Venues included Relay for Life and Bark for Life, Turkey in the Tower, Kids Day in the Park, North Idaho Fair, Car d'Lane, Hayden Days and many others. All of the performances are free to the public.

What types of classes do you offer?

We offer band classes where small groups of kids form bands based on musical interest and skill level. Each band rehearses 90 minutes per week with instruction and performs at the rock school events. We also offer a free walk-in class each week. This class is open to kids of any age, musical interest, and all skill levels. We use basic songs that the kids learn on the spot and play together. The class works very well and the kids have a great time.

What other careers have you had?

I have had many jobs throughout my career including working as a CNA with special needs young adults and children.

How does someone get more info on the program?

Visit Cd'A Rock School on Facebook and check out our website, cdarockschool.com