Jean-Paul Gaster, drummer of rock band Clutch, jams with students at School of Rock St. Paul, in St. Paul Minnesota. Clutch is on tour with Motorhead. While in Minneapolis, MN for their sold out show at rock club First Ave., Jean-Paul came to School of Rock before their gig to share his knowledge about drumming and being a professional musician with the students. Then he jammed with the School of Rock rock music students.

The parents I think would be the most amazed in a “Grade Your Parents” program are the parents who are too actively involved in their children’s education. The term for them is “helicopter parents” because they hover over their child. I know, because I was one! I didn’t know it at the time, but you know what they say, hindsight is 20/20.

School of Rock Scholarship Fundraising Concert and Silent Auction – Jan. 29, 2011 at Bogarts in Apple Valley, MN. Noon – 3pm. All ages. $10 at the door.

Nickelodeon sponsors Rock The Universe, a kids New Years Eve Party at Mall of America. Little kids will enjoy Nickelodeon characters, magicians and circus acts. Teens and tweens will rock out to the live music of School of Rock’s Road Crew, create their own music video and play Microsoft’s new video game Kinect.

Would you let your child play music in a bar? I’d love to know your thoughts and reasons behind whichever side you stand on.

Blatant Youth Competes in Famous Dave’s FINALS Battle of the Bands

If you’ve ever posted an ad on craigslist or backpage to find musicians to form a band, you know how disheartening lack of response can be. But maybe it’s your ad that is the problem. Consider these tips when writing a craigslist ad to find other musicians to form a band with.

Becoming professional musicians is a job. It’s self employment. It’s no different the guy or gal who starts a car repair business or an accounting firm. You must invest in your start up. One of those investments is getting into clubs to play. Here is a step-by-step plan to help you get the hardest gig to get – your first gig.

Does your child want to be a professional musician? How do you feel about that? Do you encourage them to pursue their dream or guide them down a safer path?

Mark Erwin, professional singer, graduate of the Institute of Production and Recording and currently Manager of the St. Paul, MN branch of the Paul Green School of Rock Music in St. Paul, shared these tips for vocalists who want to front for a rock band.