Fourteen years ago, Oak Parker Amy Renzulli could have never imagined herself owning and operating a music school.
While Renzulli was a mixed-media artist and painter, the idea of opening up a music school wasn’t sparked by her love of art, but from the positive, life-changing experience her daughter had while attending classes at a Chicago School of Rock location.
“My daughter, who is now a professional musician, had a great experience there, and I wanted to spread that opportunity into the Oak Park area,” Renzulli said. “The other force that was at play was a desire to get out of the corporate world, have more freedom and build something new.”
That’s why in May 2013, Renzulli and her husband, Bob Miller, took the leap to purchase a dilapidated former storefront at 219 Lake St. and renovate the space, launching Oak Park’s School of Rock location.
Thirteen years later, School of Rock has blossomed into a cherished community hub, teaching over 10,000 people of all ages. As owner, Renzulli’s priorities were to provide a performance-based music education to develop musical proficiency and foster personal growth.
“I wanted School of Rock to be a community resource; a place that people would value and count as one of the things that makes Oak Park so special,” she said. “Also, I did not want to open a country club where only wealthy people could afford to go. I wanted the inside of our walls to reflect the surrounding community. I wanted anyone who walked through our doors, to see someone who looked like them. From teachers and students to parents, I wanted our school to be a home for all.”
Due to the success of her Oak Park location, Renzulli eventually opened her second location in suburban Northbrook in July 2020.
But, over the last year, Renzulli mulled over a difficult decision — selling both schools and moving on from School of Rock.
“Over the past few years, I found myself being less involved in the day-to-day and felt like my staff were able to fully maintain the business,” she said.
Though not an easy call, Renzulli says she feels comfortable leaving the schools in the hands of the trusted staff she’s come to consider as family. Fortunately in Oak Park, School of Rock’s new owner is someone who has been invested in the location since Day 1 — Adam Instefjord.
A former guitar and bass guitar teacher who moved into management operations, Instefjord says working at School of Rock has been one of the most rewarding things he’s ever done.
“What I enjoyed the most was watching a shy, nervous kid develop confidence, social skills and a sense of belonging,” he said. “Seeing the journey from a quiet student in the lesson room who had never touched an instrument, to a skilled and poised musician rocking out on stage in a matter of months, is pretty special. I really believe we are a place where students can find themselves and find their people.”
So, when Instefjord was approached with the opportunity to buy the business, it was a no-brainer.
“I’ve done every job thinkable at School of Rock, from teaching lessons and directing group classes, to working the front desk and managing big-picture operations,” said Instefjord. “Amy and I have become very close friends and business partners, so as she was able to step back a bit, I was eager to step in. When Amy let me know that she was thinking of selling eventually, I think she knew it was a dream of mine to one day purchase the business and continue the legacy she built here. She helped make that dream a reality.”
“I’ve run the business with passion for the community and really caring about making sure the school has been accessible to those who can’t afford it,” she said. “While Adam and I are very different — I’m a creative and he’s analytical and thoughtful — we’ve complimented each other, and I know that he’s going to carry on my same values.”
Instefjord agrees.
“I am most looking forward to preserving what Amy started and continuing to grow so more people can experience the magic of School of Rock,” he said. “Kids learn life-long skills, parents have a safe and accepting place to send their kids, adult students reconnect and re-engage, and staff can see the impact of their work, feel valued and grow with us in ways that fit into their lives.”
All things considered, Renzulli says what has meant the most to her are the countless stories of how peoples’ lives have been impacted by School of Rock and what they’ve done after leaving.
“What makes me happy is bringing a whole community together, providing a space that’s safe and where people are accepted, and helping staff grow into leaders,” she said.
One former School of Rock student who says her life was positively impacted by School of Rock is Oak Park native Lola Reach. She now teaches vocals, guitar and bass at the school, passing on her knowledge to the next generation.
“Before School of Rock, I really struggled to find my ‘thing,’” she said. “With help from the immense amount of love, passion, connection and joy, I was able to go from a shy, soft-spoken kid to a rockstar who could sing at the top of her lungs to a crowd full of people. Coming back to the school to teach was the best choice I could have ever made for myself.”
Aaron Kolb, of Riverside, also has a fond connection to School of Rock. Not only has he taken guitar and voice lessons at School of Rock, but his wife and their three children have all taken music lessons there as well.
“School of Rock introduced my three daughters to music, encouraged their self-expression and confidence, and built lasting friendships in our community,” he said. “Our family and Oak Park are better for the community Amy and the School of Rock team have provided.”
As for the future, Renzulli — who has called Oak Park home for 30 years — will be working full-time as an artist in South Haven, Michigan, working to bring teaching artists for workshops to her new art barn. With her sights set on contributing to the art communities of Southwest Michigan, she plans to move there permanently within the next few years.