The Detroit School Of Rock And Pop Music

Business Details

19 Years

experience

Premier Music Education & Performance Programs in Royal Oak

Founded in 2007 by Jason and Sherry Gittinger, The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music has established itself as Metro Detroit's premier institution for contemporary music education. Our mission centers on fostering a diverse musical community through excellence in mentorship, performance, and technical skill development. With programs ranging from private lessons to live band experiences, we emphasize hands-on learning and real-world performance opportunities. Our faculty comprises professional musicians who bring industry expertise and a passion for teaching to every lesson and rehearsal. We prioritize building foundational skills while creating pathways for students to engage in recording sessions, concerts, and collaborative projects.

The school's commitment to community extends through partnerships like The Live the Music Foundation and initiatives that promote live music accessibility. Our facilities feature state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and equipment that mirror professional environments. By combining structured curricula with creative freedom, we empower students of all agesfrom beginners to advanced musiciansto develop their unique artistic voices. The school's track record of preparing students for professional stages demonstrates our effectiveness in bridging education and industry readiness.

Services

Private Music Lessons Live Band Programs Recording Studios Rehearsal Rentals Summer Music Camps Video Production Audition Preparation Music Theory Instruction Instrument Rentals Community Workshops

Details

Year established: 2007

Highlights and features

Our instructors are active professional musicians with industry experience
Students gain access to live performance opportunities at major venues
Comprehensive programs integrate technical skill development with creative collaboration
State-of-the-art facilities include professional recording studios and rehearsal spaces
Community-focused approach with scholarship programs and local partnerships

What people say

Best thing we ever did Incredible opportunities for students Professional musicians as instructors Excited about lessons learned Unparalleled community experience

Website

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Services

Private Music Lessons

Weekly 30-minute sessions covering guitar, piano, drums, voice, and more. Our professional instructors tailor lessons to individual goals while building technical proficiency. Students progress through structured curricula while developing personal musical expression.

Live Band Programs

Structured rehearsals with weekly sessions for different age groups. Participants learn ensemble dynamics, stage performance, and collaborative music creation. Includes preparation for live concerts at professional venues across Metro Detroit.

Recording Studios

Professional audio and video production services with experienced engineers. Available for demos, albums, audition tapes, and multimedia projects. Equipped with industry-standard gear and instruments for all music genres.

Rehearsal Rentals

Fully equipped rehearsal studios available for local and touring musicians. Includes backline gear, PA systems, and recording capabilities. Flexible hourly rates with extended session options for production needs.

Summer Music Camps

Intensive summer programs combining lessons, band collaboration, and performance preparation. Features guest artists, recording sessions, and culminating concerts. Designed for students aged 3 to 18 with varying skill levels.

People

Jason Gittinger

Founder and Executive Producer

Professional drummer with decades of performance and production experience. Serves on Royal Oak's Commission for the Arts and founded The Live the Music Foundation. Oversees strategic direction and admissions.

Sherry Gittinger

Founder and Vocal Instructor

Classically trained vocalist with extensive performance and recording experience. Manages operations and vocal programs. Directed choirs for major concerts including Foreigner's 10-show residency at DTE Energy Music Theater.

Tiffany Belzar

Voice Instructor

Specializes in vocal techniques and performance preparation. Works with students across genres from classical to contemporary styles.

Dan Belleville

Guitar Instructor

Offers online guitar and banjo lessons with expertise in film scoring and video game music composition.

Rocco Popielarski

Rehearsal Director

Bass instructor and rehearsal director with experience in electric and upright bass performance across multiple genres.

Questions

What music programs do you offer?

We provide private lessons, band programs, recording sessions, summer camps, and rehearsal rentals for all skill levels.

Do you teach beginners?

Yes, we specialize in teaching beginners of all ages with customized lesson plans and foundational training.

What instruments are available?

We teach guitar, piano, drums, voice, bass, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments.

Are performance opportunities included?

All students participate in concerts and recording sessions at professional venues as part of their tuition.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Scholarships available through The Live the Music Foundation for qualified applicants with financial need.

What are your facility hours?

Scheduled activities occur Monday-Thursday. Rehearsal rentals available by appointment including weekends.

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Reviews (7)

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Ananda Ami

Feb 08, 2022 Report

In love. I been going here for almost 2 months and it just feels so familiar and new and exciting every visit. I have improved in my vocals so much thanks to my teacher Sherry! she's so enthusiastic, kind, passionate, and educated on her crafts. I am someone with HUGE anxiety but I am telling you coming here you will not feel that sense. I've already improved so much it's honestly scary. Sad that it's once a week and 30 minute sessions but that's totally acceptable and appropriate but it's honestly so dope you'd wanna be here 24/7 cause you learn and have fun at the same time. Covid-19 protocols are in place and safe staff are vaccinated and wear masks.

While singing with Sherry we both maintain distance as much as possible and wear clear face shields they have plenty provided as well due to being able to see vocal technique and to hear clearly so that is not a worry. Not to mention it is a clean space and is affordable for families. I love it here

Ed Hopkins

Nov 06, 2021 Report

This state-of-the-art facility is efficiently and professionally run and maintained, and all current health and safety guidelines are well in place and practiced. It's a work space that any artist and technician can walk into with confidence, and know that whatever the goal at hand is, be it lessons or recording sessions, the outcome is bound to be successful.

Shane Barry

Mar 23, 2021 Report

If you're thinking about getting into music, DSRP rocks. The staff are super kind and willing to work with any level of musician. I had never held a guitar prior to my first class and they make approaching music a lot less intimidating than I thought it would be. Ray is my guitar teacher and I would highly recommend him. He has given me insight into music theory, but made the topic manageable for me with my available time to play. Highly recommend DSRP is you're looking to get into music.

Donnie Kellerman

Mar 05, 2021 Report

I've been a local on & off gigging musician for 35 yrs & didn't know this place ever existed! I'm glad it's here!

Mike Glaza

Apr 22, 2020 Report

Absolutely the best around! Jason, Sherry, Mike, and all the mentors at DSRP are fantastic. Our son started with their Summer Rocks! summer camp in 8th grade and continued with lessons until graduating from High School. The time and attention that he received from DSRP is invaluable, and Jason even helped us apply for aid from the Live The Music Foundation to assist us in keeping his lessons going when we couldn't afford it on our own. Today, he is pursuing a career as a professional musician and has many opportunities open to him thanks in large part to the training, mentoring, and connections he received at DSRP. I can't say enough good things about them. Thank you Jason, Sherry, Mike and everyone at DSRP! You all rock!

Mirror Image

Mar 04, 2020 Report

We love the DSRP! My boys have excelled so much since they began taking lessons and joined a band 3 years ago. We drive an hour each week from Grosse Ile and it is definitely worth it!

Megan Mccarthy

Nov 16, 2019 Report

My son has been going to the Detroit School of Rock and Pop since he was 7 years old. He is now a senior in high school and an incredible musician and singer as a result of the amazing jobs His teachers and mentors did at DSRP. His band has played all over the city and he's experienced live broadcasts and wonderful events full of interesting people. The support he received through this program not only helped him grow artistically, but as a person as well. Shout out to Julie, Rocco, Jason, and Sherry for helping to guide Cole in his musical career. He has loved every minute of it and we have too. God bless this awesome school!