Staff & Teachers

Meet the team at Bach to Rock®, including our roster of local music teachers!

Staff & Music Teachers at Bach to Rock McLean

At Bach to Rock, we’ve assembled an amazing team of music teachers! Our instructors include classically trained musicians, as well as working professionals who tour and record with major artists. Meet our owners, our behind-the-scenes talent, and our music teachers for piano, guitar, drums, voice, and more!

Ivonte Milligan

Ivonte Milligan - Music school site director Ivonte Milligan is overjoyed to play their part at Bach to Rock alongside our creative musicians and educators. From Fairfax Virginia, Ivonte became engaged in creative outlets such as acting, screenplay writing, and film/stage directing from a young age. It wasn’t until later years that he found his greatest creative pursuit, music composition. Immersed in the discipline of music, Ivonte is a producer, keyboardist and songwriter. In his experience, Ivonte believes the best director leads to provide for their team, their clients, and their community. He is humbled to play part of an illustrious staff such as who is listed on this page. Without further adieu, it's time for us to meet all the charismatic individuals that encompass Bach to Rock!

Abdessamad B

Abdessamad B - Abdessamad teaches piano, violin, bass, and guitar lessons here at Bach to Rock. Recently in 2023, Abdessamad moved to the US from Morroco which he is originally from. For over 10 years, he has played piano and built the creative habit of arranging compositions. Though Abdessamad has spent over six years exclusively studying eastern music theory from Arabic and Oriental influences while living in Morroco, all music influence is included in all lessons. Abdessamad loves to teach Pop, Jazz, Funk, and Rock. Through history, Abdessamad has discovered the world best through his musical perspective. Because of his versatility in western and eastern music, he is best suited to share musical experiences with students by building their musicianship and continuing their journey in the world of music!

Aly R

Aly R - Aly, originally from Alexandria, Egypt and now based in Reston, VA, is a versatile music instructor with expertise in guitar, DJing, and music production. A fan of both EDM and rock music, Aly began their musical journey at the age of 8 through guitar lessons and has since drawn inspiration from artists like Avicii, Pink Floyd, and Tiesto. With a teaching philosophy focused on helping students master the skills and concepts needed for their preferred style, Aly emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in music theory and technique as the key to progressing in more advanced concepts. Their goal is to empower students to play and create the music they love, providing the tools and confidence to reach their musical potential.

Andrew W

Andrew W - Andrew is thrilled to join B2R and focus on teaching students. Andrew is originally from Memphis TN, home of blues. He believes in everyone's ability to play music and that one does not have to be technically skilled in order to make real music. He was inspired to play the guitar from the exposure to the blues and live music from an early age. He first started taking lessons at the age of 12 and quickly expanded his horizons. In high school, Andrew played in “Jazz Band” and also began learning the art of improvisation. He played some of his first band gigs in the D.C. area. With a desire to learn all forms of music and improvisation, Andrew first went to Shenandoah Conservatory to study guitar. From there, he decided to travel and ended up in California, studying with world renowned North Indian classical music guru, Ali Akbhar Khan. The exposure to eastern music set a course for more exploration in different music.  In 2003, Andrew received a scholarship to Victoria University in New Zealand to study the music of Bali, Indonesia with master drummer and contemporary Balinese composer Wayan Gde Yudane. In New Zealand, he had the opportunity to also study with New Zealand composers Jack Body, and Gareth Farr (all while being introduced to more forms of free improvisation). After returning to the states, he moved to New York City and began to play with various local live rock bands and choreographers to create music for dance. In this setting, he learned to adapt to new forms as well as encourage others whom might not have the same music education. Aside from local venues, Andrew has performed at famous venues such as St. Marks Cathedral in NY and Anthology Film Archives.

Atanga M

Atanga M - Atanga brings the vibrant rhythms of Cameroon, West Africa, to Bach to Rock as a DJ, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. With over a decade of experience, Atanga's musical journey encompasses piano, bass, percussion, and production, spanning genres like funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and alternative music. His collaborative work with Afro-artist Manny Wellz underscores his expertise and creativity in the industry. Atanga's teaching philosophy emphasizes the joy of music and the exploration of its emotional depths; he believes that music is not just about playing notes but about feeling and expression, encouraging students to follow the path where their instruments lead them.

Kelly S

Kelly S - Kelly is a public policy analyst by day, a singer, musician, and actor by night (and weekends), and—in his favorite role—a voice teacher at Bach to Rock. Kelly teaches voice and piano. A native and still proud resident of Springfield, VA, Kelly has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia, where he was music director of the popular a cappella group “The Hullabahoos.” With a comprehensive vocal education rooted in rock, opera, and musical theater, he has more than 25 years of performing experience, including appearances on NBC’s “The Office” and in the 2012 film “Pitch Perfect.” Kelly is lead singer, keyboardist, and rhythm guitarist for the DMV-based cover band “The Excellent Drivers,” which has worked together for more than 8 years. He also stays active in the local theatre community, having recently starred in productions of “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Kelly takes a fun, dynamic, and passionate approach to voice training, one rooted in proper technique and theory, and one inspired by his own amazing voice teachers and music mentors.

Kyle Q

Kyle Q - Kyle Queen is a Recording Arts teacher with Bach to Rock. Kyle was born and raised in Anne Arundel County Maryland. At a very young age he developed an interest in music. Each Christmas, he received a new instrument including a keyboard, guitar, electric guitar, and harmonica. He participated in chorus in elementary, middle, and high school. He advanced to the traveling chorus in high school where they participated in competitions. This was the beginning of his love for music. After visiting a recording engineer’s studio with a friend, his interest reached a new height. While attending Liberty University he increased his skill level by purchasing his own equipment and training himself to use it in his spare time. Kyle would take advantage of any opportunity to increase his knowledge by sitting under other engineers and working in studios. A Coppin State University Alumni, Kyle has a passion for sharing his love for music and his techniques with those who are interested. He has worked with a host of artists including upcoming, rising, and established artists such as Will the Rapper and Wutang.

Leo S

Leo S - Leo is a professional drummer and music educator from Fairfax, Virginia. He discovered his love for drumming at the age of 12, quickly mastering the basics and developing a sense of rhythm. Over the next few years, he honed his skills through self-study and formal lessons, eventually becoming proficient in a variety of styles, including rock, funk, and metal. His passion for music led him to start teaching drums at the age of 15, sharing his knowledge with younger students and helping them develop their musical abilities. Later in high school, he began working with digital audio workstations in a class called Music Computer Technologies. In addition to teaching, he has also pursued performance playing in a handful of groups, most recently forming a local band called Ape Index. Over the past two years, Ape Index has played at venues across the DMV, gaining experience in both live performances and studio recordings. The band, which blends elements of alternative rock and indie, has helped Leo grow as a musician, teaching him the intricacies of working within a group and collaborating creatively. His drumming style is marked by dynamic energy, precision, with a deep understanding of groove.

Michael A

Michael A - Mike teaches guitar, drums, percussion and music production. Mike's introduction to music began at a very young age when his mother, who taught dance in Los Angeles, would bring him in as a toddler with the playpen, put him in it and slide it under the piano before she began class. As a teenager he discovered drums and percussion. Later guitar became his instrument of choice. During his mid-twenties he learned the art of audio engineering and built his first studio in Florida. A decade later he moved to Virginia and worked in various studios with such great talent as Lyle Lovett, Beth Neilson Chapman, Clay Aiken, Michael Fath and a number of others.

Michael K

Michael K - Mike K. teaches piano, guitar, and coaches bands at B2R McLean. He has taught beginners as well as advanced students for over twenty years. Trained classically, Mike also has extensive experience in rock, country, pop, jazz and rhythm and Blues styles.Mike is also an accomplished Hammond organ player, and is a singer, songwriter and studio musician. His band "Mike Kelley and Friends" performs regularly in the Washington area. His influences include Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Keith Emerson, Leon Russell, and Ludwig Von Beethoven.

Rose L

Rose L - Rose is an Assistant Manager at Bach to Rock McLean. She fell in love with music as a teenager, producing songs with digital audio workstations, entering songwriting competitions, and interning at the award-winning Cue Recording Studios. She then went on to study business administration and bootstrap a music entertainment startup while having the opportunity to meet with and learn from successful entrepreneurs like Benji Rogers and Chris Haroun. She enjoys using graphic design and generative AI to help people experience music and art in new ways.

Michael C

Michael C - Michael, our assistant manager and music instructor with Bach to Rock McLean, is a retired Army musician who spent 26 years as a bugler with the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a premier band that performs for visiting dignitaries at the White House, Pentagon, and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Besides his performing duties, Michael worked as a music arranger, audio recording engineer, and photographer/videographer. In addition, Michael has been an adjunct faculty member at Northern Virginia Community College since 2008, teaching classes in audio recording, class piano, and private lessons in brass instruments. Michael has also enjoyed gigging in the local area, from playing in a brass quintet at Easter, to playing lead trumpet in a Latin Merengue Band. Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Audio Recording and his Master of Arts in Brass Pedagogy, both from The Ohio State University. There he also was a member of the audio recording crew and performed in the concert and symphonic bands, jazz ensemble, and The Ohio State University Marching Band. Michael looks forward to this new phase in life where he can spend more time recording and exploring the creativity of the students of Bach to Rock McLean

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Why Choose Us

The Bach to Rock Method

At Bach to Rock, we know that students learn music more quickly when they’re having fun! Our step-by-step curriculum keeps students engaged and rewards achievement at each level. Students get to choose which songs they play, learn from music pros, and perform with peers at live events!

Music Made Fun!

At Bach to Rock, students choose which songs and genres they want to play, making lessons more fun!

Band & Glee Programs

Through our Band and Glee Club programs, students get to play music with peers, a key skill for growing musicians!

Live Performances

Bach to Rock gives students the chance to perform live at local music venues, helping students build confidence on stage!

One-on-One Lessons

In private music lessons, our students learn one-on-one from some of the most talented music educators in the area.

Early Childhood Classes

Music is valuable for early childhood development! We offer programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students.

Music Lessons, Camps & Parties

At Bach to Rock, we offer music lessons and group classes for kids and adults, plus camps and birthday parties! With our fun and beginner-friendly approach, it's never too early or too late to get started with music!

Lessons

Bach to Rock offers music lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our private lessons include piano, guitar, drums, voice, and a wide range of other instruments. We also offer beginner classes and ensemble programs like Band and Glee Club. Anyone can learn to play music with Bach to Rock — even if you've never played an instrument before!

Camps

Our camps are a perfect choice for students who love music! We offer full-day and half-day summer camps, spring camps, and winter camps for kids, plus camps on school holidays. Our camps are great for students who want to start learning music and see what it's like to perform!

Parties

Birthday parties at Bach to Rock give kids a chance to be rock stars for a day! With themes like Karaoke Birthday and Rock Birthday, partygoers get to perform and record songs by their favorite artists. We also offer birthday party packages for younger children and corporate teams!

Meet Our Music Teachers

A great music teacher can make a world of difference when learning to sing or play an instrument.

At Bach to Rock, our instructors include a mix of classically trained musicians and working professionals. Our teachers actively tour, perform, and record as independent artists or as backing musicians for other musicians and bands.

By working closely with students in one-on-one lessons, our teachers make it easy to learn music and build performance skills!

Wall of Fame

Standout Students & Future Stars

Discover talented students at Bach to Rock! Our Wall of Fame includes featured students and bands, as well as winners from events like Battle of the Bands.

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