Rockin’ for the last 10 years, and more to come

School of Rock Winnipeg’s instructor band plays at Sidestage Winnipeg on May 16, 2026. (Gary Robson/CTV News Winnipeg)

School of Rock Winnipeg celebrated its 10th year of song-first music education on Saturday.

Opening its doors in 2016, the organization held a live music event at Sidestage Winnipeg, featuring students, instructors and founders’ performances, and a silent auction.

Roman Charbonneau, general manager of the organization, said it’s more than just music lessons.

“It’s about building that community, connection and everything through music,” he told CTV News on Saturday.

“The performance experience is where we shine. Having kids come through the door, unsure of themselves and shy, to performing on a real stage at a real venue in about four months is something magical to see.”

Charbonneau said the experience builds students’ character.

The organization offers lessons based on taking apart classic rock songs, teaching students how to play them first. Programs run two-hour rehearsals and 30 to 45 minutes of one-on-one lessons weekly.

“We find that’s the most engaging way to learn. Sometimes we find that theory can be a little dry and turn people away from music. But learning a full song and breaking down the theory and how to play that song is sometimes the most engaging way to learn.”

The Winnipeg location currently has around 200 students, and most of them come in with “zero experience, and over a span of four months, learn a set of songs in a certain way and perform on stage at a real venue in the city,” he added.

The last 10 years, however, weren’t without any challenges.

“(It’s) always keeping things fresh, creating a curriculum of new material, themes and genres, breaking out from those that you are used to and explore different genres,” Charbonneau said.

Looking for the next 10 years now, the rockin’ will continue, he added.

“Our doors are going to be open and we can’t wait to have more students every year … how great it is to be on stage and perform with like-minded musicians.”