roc star academy south
Is now open at the Community Center of Geneseo!
11 Franklin Street, Geneseo, NY 14454
(585) 310-7566
ROC Star Academy has expanded with a second location in Geneseo! ROC Star Academy South has opened at the Community Center of Geneseo, bringing the region an exciting training ground for aspiring musicians young and old, with lessons in vocals and instruments and the opportunity to perform in a band and on stages around the area.
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The academy was founded by an actual rock star — Elvio Fernandes of rock band Daughtry — who has the goal of instilling confidence in talented musicians, while also providing joy and performance experiences.
Learn from rock stars
This is the second location of ROC Star Academy, which has been in operation in Rochester for more than 15 years, with more than 200 students and 22 actively performing bands. All ROC Star Academy coaches are professional working musicians. Lessons are offered in vocals, guitar, bass, drums, piano, keys, and more. Music-themed studios and lesson rooms have been constructed at the community center, and lessons began in April.
The coaches at ROC Star Academy South include Ignatius Marino, who coaches guitar, vocals, and keys; Julia Weatherholtz, vocals, beginner guitar, and keys; Jake Penna, guitar and bass; Kyle Ingalls; bass; Herb Heins, guitar, piano, and mandolin; and Rick Constantino, drums.
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It all started in Geneseo
ROC Star Academy South has received a warm welcome from Livingston County and Geneseo, where founder Elvio earned his college degree from SUNY Geneseo. He chose Geneseo for the expansion of his business because that where he learned to embrace music, while earning his college degree at SUNY Geneseo. He taught himself to play piano as a kid and in high school he began singing and songwriting, but it was not until college that music became central to his life.
“Geneseo is very important to me, as is bringing more music and opportunities to the region,” Fernandes said. “Geneseo is where I learned to play guitar and formed my first band. The community continues to be warm and welcoming and we are thrilled to be opening our Academy here!”​​